Poor Iodine Knowledge, Coastal Region, and Non-Iodized Salt Consumption Linked to Low Urinary Iodine Excretion in Zhejiang Pregnant Women.

Xiaofeng Wang,Xiaoming Lou,Zhifang Wang,Guangming Mao,Zhe Mo,Yuanyang Wang,Yuan Chen,Wenming Zhu,Mingluan Xing

doi:10.3390/nu11020413

Xiaofeng Wang, Xiaoming Lou + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11020413

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Journal: Nutrients	Publication Date: Feb 15, 2019
Citations: 16	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Zhejiang Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Abstract

Background: Iodine deficiency in pregnant women, defined as a median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of less than 150 μg/L, is an important public health issue. To improve their iodine intake, it is important to understand the knowledge and practices regarding iodine. Methods: A cross-sectional investigation was conducted on 2642 pregnant women during 2016–2017 in Zhejiang province, China. A 3-point Likert scale questionnaire was used to record knowledge. The UIC and iodine content in household salt were determined. Results: Coastal participants were iodine deficient (median UIC 127.6 μg/L) while inland participants were iodine sufficient (median UIC 151.0 μg/L). The average knowledge scores were significantly lower for the coastal participants (24.2 points vs. 25 points for the inland participants; p < 0.001). The percentage for iodized salt consumption was significantly lower for the coastal participants (88.9% vs. 96.0% for those inland; p < 0.001). A generalized linear model analysis showed that non-iodized salt consumption, coastal region, and low knowledge scores were independently associated with a low UIC. Conclusions: Comprehensive interventional strategies are needed to develop to achieve an optimal iodine status. We recommend that coastal pregnant women should take iodine supplements based on the consumption of iodized salt, and improvement of iodine-related knowledge.

Highlights

Iodine is an essential micronutrient in the human body for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which control and regulate metabolism
The results showed that the median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 154.6 μg/L [2], indicating that the pregnant population was iodine sufficient at a country level based on the WHO-recommended criterion of the lowest cut-off value for optimal iodine nutrition (150 μg/L) [1]
A significantly lower percentage of participants living on the coast (45.7%) were homemakers when compared with those inland (63.7%; p < 0.001)

Summary

Introduction

Iodine is an essential micronutrient in the human body for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which control and regulate metabolism. A diet lacking iodine may result in iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). Pregnant women are the most vulnerable population to IDD since they have an increased need for iodine compared to nonpregnant women. IDD in pregnancy has adverse effects on fetal health. Overt endemic cretinism is the consequence of severe IDD in pregnancy. Iodine deficiency in pregnant women, defined as a median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of less than 150 μg/L, is an important public health issue. To improve their iodine intake, it is important to understand the knowledge and practices regarding iodine. Results: Coastal participants were iodine deficient (median UIC 127.6 μg/L) while inland participants were iodine sufficient (median UIC 151.0 μg/L)

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion