Dietary Iodine Research Articles

Seaweed and Seaweed-Based Products As Plant-Based Sources Of Dietary Iodine

Seaweed and Seaweed-Based Products As Plant-Based Sources Of Dietary Iodine

Prenatal iodine intake and infant temperament in a multiethnic US cohort.

Maternal iodine plays a central role in fetal neurodevelopment. It is recommended that pregnant women consume sufficient levels of iodine to accommodate increased need for mother and fetus. We examined associations among prenatal dietary and supplemental iodine intake and infant temperament. The PRogramming of Intergenerational Stress Mechanisms (PRISM) study is an ongoing longitudinal pregnancy cohort. Data from 2011 to 2020 were used for this study. Women completed the Block98 FFQ ascertaining prenatal dietary and supplemental iodine intake and the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised at infant age 6 months to ascertain infant temperament (Surgency/Extraversion, Negative Affectivity and Orienting/Regulation). USA. Mother-child dyads (n 892). Women were primarily Black/Hispanic Black (44 %) and non-Black Hispanic (35 %) with 46 % reporting household income < $25 000/year. Nearly half had an estimated average requirement (EAR) < 160 µg/d (49 % based on dietary intake; 43 % based on diet and supplements). Girls born to women with an EAR ≥ 160 µg/d compared to girls born to women below this level had higher unadjusted extraversion scores for dietary plus supplemental intake (β = 0·23 (0·13, 0·33)); decreased to β = 0·05 (-0·08, 0·19) after adjusting for covariates. Boys born to women with an EAR ≥ 160 µg/d (based on diet and supplements) as compared to boys born to women below this level had statistically non-significant higher unadjusted negative affective score (β = 0·06 (-0·08, 0·20)) that became significantly lower upon covariate adjustment (β = -1·66 (-1·97, -1·35)). A significant proportion of these women reported suboptimal prenatal iodine intake. Suboptimal prenatal iodine intake may have implications for child neurodevelopment evident as early as infancy.

Investigating environmental and geographical factors affecting iodine concentrations in Australian wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain

Iodine is an essential micronutrient for human nutrition, though it is found in relatively low concentrations in many important crop species. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a common staple crop worldwide, and as such could be an important source of dietary iodine due to its widespread consumption. However, little is known about iodine concentrations in wheat grain grown under rainfed field conditions, nor the impact of growing region or environment on these concentrations. Therefore, this paper had three objectives; (1) quantify the iodine concentration in a popular variety of wheat cultivated across the wheat belt of three Australian States (Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria) over two winter seasons (2) determine the influence of distance from the coast, rainfall, elevation, soil type and pH and grain yield on wheat grain iodine concentrations and (3) identify geographical areas where iodine concentrations of wheat grains are low enough that biofortification with iodine would be advantageous for human health outcomes. We sampled iodine concentrations of a single cv. Scepter at 125 sites from the winter season 2020 (65 sites) and 2021(60 sites), to investigate environmental and geographical effects on wheat grain iodine concentrations. Iodine concentrations were measured using triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP MS/MS). We found that the elevation and the region (State) of growing sites were the most significant predictors of iodine concentration, along with the interaction between rainfall and topsoil texture. However, very low concentrations of iodine (5–24 μg/kg) were detected in all samples tested, indicating that even wheat grown under advantageous environmental and geographic conditions in southern Australia would be unlikely to represent an important source of dietary iodine. This emphasises the need to consider biofortification strategies to improve iodine concentrations in Australian grown wheat to improve the dietary uptake of this essential micronutrient by human consumers.

Consequences of acute and long-term excessive iodine intake: A literature review focusing on seaweed as a potential dietary iodine source.

Macroalgae, also called seaweed, are becoming more widespread as food in Western diets. Seaweed can accumulate iodine, an essential nutrient for humans. However, some species of seaweed may contain very high amounts of iodine, and therefore, iodine has been identified as one of the major hazards in the seaweed food chain. Macroalgae may be consumed regularly, though many consumers report eating macroalgae only occasionally. The aim of this paper is to explore possible health consequences of excessive iodine intake according to long-term (chronic) or occasional (acute) excessive exposure to iodine, relating to a regular (chronic) or occasional (acute) seaweed intake, respectively. Furthermore, through a modeling exercise, we add different amounts of seaweed to the diet in a population group to explore the possible safe amounts that can be added without exceeding excessive iodine intakes and risking detrimental health effects. Chronic excessive iodine intakes were associated with several negative health outcomes at variable doses in various studies. For acute excessive iodine exposure, negative health effects seemed to be associated with higher iodine exposures. However, the research on this topic was limited. The chronic and acute iodine exposures needed to result in negative health outcomes may easily be ingested by macroalgae consumption. Adding seaweed to the diet must be done thoughtfully to avoid the risk of exceeding thresholds for excessive iodine intake.

Micronutrient intake and status in young vegans, lacto-ovo-vegetarians, pescatarians, flexitarians, and omnivores.

Whether youth who follow plant-based diets in Nordic countries meet their dietary needs for micronutrients remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate micronutrient intake and status in Norwegian youth following vegan, lacto-ovo-vegetarian, pescatarian, flexitarian and omnivore diets. Cross-sectional design, with healthy 16-to-24-year-olds (n = 165). Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire and four 24-hour dietary recalls. Dried blood spots (DBS) and spot-urine samples were collected for analysis of methyl malonic acid (MMA) (n = 65), haemoglobin (Hb) (n = 164) and urinary iodine concentration (UIC) (n = 163). Vegans reported highest habitual supplement usage of multivitamin (58%), B12 (90%) and macroalgae consumption (32%), while flexitarians reported highest habitual usage of omega-3 supplements (56%). For daily supplement usage, vegans reported highest use of multivitamins (42%), B12 (79%), iodine (37%) and iron (63%). Increased risk of inadequate intake (energy-adjusted) were found for vitamin D (60% within lacto-ovo-vegetarians), selenium (70% within lacto-ovo-vegetarians, 65% within omnivores), and iodine (63% within vegans). Median MMA levels suggest low risk of insufficient B12 status across all groups (MMA 0.04‒0.37µmol/l) and 2% had MMA levels indicating possible B12 deficiency and 8% had elevated levels. Median Hb levels indicated low risk of anemia across all groups (≥ 12.0 females, ≥ 13.0g/dl males), though 7% had Hb values indicating risk of mild anemia and 4% risk of moderate anemia. The median UIC indicates mild iodine deficiency in all groups (UIC < 100µg/l), except vegans, who were moderately iodine deficient (UIC < 50µg/l). Our study indicated that the participating youth had low risk of inadequate intake of most micronutrients, partly due to high supplement usage. However, for iodine, vitamin D, and selenium higher risk of inadequate intake was found. UIC corroborated the low iodine intake among vegans. Thus, we suggest iodine status of youth in Norway should be monitored, especially among young fertile women who omits dietary iodine sources, until a mandatory iodine fortification program is implemented. Furthermore, we suggest that food education on how to secure sufficient nutrients from food in general should be provided to the Norwegian youth population, especially how to secure adequate intake of vitamin D, selenium and iodine.

A Comparative Study on the Dietary Iodine Intake and the Contribution Rates of Various Foods to the Dietary Iodine Intake among Residents in Zhejiang in 2010 and 2022.

We aim to analyze the changes in dietary iodine intake and the contribution rates of various foods to it after the reduction in salt iodine concentration in Zhejiang. We used data from two cross-sectional nutrition surveillance surveys conducted by the Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2010 (9798 residents) and 2022 (5980 residents). In both surveys, multi-stage stratified and systematic sampling were adopted, and uniformly trained investigators conducted the dietary surveys using a 24 h dietary review and weighing record methods for 3 consecutive days. From 2010 to 2022, the median salt iodine concentration and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt in Zhejiang households dropped from 28.80 to 22.08 mg/kg and from 76.65% to 64.20%, respectively. Moreover, the residents' median dietary iodine intake decreased from 277.48 to 142.05 μg/d. Significant interregional differences in dietary iodine intake were found in 2010 and 2022 (H = 639.175, p < 0.001; H = 588.592, p < 0.001, respectively); however, no significant differences existed between urban and rural areas (p > 0.05). From 2010 to 2022, the proportion of residents with dietary iodine intake below the estimated average requirement increased from 15.10% to 34.80%, while that of residents with intake above the tolerable upper limit decreased from 15.00% to 2.90%. The contribution rate of salt to dietary iodine intake among residents in Zhejiang decreased from 74.92% to 48.54%, showing an apparent overall downward trend despite the dietary intake being generally adequate (markedly inadequate in coastal regions). The salt iodine concentration and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt in households in Zhejiang showed downward trends. Salt remained the main source of dietary iodine; however, its contribution decreased significantly. Zhejiang may need to reverse the trend of the continuous decline in the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt to protect the health of its residents.

Dietary and urinary iodine in pregnant women from Eastern Croatia

Uvod: Jod je mikronutrijent neophodan za održanje zdravlja, a štitnjača ima ključnu ulogu u metabolizmu joda. Prenizak i previsok unos joda imaju negativan utjecaj na funkciju štitnjače, te je adekvatan prehrambeni unos joda iznimno važan u kritičnim razdobljima života, među kojima se ističe trudnoća. Cilj i metode: Cilj ovoga presječnog opažajnog istraživanja bio je analizirati prehrambeni unos joda i koncentraciju joda u urinu, koja je najbolji indikator prehrambenog unosa joda, kod trudnica s područja istočne Hrvatske pred termin poroda. Istraživanje je obuhvatilo 24 trudnice koje su zaprimljene na Kliniku za ginekologiju i opstetriciju Kliničkog bolničkog centra Osijek do poroda. Rezultati: Medijan prehrambenog unosa joda procijenjen je na 569,94 μg/dan, što je 2,8 puta više od preporučenog unosa od 200 µg/dan, a kod 10/24 trudnice (42 %) procijenjen je prehrambeni unos joda viši od maksimalno preporučenih 600 µg/dan. Osim soli, najveći doprinos dnevnom unosu joda potječe iz jogurta, kravljeg mlijeka, suhomesnatih proizvoda, jaja, bijelog kruha i oslića, što je očekivano obzirom na tradicionalne prehrambene obrasce istočne Hrvatske. Medijan koncentracije joda u urinu je 134,63 μg/L, a čak je 75 % trudnica imalo koncentraciju joda u urinu ispod minimalno preporučenih 150 µg/L. Prehrambeni unos joda i koncentracija joda u urinu nisu statistički značajno korelirali, no prehrambeni unos joda je bio viši kod mlađih trudnica (ρ=-0,490), te kod pretilih, u odnosu na trudnice povećane tjelesne mase (p=0,022) i normalne tjelesne mase (p=0,037) koje su imale najvišu koncentraciju joda u urinu. Zaključak: Prevalencija bolesti štitnjače je u porastu u svim fazama života, a trudnoća je kritično razdoblje kada je uloga joda još izraženija. Rezultati ovoga istraživanja ukazuju na raskorak između statusa joda (promatranog kroz koncentraciju joda u urinu) i prehrambenog unosa joda; unatoč visokom prehrambenom unosu joda, koncentracija joda u urinu većine trudnica je ispod minimalno preporučene. Potrebno je provesti analize sadržaja joda u hrani, posebice različitih tipova soli s ciljem kreiranja baze podataka s točnim podacima o sadržaju joda, što bi omogućilo točniju procjenu prehrambenog unosa joda. To je preduvjet za osmišljavanje javnozdravstvenih aktivnosti usmjerenih na unos joda prehranom i zdravlje štitnjače.

Low public awareness opens up new opportunities for highlighting milk as an iodine dietary source

This international survey provides insights into public awareness of the importance of iodine as an essential trace mineral in human health along with knowledge of iodine dietary sources. The online questionnaire included sociodemographic aspects and dietary iodine consumer awareness on 7-point Likert-type questions. A total of 4,704 questionnaires from 16 countries were considered. Answers were analyzed through a multiple regression linear model including country, gender, age, education level, and employment status as fixed effects. Respondents were moderately aware of the importance of fish (4.86) and seafood (4.90) as dietary iodine sources, but less aware of milk as a primary iodine source (3.32). Respondent awareness varied considerably across countries. Age, education level, and employment status only modified their perception when asked about fish and seafood as a source of iodine, with elderly respondents, those highly educated and of working age being more aware of their relevance as dietary iodine sources. Respondent knowledge did not vary by age, education level, employment status, or gender when asked about cereals, vegetables and fruits, meat and milk as iodine-rich food sources. Consequently, labeling milk and dairy products as an iodine-rich food source should be considered. Public authorities can consider the results from this survey in promotional campaigns to improve the awareness of different iodine sources and their beneficial effect on health.

Nutritional Impacts of Dietary Selenium, Iodine and their Interaction on Egg Performance, and Antioxidant Profile in Laying Longyuan Duck Breeders.

The present study aimed to optimize the combined effect of dietary selenium (SE) and iodine (ID) on the productive and reproductive performance and antioxidant capacity of Longyuan breeding ducks. A total of 288 Longyan duck breeders aged 20 wk were randomly assigned to four groups with six replicates (n = 72 ducks/group; 12 ducks/replicate). A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement experiment was performed and included 2 supplementation levels of each SE and ID for 200 days of the experimental period. The first group (SE0/ID0) received a basal diet without SE or ID supplementation and was considered to be the control group, whereas the other three groups, SE0/ID4, SE2/ID0 and SE2/ID4, received a basal diet supplemented with 0.4 mg ID/kg, 0.2 mg SE/kg or 0.2 mg SE supplemented with 0.4 mg ID/kg, respectively. The results indicated that the albumin height of the SE2/ID0 group was lower (P < 0.05) than that of the control group, that the egg shape index of the SE2/ID4 and SE0/ID4 groups were lower (P < 0.05) than that of the control group (SE0/ID0), and that the SE concentration significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the SE2/ID0 and SE2/ID4 groups. Hatchability and embryonic mortality improved (P < 0.05) in the SE2/ID0 group. Plasma GSH-Px activity was increased (P < 0.05) by reducing the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the SE groups. In addition, the tibia length significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the ID (SE0/ID4 and SE2/ID4) groups compared with that in the control group, the plasma content of IGF-1 in the SE2/ID4 and SE0/ID4 groups were greater (P < 0.05) than that in the control group, and the bone mineral content increased (P > 0.05) in the SE2/ID0 and SE0/ID0 groups. Compared with those in the other groups, the mRNA expression of antioxidant-related genes, including Nrf2 and SHMT1 in the SE2/ID4 group was upregulated (P > 0.05), especially in the SE2/ID4 group. Overall, dietary treatment with SE2/ID4 (0.2 mg SE in 0.4 mg ID/kg diet) could be a suitable feed supplement for improving the the egg quality, health status, endogenous antioxidant content, antioxidant-related gene expression and pre-hatching quality of Longyuan duck breeders.

Hypothyroidism in Older Adults: A Concise Review of the Recent Literature

Abstract Introduction Hypothyroidism (HypoT) is a common condition whose prevalence varies according to regional and ethnic factors, dietary iodine, gender, and age. The symptoms of HypoT are generally nonspecific, with considerable overlap with other conditions. These symptoms are not useful for diagnosing HypoT, and a thyroid function test is required for a final diagnosis. Materials and methods We aimed to provide an overview of the recent global literature on HypoT in older adults. A narrative, nonsystematic review of the international literature from a single major medical online database (PubMed) for the past 5 years was performed. The relevant literature was narrated in a concise thematic account. Results Most studies and expert opinions reiterated the benefit of replacement therapy in younger and middle-aged individuals. A good volume of literature also considered the interplay between thyroid hormones and (1) cardiovascular function and risk factors, (2) cognitive function, (3) mental health, and (4) quality of life. Most workers are cognizant of the important difference in normal ranges of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and the consequent TSH targets in older adults compared to younger age groups. Extra care is recommended for the initiation and titration of thyroid hormone replacement therapy to avoid cardiovascular and skeletal adverse effects of relative overtreatment. Conclusion While clinical benefit is evident in patients under age 65 with overt and subclinical HypoT who are treated with levothyroxine, treatment may be harmful in older adults with subclinical HypoT. The 97th percentile of TSH distribution is 7.5 mIU/L for patients over age 80. Hence, TSH goals should be individualized in older adults to achieve any possible benefit and avoid unnecessary harm.

Assessment of Iodine Status in Adults: A Case Study of Amasya

ABSTRACT Introduction: The prevalence of iodine deficiency in Turkey significantly decreased after iodine fortification of table salt, but regional differences may still exist. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the iodine levels among adults residing in Amasya. Methodology: This study, which included 232 adults aged 18-64 years, was conducted in a public hospital in Amasya. The study data were obtained through a questionnaire form applied to individuals through face-to-face interviews. After taking general information and anthropometric measurements of the individuals participating in the study, urinary iodine levels were analyzed. Results: The mean urinary iodine level was 13.7±1.5 mcg/dL. Iodine status of 99.6% of the participants is normal and 64.9% of them use iodized salt. Alcohol consumption and body mass index showed a statistically significant difference according to urinary iodine level classification (median value). In individuals who consume iodized salt, the frequency of those with urinary iodine levels above the median value is higher compared to those who do not consume iodized salt. Conclusions: This study shows the iodine status of adult individuals living in Amasya. In future studies, dietary iodine intake of individuals should also be evaluated, and iodine status should be examined in vulnerable groups such as pregnant, lactating and elderly.

Iodine and selenium: Dietary sources and nutritional status of the population of the Kurdistan Region in Northern Iraq

AimThe primary aim of this study was to determine the selenium (Se) and iodine (I) food concentrations and dietary intake of the population living in the Kurdish controlled region of northern Iraq. We also assessed the extent to which iodised salt contributes to dietary iodine intake. MethodologyFoods and samples of salt and drinking water were analysed, including 300 crops samples from 40 local farms. The results, supplemented by food composition data, were used to assess dietary Se and I intake for 410 volunteers using a semi-quantitative food questionnaire. To directly investigate the nutritional status of individuals, urine samples were also collected from participants. ResultsSelenium intake was mainly supplied by protein and cereal sources. Calculated median dietary intake of Se was 62.7 µg d−1 (mean = 66.3 µg d−1) with c. 72 % of participants meeting or exceeding dietary reference intake recommendations for age. Median dietary intake of I, excluding salt consumption, was 94.6 µg d−1 (mean 100.2 µg d−1), increasing to 607.2 µg d−1 when salt (of which >90 % was iodized) was included. Salt intake was estimated to be c.13.5 g d−1 (5400 mg Na d−1) which greatly exceeds WHO recommended intake (< 2000 mg d−1 of Na). Urine iodine concentrations indicated that 98 % of school aged children had excessive iodine intake (≥300 µg L−1) and 80–90 % of all study participants had above average or excessive iodine intake (≥200 µg L−1). ConclusionsPoultry and rice are the main sources of dietary Se to this population but around a third of children receive an inadequate Se intake. Fresh fruit and vegetables are the main sources of dietary I, but consumption of local foods cannot supply adequate I without iodised salt supplementation. Consumption of iodized salt well above recommended amounts is supplying this population with substantial iodine intake. Interventions to reduce salt intake would help to limit excessive iodine intake whilst also reducing cardio-vascular risks from Na consumption.

Dietary Iodine Intake and Sources among Residents in Zhejiang Province 10 Years after Reducing Iodine Concentration in Iodized Salt.

We aimed to assess dietary iodine intake and sources in Zhejiang Province a decade after a reduction in iodine concentration in iodized salt. Three-day 24 h dietary recall and household weighing were used, complemented by "Chinese Food Composition" data. Household water and salt samples were collected from 5890 residents and analyzed. Differences in iodized salt consumption rates were observed across the following regions: inland (84.20%), subcoastal (67.80%), and coastal (37.00%) areas. The median (P25, P75) iodine concentration in water and diet were 2.2 (0.9, 4.0) μg/L and 142.05 (58.94, 237.11) μg/d, respectively, with significant regional differences in dietary concentration (inland [185.61 μg/d], subcoastal [153.42 μg/d], and coastal [75.66 μg/d]). Males (149.99 μg/d) and iodized salt consumers (191.98 μg/d) had a significantly higher dietary iodine intake than their counterparts. Regions were ranked as follows based on the proportions of individuals meeting the recommended dietary iodine intake: inland (69.40%), subcoastal (56.50%), and coastal (34.10%) areas. Dietary sources included salt (48.54%), other foods (32.06%), drinking water (8.84%), laver (4.82%), kelp (3.02%), and other seafood (2.32%). The qualified iodized salt consumption rate was significantly lower than the national standard. Zhejiang Province should continue implementing measures to control iodine deficiency through salt iodization, education efforts, and increasing the qualified iodized salt consumption rate.

Dietary iodine intake in 5-year-old children – a cross-sectional study from Bergen, Norway

Dietary iodine intake in 5-year-old children – a cross-sectional study from Bergen, Norway

Prenatal Iodine Intake and Maternal Pregnancy and Postpartum Depressive and Anhedonia Symptoms: Findings from a Multiethnic US Cohort.

Objective: Emerging evidence suggests that essential trace elements, including iodine, play a vital role in depressive disorders. This study investigated whether prenatal dietary iodine intake alone and in combination with supplemental iodine intake during pregnancy were associated with antepartum and postpartum depressive and anhedonia symptoms. Methods: The study population included 837 mothers in the PRogramming of Intergenerational Stress Mechanisms (PRISM) study. The modified BLOCK food frequency questionnaire was used to estimate prenatal dietary and supplemental iodine intake, while the 10-item Edinburg Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) ascertained depressive symptoms. Analyses considered the global EPDS score and the anhedonia and depressive symptom subscale scores using dichotomized cutoffs. Logistic regression estimating odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) assessed associations of iodine intake in the second trimester of pregnancy and 6-month postpartum depressive and anhedonia symptoms considering dietary intake alone and combined dietary and supplementary intake in separate models. Results: Most women were Black/Hispanic Black (43%) and non-Black Hispanics (35%), with 39% reporting a high school education or less. The median (interquartile range, IQR) dietary and supplemental iodine intake among Black/Hispanic Black (198 (115, 337) µg/day) and non-Black Hispanic women (195 (126, 323) µg/day) was higher than the overall median intake level of 187 (116, 315) µg/day. Relative to the Institute of Medicine recommended iodine intake level of 160-220 µg/day, women with intake levels < 100 µg/day, 100-<160 µg/day, >220-<400 µg/day and ≥400 µg/day had increased adjusted odds of 6-month postpartum anhedonia symptoms (aOR = 1.74 (95% CI: 1.08, 2.79), 1.25 (95% CI: 0.80, 1.99), 1.31 (95% CI: 0.82, 2.10), and 1.47 (95% CI: 0.86, 2.51), respectively). The corresponding estimates for postpartum global depressive symptoms were similar but of smaller magnitude. Conclusions: Prenatal iodine intake, whether below or above the recommended levels for pregnant women, was most strongly associated with greater anhedonia symptoms, particularly in the 6-month postpartum period. Further studies are warranted to corroborate these findings, as dietary and supplemental iodine intake are amenable to intervention.

273 Effect of dietary iodine supplementation on the growth performance and thyroid hormone concentrations of nursery pigs

Abstract Iodine (I) is critical for growth, development, and thyroid hormone circulation. This study examined the impact of dietary iodine concentration on nursery pig growth performance and thyroid hormone concentrations. Weaned piglets (n =180, 21 ± 3 d of age) were blocked by body weight (BW; 5.4 ± 0.8 kg) and sex (2 barrows and 2 gilts/pen). Pens within a block (n = 9) were randomly assigned to dietary treatments (mg/kg I added): 0 (CON), 0.14 (NRC), 1.4 (NRC10), 14 (NRC100), or 140 (NRC1000). Diets were fed in three phases for 35 d (P1, d 0-10; P2, d 11-21; P3, d 22-35). Piglets were weighed and feed intake recorded on d 0, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, and 35. Blood was collected on d 21 and 35 for analysis of circulating thyroid hormone concentrations. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design via the GLM procedure of SAS. Increasing dietary I concentration linearly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.03) piglet BW on d 10, 21, and 35. On d 35 BW were 19.2 kg CON, 19.9 kg NRC, 20.5 kg NRC10, 21.1 kg NRC100 and 20.2 kg NRC1000. Average daily gain was linearly increased by the addition of I to the diet during P1 (P &amp;lt; 0.02), P2 (P &amp;lt; 0.03) and for the entire 35 d feeding period (P &amp;lt; 0.01). From d 0 to 35, average daily gain (ADG) was (g/d) 384 CON, 405 NRC, 420 NRC10, 440 NRC100, and 407 NRC1000. Average daily feed intake was linearly increased dietary treatment during P1 (P &amp;lt; 0.01), P3 (P &amp;lt; 0.04) and from d 0 to 35 (P &amp;lt; 0.01). From d 0 to 35, average daily feed intake (ADFI) was (g/d) 731 CON, 779 NRC, 791 NRC10, 819 NRC100 and 782 NRC1000. No differences were observed for gain to feed ratio (G:F; P &amp;gt; 0.3) at any time during the study. On d 21, T4 concentrations linearly increased in response to dietary I (P &amp;lt; 0.02), On d 35, T4 and the T4:T3 ratio linearly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.01). On d 35 the T4 values were (nmol/L) 48.4 CON, 51.4 NRC, 58.3 NRC10, 59.3 NRC 100, 59.9 NRC 1000 and the T4:T3 ratio was 36.6 CON, 41.3 NRC, 40.0 NRC10, 45.2 NRC100, and 44.6 NRC1000. Based on the present findings, nursery pigs fed iodine levels above NRC recommendations have improved growth and feed intake and positive impacts on thyroid hormone concentrations. The data from this study indicated that dietary I concentrations 100 times the current NRC resulted in the best piglet performance.

Evaluation of the ultrasound findings of thyroid gland enlargement in Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Ghana: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

Goiter is a major source of morbidity in the world, especially in the developing world, where dietary iodine deficiency, a known cause of this condition, is endemic. The diagnosis is mostly by ultrasonography (USG) scan, which can give anatomical, pathological, and functional information for the management of goiter. This study aimed to determine the commonest ultrasound findings of goiter in Ghana. The records of all 213 patients with goiter diagnosed by USG scanover a 5-year period were retrieved. Data collected were sociodemographics, ultrasound features, thyroid nodules diameter, and Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) scores, which were analyzed using GNU PSPP, version 1.2.0-3.χ 2and two-tailed independent samples t-test were also employed, with p ≤ 0.05. A total of 213 patients with goiter diagnosed by USG scanwere obtained over the study period. The mean age of the participants was 50.01 ± 17.27 years, with an age range of 16-92 years and females constituting the majority (82.16%). The commonest ultrasound features were well-defined solid nodules. The lesion sites for most patients were the whole thyroid (28.17%), both lobes (24.41%), and the right lobe (20.19%). The mean difference in sizes of cysts and solid nodules among genders was 0.26 (CI: -0.14 to 0.67, p = 0.20) and 0.12 (CI: -0.43 to 0.66, p = 0.67), respectively. The TI-RADS score featured TI-RADS 4 (36.62%), TI-RADS 1 (28.17%), TI-RADS 3 (25.82%), TI-RADS 5 (5.16%), and TI-RADS 2 (4.23%). Solid nodules (49.32%, p = 0.001) and cysts (35.71%, p = 0.003) were more common within 41-60 years and less frequent in those <21 years. A p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant in this study. The predominant ultrasound features were well-defined solid nodules, simple cysts, and solid nodules with cystic changes, mostly located in the entire thyroid gland and least located in the isthmus only. Cysts and solid nodules were mostly seen in the 41-60 years age group.

Factors associated with inadequate urinary iodine concentration among pregnant women in Mbeya region Tanzania.

Insufficient and above WHO-recommended levels of iodine intake during pregnancy can lead to serious health outcomes. This study aimed to assess median urine iodine concentration and its associated risk factors among pregnant women in the Mbeya region, Tanzania. A cross sectional survey involving 420 pregnant women (n=420) aged 15-49, registered in Reproductive and Child Health Clinics was conducted. Socio-demographic and dietary factors were assessed by structured questionnaire and the urine samples were analyzed using the ammonium persulfate digestion method. Median urinary iodine concentration (mUIC) was 279.4μg/L and it ranged from 26.1 to 1915μg/L. Insufficient mUIC (below 150μg/L) was observed in 17.14% of participants, sufficient mUIC was 24.29% and 58.57% had mUIC above the recommended level (>250μg/L). Sample women who reported consuming fish in the last 24 hours had an increased risk of insufficient mUIC [Adjusted OR= 2.60 (95%CI 1.31-5.15)] while the risk was lower for those who attended at least primary education [AOR= 0.29 (CI 0.08-0.99)]. Further, sample women resident in Mbarali district, in the oldest age group (35-49) and having a higher socio-economic status were associated with an increased risk of having MUIC above recommended level [AOR=4.09 (CI 1.85-9.010], [AOR=2.51 (CI 0.99-6.330] and, [AOR=2.08 (CI 0.91-4.71) respectively. This study demonstrated a significant association between geographical, age and socio-economic factors and median urine iodine concentration above the WHO-recommended level. Further, this study found association between inadequate iodine in diet and insufficient median urine iodine concentration. Therefore, educational programs on iodine intake should be strengthened.

Iodine Fortification Study of Some Common Nigerian Vegetables Using Copper Complex

Iodine deficiency (ID) is the result of insufficient dietary iodine intake in humans, the deficiency not only leads to goiter formation but also to severe retardation of growth, development and maturation of nearly all the tissues of the body, especially those that are fast developing. The aim of this research is to evaluate levels of iodine intake by ten Nigerian vegetables using copper complex. Dry alkaline ash method was used in the determination. The results obtained showed that all the ten vegetables used absorbed high concentrations of iodine when inoculated with 0.09 M and 0.14 M [Cu(I)4]2- . Iodine phytotoxicity was observed in all the plants when inoculated with 0.2-0.8 M of the copper complex as all the plants died. Increase in the concentration of copper complex from 0.09-0.14 M increased the absorption of iodine by Amaranthus hybridus, Corchorous olitoruis, Gongronema lotifolium and Solanum melongena. The reverse was observed with Murraya koenigii, Ocimum gratissimum, Talinium triangulare, Abelmoschus esculentus, Cucurbita pepo and Telfairia occidentalis. Ocimum gratissimum absorbed the iodine at 0.09M with value of 164.79 mg/kg, the vegetable also absorbed least at 0.14 M with a dose of 61.80 mg/kg. The intake of the iodine by the plants showed that the method can be used in the fortifying these Nigerian vegetables with iodine, thereby reducing the incidence of Iodine deficiency disorder in humans.

The Effect of Simvastatin on Thyroid Function in Experimental Autoimmune Thyroiditis Induced in Rats

Autoimmune thyroiditis or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT): is the most common autoimmune thyroid disease. is characterized by marked lymphocytic infiltration and the presence of serum autoantibodies against Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and Thyroglobulin (TG). HT is a prevalent cause of hypothyroidism in areas of the world where dietary iodine is sufficient. Genetic predisposition and cellular and humoral immunity play a role in thyroid autoimmune pathogenesis. Antithyroid antibodies are produced by interaction between APC, T cells, and B cells to fix complement. Thyroid tissue is more severely damaged by complement-dependent antibody-mediated cytotoxicity. Statins, the powerful inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase have pleotropic effects including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. In this current study, Experimental autoimmune thyroiditis was induced in twenty-four female Wistar rat. Simvastatin was given at a dose of 4mg/kg for 30 days. Thyroid autoantibodies and Thyroid hormones were measured by ELISA technique Results showed that Simvastatin reduced autoantibodies against TPO and TG. It also lowered serum level of TSH and increased serum level of T4. Due to the undesirable side effects associated with the current treatment options used in Autoimmune thyroiditis. Simvastatin might be a promising approach in the treatment of this disease.