Moderate Iodine Deficiency Research Articles

Status of iodine in rural pregnant women of different trimesters in Lucknow -A cross-sectional study

Background and objectivesIodine plays a critical role in fetal brain development and hence has immense importance during pregnancy. Even mild to moderate iodine deficiency in pregnancy has adverse effects on obstetric and neonatal outcome. So, the aim of this study was to assess the trimester-wise urinary iodine status of pregnant women in rural areas and determine their iodine intake. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Sarojini nagar, which is a rural block of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh from August 2016 to July 2017. All married pregnant women (15–45 years) of different trimesters attending the primary health centre (PHC) for antenatal check-up were enrolled in the study after written consent. Total 300 pregnant women were interviewed for Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) survey. Urine and salt sample was taken from 200 of them for biochemical analysis of iodine. Estimation of iodine in urine was done by wet digestion method and in salt by iodometric titration. ResultsThe median urinary iodine concentration of the rural pregnant women was 246.5 μg/L with IQR of 194.9–383.4 μg/L. On comparing the urine iodine levels in the three trimesters, maximum deficiency was observed in first trimester (39.5%) followed by third trimester (31.6%) and a dip was seen in the second trimester (28.9%). The median urinary iodine levels did not show a significant difference across the three trimesters. ConclusionIodine insufficiency was observed among pregnant women. Maximum deficiency was observed in first trimester which is the most vulnerable period of gestation responsible for organogenesis and fetal brain development.

Indicators of Iodine Status in Pregnancy and Postpartum in a Group of Pregnant Women from Perimarine Area of Romania

Abstract Objective: Assessment of iodine nutritional status in pregnant women in the perimarine area of Romania, a region without iodine deficiency. Adequate iodine intake is the main source for normal thyroid function, ensuring the need for maternal thyroid hormones during pregnancy, but also for the development and growth of children in the fetal and postpartum period. Material and method: Prospective study performed on 74 pregnant women in the first 2 trimesters of pregnancy, originating from the perimarin area. The following indicators of iodine status were analyzed: urinary iodine concentration (UIC), the ratio between urinary iodine concentration and urinary creatinine (UIC/UCr), the prevalence of maternal goiter and the value of neonatal TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). Results: The mean gestational age was 11 weeks. The ways of iodine intake are: iodized salt - 59.4%, iodized salt and iodine supplements- 23%, only iodine supplements -10.8% and 6.8% consume only non-iodized salt. The median of UIC was 133.03 mcg/l considered insufficient iodine intake (normal in pregnancy UIC >150 mcg/l), but the adjustment of UIC to urinary creatinine reveals a median of 152.83 mcg/g, a value that reflects an adequate iodine intake. The prevalence of goiter was 25.6% characteristic for a moderate iodine deficiency. The prevalence of neonatal TSH >5 mIU/L was registered in 18.8% characteristic of mild iodine deficiency. Conclusions: Monitoring of the iodine nutritional status is recommended for the prevention of disorders due to iodine deficiency under the conditions of universal salt iodization. Perimarine areas considered sufficient in iodine may show variations in iodine status in subpopulations under certain physiological conditions, such as pregnancy. An indicator of iodine status of the population is UIC, but the UIC/UCr ratio may be a more optimal indicator for pregnant women, to avoid possible overestimated results of iodine deficiency in pregnancy.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes and determinants of iodine deficiency in third trimester of pregnancy in an iodine sufficient area

BackgroundMild to moderate iodine deficiency in pregnant women may expose them to the increased risk of the development of goiter and thyroid disorder. There is a relationship between low maternal UIC (Urinary iodine concentration) in pregnancy and diminished placental weight and neonatal head circumference. The current study was an attempt to assess iodine nutritional status, its determinants and relationship with maternal and neonatal outcomes.MethodsIn this population based cross-sectional study, which was conducted from April 2017 to September 2018, information was collected from 884 women of 20–45 years old who referred for periodic pregnancy visits. UIC was measured in random urine samples by applying a manual method which was based on the Sandell–Kolthoff technique. Information related to neonatal and maternal complications was collected from the individuals enrolled in the study through systematic follow-ups of the research team in each hospitals and the referral of trained midwives to the place of delivery and the retrieval of the case files.ResultsThe results showed that out of 884 participants 838 (94.8%) had a urinary iodine concentration of more than 150 micrograms/litre and 46 (5.2%) showed urinary iodine concentrations less than 150 micrograms/litre. The median (IQR) urinary iodine concentration in the third trimester was 176 (165–196) μg/l. According to the WHO criteria 46 of the participants (5.2%) had insufficient urinary iodine concentrations, 805 (91.06%) had adequate urinary iodine concentrations while 33 (3.73%) showed more than adequate levels. There were no participants with urinary iodine concentrations higher than 500 micrograms/litre. The main influencing factors on maternal iodine deficiency in this study were weight gain during pregnancy (Odds Ratio (OR) =0.88, 95% CI: 0.82–0.95), number of previous pregnancy (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.39–0.89) the interval between the most recent pregnancies (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.64–0.95), whether or not the pregnancy has been Planned (OR = 2.92, 95% CI: 1.29–6.58) and nutritional complement consumption (OR = 3.64, 95% CI: 1.44–9.1). The need for a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (OR = 4.64, 95% CI: 1.81–11.9) and preterm birth (OR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.51–7.1) were significantly related with maternal iodine deficiency before delivery. Also there is no significant differences regarding the mean maternal urinary iodine concentration between the normal and different maternal complications groups (p = 0.47).ConclusionIodine deficiency in pregnant women can be improved by appreciate planning for pregnancy, proper inter-pregnancy time interval (> 12 months to < 5 years), appropriate nutrition during pregnancy. Besides, controlling maternal urinary iodine concentrations is important to prevent neonatal complications such as preterm delivery and NICU admission.

The Reliability of Iodine Concentration in Diaper-Retrieved Infant Urine Using Urine Collection Pads, and in Their Mothers’ Breastmilk

Mild to moderate iodine deficiency is common among women of childbearing age. Data on iodine status in infants are sparse, partly due to the challenges in collecting urine. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) is considered a good marker for recent dietary iodine intake and status in populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of iodine concentration measured in two spot-samples from the same day of diaper-retrieved infant urine and in their mothers’ breastmilk. We collected urine and breastmilk from a sample of 27 infants and 25 mothers participating in a cross-sectional study at two public healthcare clinics in Norway. The reliability of iodine concentration was assessed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and the coefficient of variation (CV). The ICC for infants’ urine was 0.64 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36–0.82), while the ICC for breastmilk was 0.83 (95% CI 0.65–0.92) Similarly, the intraindividual CV for UIC was 0.25 and 0.14 for breastmilk iodine concentration (BIC). Compared to standard methods of collecting urine for measuring iodine concentration, the diaper-pad collection method does not substantially affect the reliability of the measurements.

Correlating maternal iodine status with neonatal thyroid function in two hospital populations in Ghana: a multicenter cross-sectional pilot study

BackgroundCongenital hypothyroidism is a common, yet easily treatable cause of poor growth and intellectual disability. Newborn screening programs play an important role in the early detection and treatment of congenital hypothyroidism. However, an estimated 71% of children are born in countries such as Ghana, which does not have a screening program. Iodine deficiency, a common cause of congenital hypothyroidism, is present in the Ghanaian population. Mild to moderate maternal iodine deficiency may negatively impact cognitive function in children. A structured approach to examine the association between maternal iodine levels and infant thyroid function may have important ramifications on our understanding of congenital hypothyroidism in Ghana. We investigated the hypothesis that maternal iodine deficiency impacts infant thyroid function, using Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) as a marker of thyroid function. We also explored potential opportunities and barriers to newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism in Ghana.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, multicenter pilot study of 250 women and their neonates recruited from post-natal clinics in Accra and Tamale, Ghana. We compared maternal urine iodine concentration and infant TSH, as well as maternal sociodemographic and nutrition information. Regression models were used to model the relationship between variables.ResultsMedian infant TSH was 4.7 μIU/ml (95% CI: 3.9–5.5) in Accra. In Tamale, the median infant TSH was 3.5 μIU/ml (95%CI: 3.3 to 3.6) (Δ: 1.3 μIU/ml, 95% CI: 0.5–2.1, p = 0.002). Median maternal urine iodine concentrations were 141.0 μg/L (95% CI: 115.7 to 166.3) and 142.5 μg/L (95% CI: 125.1 to 160.0) in Accra and Tamale, respectively (Δ: − 1.5 μIU/ml, 95% CI: − 32.2 – 29.2, p = 0.925). There was a weakly positive correlation between maternal urine iodine and infant TSH (rho 0.1, p = 0.02). Almost one-third (30%) of women in both locations had biochemical evidence of iodine deficiency. Mothers with any formal education were more likely to have higher iodine levels than their counterparts who had no formal education (coefficient 0.31, p = 0.006).ConclusionsMaternal iodine deficiency is prevalent in Ghana and is correlated to infant thyroid function. We recommend studies with larger sample sizes to assess the true scope of this relationship.

Little in Norway: a prospective longitudinal community-based cohort from pregnancy to child age 18 months

PurposeThe Little in Norway (LiN) project is a cross-disciplinary prospective longitudinal study starting in pregnancy. It was set up to investigate maternal and paternal mental health functioning in the transition...

Iodine status of non-pregnant women and availability of food vehicles for fortification with iodine in a remote community in Gulf province, Papua New Guinea.

Adequate iodine status of women of childbearing age is essential for optimal growth and development of their offspring. The objectives of the current study were to assess the iodine status of non-pregnant women, availability and use of commercial salt, extent to which it is iodised, and availability of other industrially processed foods suitable for fortification with iodine. This prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in 2018 in a remote area in Gulf province, Papua New Guinea. Multistage cluster sampling was used to randomly select 300 women visiting local markets. Of these, 284 met study criteria of being non-pregnant and non-lactating. Single urine samples were collected from each of them. Discretionary salt intake was assessed; salt samples were collected from a sub-sample of randomly selected households. A semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaire to assess use and availability of commercial salt and other processed foods was modified and used. Salt was available on the interview day in 51.6% of households. Mean iodine content in household salt samples was 37.8 ± 11.8 ppm. Iodine content was below 30.0 ppm in 13.1% and below 15.0 ppm in 3.3% of salt samples. Mean iodine content of salt available at markets was 39.6 ± 0.52 ppm. Mean discretionary intake of salt per capita per day was 3.9 ± 1.21 g. Median UIC was 34.0 μg/L (95% CI, 30.0-38.0 ppm), indicating moderate iodine deficiency. For women with salt in the household, median UIC was 39.5 μg/L (95% CI, 32.0-47.0 μg/L), compared to median UIC of 29.0 μg/L (95% CI, 28.0-32.0 μg/L) for those without salt. This community has low consumption of iodised salt, likely due to limited access. Investigation of other industrially processed foods indicated salt is the most widely consumed processed food in this remote community, although 39.8% of households did use salty flavourings.

PDB51 PREVENTION AS A PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURE: LONG-TERM EFFECTIVENESS AND COST EFFECTIVENESS OF A POPULATION-BASED IODINE DEFICIENCY DISEASES PREVENTION PROGRAM

Iodine deficiency can lead to different diseases, such as goiter, stillbirth and mental impairment of newborns. A population-based prevention program may eliminate iodine deficiency, but might also come with harms, such as increasing the prevalence of hyperthyroidism. We aimed to evaluate the cost effectiveness of a population based prevention program for iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). We developed a state-transition open cohort model to project the health and economic consequences of an IDD prevention program (i.e., iodine fortification of salt) in a hypothetical population with moderate iodine deficiency in the German context. Model parameters were derived by literature reviews, experts’ estimations or model calibration methods. Direct medical and non-medical costs were included (Euro 2018). Costs were derived from different sources: German DRG System, official medical fees, and Lauer Taxe. Indirect costs were considered in an additional analysis. We compared incremental life years (LY), incremental quality-adjusted life years (QALY), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) of prevention and no prevention. Health effects and costs were discounted at 3% annually. Model validation was performed. We analyzed three different scenarios: (1) open cohort over a time horizon of 120 years; (2) newborn cohort over their lifetime; (3) current live population over their lifetime, without consideration of new births. Additionally, we performed multiple one-way sensitivity analyses. In all three scenarios, the prevention was dominant compared to no prevention. Increments in quality-adjusted life expectancy ranged from 0.04 to 0.16 QALYs per person (0 to 0.01 LYs). For the currently live population in Germany (82,792,351), 0.04 QALYS amount to 3,311,694 QALYs gained. Cost savings ranged from EUR 522 to 14,624 per person. The prevention program remained dominant in most of the sensitivity analyses. Prevention of IDDs with iodine fortification of salt could be a cost-effective public health intervention for a moderately iodine deficient population.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL INDICATOR VALUE IN THE IODINE AVAILABILITY ASSESSMENT — EVIDENCE FROM THE REGIONS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Background: In the Russian Federation, newborn screening comprises thyroid stimulating hormone determination to exclude primary congenital hypothyroidism. Screening is carried out throughout Russia. Neonatal TSH can be used to assess iodine deficiency and monitor iodine prevention programs.Objective: To assess and compare official statistical data on congenital hypothyroidism, the prevalence of hypothyroidism and iodine deficiency syndrome in children, as well as urinary iodine in the Russian regions.Materials and methods: The level of neonatal TSH was determined in 97.69% of children born in the Russian Federation in 2017. This article represents the results on the prevalence of hypothyroidism in the regions with various iodine availability. The correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship of CH incidence in newborns and iodine availability.Results: The calculated correlation coefficient, which was 0.2, reflects a weak relationship between the degree of iodine deficiency in the region and the number of newborns diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism.Conclusions: In the Russian Federation, a law on universal salt iodization does not exist, and many regions are still in conditions of moderate or severe iodine deficiency. To assess the iodine status in these particular regions, we could use the results of newborn TSH screening

Salt iodization decreased the risk of thyrotoxicosis in Denmark by the halve

The status of iodine nutrition is a key factor in determining the prevalence of thyroid disorders in adults. The study under discussion provides data on the change in the incidence of nosological subtypes of overt thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism in adults during an increase in iodine intake after the introduction of mandatory salt iodization in Denmark. The authors carefully studied the case histories of all new patients with thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism registered in 2014–2016 in an open cohort of the population of Northern Jutland (n = 309,434), in which a moderate iodine deficiency has historically been observed and compared with incidence rates in 1997–1998 years before introduction of mandatory salt iodization began 2001. Over this period of time, iodine intake almost doubled. At the same time, the incidence rate of confirmed overt thyrotoxicosis significantly decreased: from the initial rate of 97.5 cases per 100,000 people per year in 1997–2000 to 48.8 cases per 100,000 people per year in 2014–2016. This result was due to a significant decrease in the incidence of multinodular toxic goiter, toxic adenoma and Graves’ disease in all age groups in both women and men. Moreover, the overall incidence of primary overt hypothyroidism has not changed.

Demographic, Dietary and Biochemical Risk Factors Associated with the Causation of Goiter in Plane Areas of Sindh Province

Present study was conducted to find out the demographic, dietary and biochemical risk factors associated with the causation of goiter in plane areas of Sindh province. This case-control study was carried out at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro from July 2009 to December 2009. A total of 200 subjects (100 goiter patients and 100 normal control subjects matched for age and gender) were recruited for present study. The demographic characteristics and dietary history of both goiter patients and control subjects were studied with the help of a standard questionnaire developed for that purpose. Serum samples from goiter patients and control subjects were analyzed for iodine, TSH, FT3 and FT4 levels, while urine samples were analysed for iodine content. Of the 100 goiter patients 87 were females and 13 were males. Majority (53%) of the study patients were young adults (20-39 years age). Odds Ratio analysis of the dietary data showed that consumption of cabbage and pickle in mustard oil containing mustard seeds had a significant positive association with goiter. Similarly, consumption of fish, eggs, milk products, chicken, beef and peas had a significant inverse association with goiter. Blood and urine iodine levels were significantly (P<0.001) lower in goiter patients than in control subjects whereas, the reverse was true for serum TSH and FT4 levels. All the goiter patients were found to be iodine deficient with 33 percent having mild and 77 percent moderate iodine deficiency. It was concluded that consumption of underground water, cabbage, and pickle in mustard oil containing the mustard seeds and low intake of animal protein diet is associated with mild to moderate iodine deficiency found in the inhabitants of plane areas of Sindh province.

Thyroid nodules with H\xfcrthle cells: the malignancy risk in relation to the FNA\xa0outcome category

PurposeThe aim was to find whether the presence of Hürthle cells (HC) in a smear influences the categorization of FNA results or the risk of malignancy (RoM) of particular categories of cytological diagnosis.Methods25,220 FNA performed in a single center in years 2005–2017 were analyzed. Almost all the examined patients were exposed to moderate iodine deficiency for most of their lives. The distribution of FNA outcome categories was compared between two groups: with or without HC (HC and non-HC). The RoM was evaluated on the basis of postoperative histopathological examination (3082 patients).ResultsHC were found in 7.5% of diagnostic FNA. HC nodules were classified into categories II (78.2% vs. 91.9%, p < 0.0000) and VI (0.4% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.0017) less often than non-HC nodules, but more frequently to categories III (14.4% vs. 5.8%, p < 0.0000), IV (11.2% vs. 0.9%, p < 0.0000) and V (1.5% vs. 0.8%, p = 0.0013). There were no significant differences in RoM between HC and non-HC nodules. The RoM in HC and non-HC nodules of particular categories of the Bethesda system was as follows: II: 1.8% vs. 0.8%, III: 9.7% vs. 3.8% when only the last FNA was considered and 10.8% vs. 6.4% when the category III in any performed FNA was considered; IV: 12.7% vs. 10.9%; V: 41.7% vs. 58.2%; and VI: 100% vs. 96.9%.ConclusionsHC nodules are classified into categories of equivocal cytological outcomes more often than nodules without HC. Nevertheless, the presence of HC in a smear does not significantly affect the RoM of FNA categories.

Impacts of carbohydrate-restricted diets on micronutrient intakes and status: A systematic review.

A systematic review of published evidence on micronutrient intake/status with carbohydrate-restricted diets (CRD) was conducted in Web of Science, Medline, Embase, Scopus, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to October 2018. We identified 10 studies: seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) ("Atkins"-style, n=5; "Paleolithic" diets, n=2), two Atkins-style noncontrolled trials and one cross-sectional study. Prescribed carbohydrate varied 4% to 34% of energy intake. Only one noncontrolled trial prescribed multivitamin supplements. Dietary intakes/status were reported over 2 to 104weeks, with weight losses from 2 to 9kg. No diagnoses of deficiency were reported. Intakes of thiamine, folate, magnesium, calcium, iron, and iodine all decreased significantly (-10% to -70% from baseline) with any CRD types. Atkins diet trials (n=6; 4%-34%E carbohydrate) showed inconsistent changes in vitamin A, E, and β-carotene intakes, while a single "Paleolithic" diet trial (28%E carbohydrate) reported increases in these micronutrients. One other "Paleolithic" diet (30%E carbohydrate) reported a rise in moderate iodine deficiency from 15% to 73% after 6months. In conclusion, few studies have assessed the impacts of CRD on micronutrients. Studies with different designs point towards reductions in several vitamins and minerals, with potential risk of micronutrient inadequacies. Trial reporting standards are expected to include analysis of micronutrient intake/status. Micronutrients in foods and/or supplements should be considered when designing, prescribing or following CRDs.

Iodine-fortified toddler milk improves dietary iodine intakes and iodine status in toddlers: a randomised controlled trial.

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of consuming iodine-fortified toddler milk for improving dietary iodine intakes and biochemical iodine status in toddlers. In a 20-week parallel randomised controlled trial, healthy 12-20-month-old children were assigned to: Fortified Milk [n = 45; iodine-fortified (21.1µg iodine/100g prepared drink) cow's milk], or Non-Fortified Milk (n = 90; non-fortified cow's milk). Food and nutrient intakes were assessed with 3-day weighed food records at baseline, and weeks 4 and 20. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was measured at baseline and 20weeks. At baseline, toddlers' median milk intake was 429g/day. There was no evidence that milk intakes changed within or between the groups during the intervention. Toddlers' baseline geometric mean iodine intake was 46.9µg/day, and the median UIC of 43µg/L in the Fortified Milk group and 55µg/L in the Non-Fortified Milk group indicated moderate and mild iodine deficiency, respectively, with this difference due to chance. During the intervention, iodine intakes increased by 136% (p < 0.001) and UIC increased by 85µg/L (p < 0.001) in the Fortified Milk group compared to the Non-Fortified Milk group. The 20-week median UIC was 91µg/L in the Fortified Milk group and 49µg/L in the Non-Fortified Milk group. Consumption of ≈ 1.7 cups of iodine-fortified toddler milk per day for 20weeks can increase dietary iodine intakes and UIC in healthy iodine-deficient toddlers. This strategy alone is unlikely to provide sufficient intake to ensure adequate iodine status in toddlers at risk of mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency.

Association of Maternal Iodine Status With Child IQ: A Meta-Analysis of Individual Participant Data.

ContextAlthough the consequences of severe iodine deficiency are beyond doubt, the effects of mild to moderate iodine deficiency in pregnancy on child neurodevelopment are less well established.ObjectiveTo study the association between maternal iodine status during pregnancy and child IQ and identify vulnerable time windows of exposure to suboptimal iodine availability.DesignMeta-analysis of individual participant data from three prospective population-based birth cohorts: Generation R (Netherlands), INMA (Spain), and ALSPAC (United Kingdom); pregnant women were enrolled between 2002 and 2006, 2003 and 2008, and 1990 and 1992, respectively.SettingGeneral community.Participants6180 mother-child pairs with measures of urinary iodine and creatinine concentrations in pregnancy and child IQ. Exclusion criteria were multiple pregnancies, fertility treatment, medication affecting the thyroid, and preexisting thyroid disease.Main Outcome MeasureChild nonverbal and verbal IQ assessed at 1.5 to 8 years of age.ResultsThere was a positive curvilinear association of urinary iodine/creatinine ratio (UI/Creat) with mean verbal IQ only. UI/Creat <150 µg/g was not associated with lower nonverbal IQ (−0.6 point; 95% CI: −1.7 to 0.4 points; P = 0.246) or lower verbal IQ (−0.6 point; 95% CI: −1.3 to 0.1 points; P = 0.082). Stratified analyses showed that the association of UI/Creat with verbal IQ was only present up to 14 weeks of gestation.ConclusionsFetal brain development is vulnerable to mild to moderate iodine deficiency, particularly in the first trimester. Our results show that potential randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of iodine supplementation in women with mild to moderate iodine deficiency on child neurodevelopment should begin supplementation not later than the first trimester.

Knowledge about iodine requirements during pregnancy and breastfeeding among pregnant women living in Northern Ireland

BackgroundIodine is an essential micronutrient important for foetal nerve and brain development, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. The re-emergence of mild to moderate iodine deficiency has recently been reported in the United Kingdom (UK). The level of knowledge amongst pregnant women regarding iodine nutrition is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge about iodine nutrition during pregnancy among pregnant women living in Northern Ireland (NI).MethodsA cross-sectional study in pregnant women was carried out in Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital Belfast, from March to June 2015. Two hundred pregnant women were provided with a short questionnaire on iodine knowledge during routine clinic visits and comparisons were made across trimester and parity.ResultsOnly 20% of women were aware of the potentially increased iodine requirements during pregnancy and breast feeding; 45% were unable to identify any foods they thought would be iodine rich. The three main sources of dietary iodine in the UK are fish, dairy and eggs and 30, 9 and 15% correctly identified these as good sources respectively. When asked about whether they felt they had been given sufficient advice about folic acid and iodine in pregnancy, 90% felt this was so for folic acid, but only 5% for iodine.ConclusionsThis study suggests that iodine knowledge among pregnant women living in NI is poor. In the absence of any iodine fortification programme, women in the UK may be vulnerable to iodine deficiency in pregnancy. At present they are poorly equipped to make positive dietary changes to meet their increasing iodine requirements during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Public health strategies should be considered to target this population group.

Iodine status, and knowledge about iodine deficiency disorders in adolescent school girls aged 14-19 years, 2016.

Background: Adequate iodine intake by women in child-bearing age affects fetus neurodevelopment during pregnancy. A majority of previous studies has investigated iodine status among children, and there is limited data on female adolescents who are more exposed to consequences of iodine deficiency (ID) in their near-future pregnancies; thus, we aimed to assess iodine status, and knowledge on iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) among adolescent school girls (14-19 years old) in Shahriar, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 223 female students selected through multi-stage cluster sampling from 12 schools. Iodine and creatinine concentrations were measured in casual urine samples. Iodine content of household salts was also assessed.Data on intake of salt and iodine-rich food sources were collected applying a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and knowledge about iodine and IDDs were assessed by a questionnaire. Results: Median and Mean (95% CI) concentrations of urinary iodine and creatinine were 129 µg/L, 137.62 µg/L (95% CI: 126.28, 148.95) and 1.72 g/L, 1.86 g/L (95% CI: 0.55-3.17),respectively. The frequency of mild, moderate and severe ID were 22.4%, 14.3% and 0%,respectively; 43.5% had adequate, and 3.1% had excessive urinary iodine levels. Mean saltiodine concentration was 21.69 (SD=10.56) ppm. Mean knowledge score was 12.7 (SD=3.44).About half of the students had a poor (25.1%) or fair (24.2%) knowledge about iodine deficiency.Adjusting for the confounders, no significant positive association was found between knowledge about iodine-rich food sources and goitrogens with urinary iodine excretion. Conclusion: Adolescent girls in Shahriar had relatively poor knowledge of iodine, and about one third of them suffered from ID.

Increased Incidence Rate of Hypothyroidism After Iodine Fortification in Denmark: A 20-Year Prospective Population-Based Study.

To monitor the impact of a cautious iodine fortification (IF) on the incidence of overt hypothyroidism in two subpopulations with different levels of preexisting iodine deficiency (ID). A 20-year (1997 to 2016) prospective population-based study identified all new cases of diagnosed overt biochemical hypothyroidism in two open cohorts: a western cohort with moderate ID (n = 309,434; 1 January 1997) and an eastern cohort with mild ID (n = 224,535; 1 January 1997). A diagnostic algorithm was applied to all thyroid function tests performed within the study areas, and possible new cases were verified individually. Mandatory IF of salt was initiated in mid-2000 (13 ppm). The current study is a part of the DanThyr study. At baseline, standardized incidence rates (SIRs) of hypothyroidism were 32.9 and 47.3/100.000/y in the cohorts with moderate and mild ID, respectively. The SIR of hypothyroidism increased significantly in both cohorts after implementing mandatory IF, with peak values of 150% in 2014 to 2016 for the moderate ID cohort and 130% in 2004 to 2005 for the mild ID cohort. Significant increases in SIR were seen among the young and middle-aged participants of both cohorts, whereas no changes were seen among the elderly participants (≥60 years). The follow-up period for the mildly iodine-deficient cohort was restricted up to and including 2008. The cautious initiation of the IF program in Denmark caused a sustained increase in hypothyroidism incidence among subjects residing in areas of moderate and mild ID but only among the young and middle-aged participants.

First national iodine survey in Madagascar demonstrates iodine deficiency

Universal salt iodization (USI) was adopted in Madagascar in 1995 within the framework of a worldwide policy to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders. Despite early USI adoption, there are no representative data on the iodine status of the Malagasy population. The aims of this study were to determine the iodine status of the Malagasy population and to assess the use of adequately iodized salt among households. We randomly sampled women of reproductive age (WRA) using a national, two-stage, stratified cross-sectional survey in 2014. Casual urine from WRA and salt samples from the household containing WRA were collected to measure urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and to assess household salt iodine content. Data from 1,721 WRA in 1,128 households were collected and analysed. The national median UIC was 46μgL-1 (interquartile range [IQR]: 13-98μgL-1 ), indicating a moderate iodine deficiency. The median UIC was 53μgL-1 (IQR: 9-89μgL-1 ) in pregnant women and 46μgL-1 (IQR: 13-98μgL-1 ) in non-pregnant women. The national median iodine concentration of household salt was 10mgkg-1 (IQR: 6.3-15.8mgkg-1 ) and 26.2% (95% CI [22.1, 31.0]) of households containing WRA used adequately iodized salt (≥15mgkg-1 ). Women living in households with adequately iodized salt had higher median UIC (72 vs. 50μgL-1 ). Iodine status was significantly lower among women from low socio-economic households. Madagascar's USI program needs to be revitalized. Implementing strategies to provide adequately iodized salt and enhancing iodized salt legislation to prevent severe complications resulting from iodine deficiency in the Malagasy population are essential.

Iodine Intake is Associated with Thyroid Function in Mild to Moderately Iodine Deficient Pregnant Women.

Background: Studies indicate that mild to moderate iodine deficiency in pregnancy may have a long-term negative impact on child neurodevelopment. These effects are likely mediated via changes in maternal thyroid function, since iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. However, the impact of iodine availability on thyroid function during pregnancy and on thyroid function reference ranges are understudied. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between iodine intake and thyroid function during pregnancy.Design: In a population-based pregnancy cohort including 2910 pregnant women participating in The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study, we explored cross sectional associations of maternal iodine intake measured (1) by a food frequency questionnaire and (2) as iodine concentration in a spot urine sample, with plasma thyroid hormones and antibodies.Results: Biological samples were collected in mean gestational week 18.5 (standard deviation 1.3) and diet was assessed in gestational week 22. Median iodine intake from food was 121 μg/day (interquartile range 90, 160), and 40% reported use of iodine-containing supplements in pregnancy. Median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 59 μg/L among those who did not use supplements and 98 μg/L in the women reporting current use at the time of sampling, indicating mild to moderate iodine deficiency in both groups. Iodine intake as measured by the food frequency questionnaire was not associated with the outcome measures, while UIC was inversely associated with FT3 (p = 0.002) and FT4 (p < 0.001). Introduction of an iodine-containing supplement after gestational week 12 was associated with indications of lower thyroid hormone production (lower FT4, p = 0.027, and nonsignificantly lower FT3, p = 0.17). The 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of TSH, FT4, and FT3 were not significantly different by groups defined by calculated iodine intake or by UIC.Conclusion: The results indicate that mild to moderate iodine deficiency affect thyroid function in pregnancy. However, the differences were small, suggesting that normal reference ranges can be determined based on data also from mildly iodine deficient populations, but this needs to be further studied. Introducing an iodine-containing supplement might temporarily inhibit thyroid hormone production and/or release.