Mullan, J. (2014). Limited knowledge about folic acid and iodine nutrition in pregnant women reflected in supplementation practices. Nutrition and Dietetics, 71 (4),[236][237][238][239][240][241][242][243][244] Limited knowledge about folic acid and iodine nutrition in pregnant women reflected in supplementation practices AbstractAim In order to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) and iodine deficiency in pregnancy, the National Health and Medical Research Council recommends that pregnant women supplement their diet with folic acid and iodine. This study aimed to identify the knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women regarding intake of these nutrients in order to assess whether women are adequately exposed to this health message. Methods One hundred and fifty-two conveniently sampled pregnant women residing in a regional area of New South Wales, Australia, completed a pretested questionnaire on knowledge and practices regarding nutritional supplement use during pregnancy and dietary sources of folic acid and iodine. Results Eighty-two per cent of women reported using supplements during their pregnancy, with the majority (67.7%) taking supplement brands containing both folic acid and iodine. Supplement use was significantly higher among women in the highest household income category (30.8 vs 69.2%; P = 0.001). Seventy-six per cent of the participants correctly identified NTDs to be associated with inadequate intake of folic acid, whereas only 40% correctly identified health problems associated with inadequate iodine intake. Women's knowledge of dietary sources of folic acid and iodine was limited. Conclusions A third of the pregnant women surveyed were not adhering to clinical recommendations for supplement use during pregnancy, and many had knowledge deficits with regard to the need for an adequate dietary intake of folic acid and iodine from both food and supplements during pregnancy. with folic acid and iodine. This study aimed to identify the knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women regarding intake of these nutrients in order to assess whether women are adequately exposed to this health message.Methods: 152 conveniently sampled pregnant women residing in a regional area of New South Wales,Australia completed a pre-tested questionnaire on knowledge and practices regarding nutritional supplement use during pregnancy and dietary sources of folic acid and iodine Results: Eighty-two percent of women reported using supplements during their pregnancy; with the majority (67.7%) taking supplement brands containing both folic acid and iodine. Supplement use was significantly higher among women in the highest household income category (30.8% vs. 69.2%; p=0.001). Seventy-six percent of the participants correctly identified NTDs to be associated with inadequate intake of folic acid, whereas only 40% correctly identified health problems associated with inadequate iodine intake. Women's knowledge of dietary sources of folic acid and iodine was limited. Conclusion:A third of the pregnant w...

Background: To reduce risk of neural tube defects and iodine deficiency in pregnancy, pharmacists are well placed to provide information about folic acid and iodine supplementation during pregnancy. Little research has been conducted regarding pharmacists' knowledge about nutrient supplementation. Aims: To assess pharmacists' knowledge about folic acid and iodine supplementation during pregnancy and to conduct an audit of pregnancy supplements available online. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists working in regional NSW and an audit of pregnancy supplements available from Australian-based online pharmacies were conducted. Results: All of the 41 community pharmacists surveyed had a good understanding about the need for folic acid during pregnancy, as compared to 73% in the case of iodine. In contrast to a high level of knowledge about the National Health and Medical Research Council recommendation of folic acid 400 micrograms/day in the first trimester, 73% of pharmacists did not know the National Health and Medical Research Council recommended dosage of 150 micrograms/day for iodine for the duration of pregnancy. In many cases, pharmacists' knowledge about the mandatory fortification program and dietary sources of both folic acid and iodine was also limited. Elevit, Blackmores and Megafol are pregnancy supplement brands most commonly recommended by pharmacists and also available for purchase online. Conclusion: Additional education of pharmacists about iodine supplementation for pregnancy, the mandatory fortification program and good dietary sources of both folic acid and iodine would help to ensure that they are providing up-to-date evidence-based nutritional advice for pregnancy.