We have investigated the effects of iodine (I) intake on urinary I excretion in preterm (PT) babies up to 2 months after birth and its effect on serum T 4 , free T 4 (FT 4 ), T 3 , TSH, and thyroglobulin (Tg) levels compared to those in term (T) newborns.Very premature and very sick infants were in negative I balance for the first weeks after birth. Later, these same infants, as well as the other PT and T newborns, were in positive balance; 75-80% of the ingested I was not accounted for in the urine. The urinary I levels of PT and T neonates cannot be equated to their I intakes.T 4 , FT 4 , and T 3 levels in PT and T neonates increased with postmenstrual age, whereas Tg decreased and TSH did not change. Serum FT 4 , T 3 , Tg, and TSH levels in PT neonates were affected negatively, independently from age, by a low I intake. PT birth also affected T 4 , FT 4 , and Tg negatively, independently from I intake and postmenstrual age, for at least 6 -8 weeks after birth. Care should be taken to avoid I deficiency in PT neonates. However, even when I intake is adequate, PT newborns are hypothyroxinemic compared to T babies during an important period of brain development. This suggests the possible convenience of interventions that might mimic the intrauterine hormone environment and accelerate

The bacteriological, biochemical, and immunological content of colostrum and mature milk from mothers of extremely preterm infants is particularly valuable for such infants. Efforts have to be made to try that preterm neonates receive milk from their own mothers or from donors matching, as much as possible, the gestational age of the preterm.

Background: Iodine sufficiency is particularly necessary throughout pregnancy, given its recognized impact on psychomotor performance of the offspring. There are no recent reports about iodine status or supplementation in Portugal, a country that the International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders considered, in 2004, to have probably reached iodine sufficiency. The objective of this study was to evaluate in the Minho region of Portugal the iodine status of women throughout pregnancy and after delivery, and of their offspring. Methods: Urinary iodine concentration (UI) was determined in 78 nonpregnant premenopausal women, in 140 pregnant women in the three trimesters of pregnancy and after delivery, and in their 142 offspring. Milk iodine concentration was determined at day 3 and 3 months after delivery. The thyroid volume was determined in women in the third trimester of pregnancy and 3 months after delivery and in infants at 3 months of age. Results: Based on the World Health Organization criteria, both nonpregnant and pregnant women had iodine deficiency (ID), as documented by median UI of <75 mg=L and milk iodine concentration of <100 mg=L. Goiter was observed in 14% of the pregnant women. Concordant with the mother's ID, median neonatal UI was low (71 and 97 mg=L at 3 days and 3 months of age). Conclusion: Portuguese women of the Minho region have an inadequate iodine intake, which may compromise the potential for full psychomotor development of their progeny. These observations suggest that iodine supplementation should be implemented throughout pregnancy and lactation in Portugal.

No abstract