A review of current knowledge about the importance of iodine among women of child-bearing age and healthcare professionals

Abstract

Iodine is required for thyroid hormone synthesis and fetal neurogenesis. Recent population studies in the United Kingdom (UK) have found iodine deficiency among schoolgirls, women of child-bearing age and pregnant women. This review explores knowledge and awareness of iodine among women of child-bearing age and healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the UK, set within a global context. We aimed to identify gaps in iodine knowledge in the current UK setting of iodine deficiency without iodine fortification and where iodine is not included in antenatal guidelines. The search terms ‘iodine knowledge’ and ‘iodine awareness’ were used to identify relevant papers. Iodine knowledge is poor among women of child-bearing age in the UK according to four studies using questionnaires and qualitative methods. They were unsure of dietary sources of iodine and were not consistently provided with relevant information from HCPs during clinical care. Midwives have been recognised as the main providers of dietary information during pregnancy and, although they recognised the importance of their role in providing nutrition advice, they did not feel equipped to do so and lacked confidence in addressing nutritional concerns. Globally, there was a similar lack of knowledge, however, this was somewhat improved by the inclusion of iodine in antenatal care guidelines. Midwives’ knowledge of iodine was poor, as was knowledge among women of child-bearing age. Improved HCP knowledge and effective communication of information to pregnant women and women planning to conceive may help to improve iodine status which is of particular concern in pregnancy.

Knowledge of Thyroid Disease Manifestation and Risk Factors Among the General Population in the Tabuk Region of Saudi Arabia

“…More than half (n=233, 57.8%) of the participants thought that smoking is a risk factor for thyroid disease and this was found to be contradictory to that reported in the study conducted by Wiersinga [11]. Inadequate iodine intake was thought to be a risk factor for thyroid disorders by more than two-thirds (n=276, 68.5%) of the participants, and this is in contradiction to the study conducted by Kayes et al, in which the level of knowledge about the importance of iodine in the prevention of thyroid disorders was poor [12].…”

Urine Iodine Concentration Trends During Pregnancy in The North-Central Region of Nigeria: An Analysis

“…Adequate iodine intake is crucial during pregnancy to support maternal adaptation and provide the foetus with the necessary thyroid hormones and iodine [4]. The signi cance of iodine in pregnancy is underscored by its role in foetal neurogenesis and the development of the brain and nervous system [5]. Studies emphasise the importance of ensuring su cient dietary iodine intake and monitoring urinary iodine levels throughout pregnancy to support optimal neurodevelopment [6].…”