Iodine nutritional status of women in their first trimester of pregnancy in Catalonia

Abstract

BackgroundSufficient iodine intake is needed during pregnancy to ensure proper fetal development. The iodine levels of women in their first trimester of pregnancy in Catalonia are currently unknown. This data would help to determine whether our public health services should establish recommendations or interventions in this line. The aim of this study was to investigate the iodine nutritional status, prevalence of urinary iodine <150 μg/L, and tobacco use in the first trimester of pregnancy in our setting.MethodsCross-sectional study. Data were collected during 2008–2009 from women in their first trimester at the primary care centers of the province of Barcelona (Spain). Pregnant women included in the study completed a questionnaire on eating habits and underwent urinary iodine concentration (UIC) assessment.ResultsNine hundred forty five women completed the dietary questionnaire and urinary iodine testing. Median UIC was 172 μg/L, with 407 participants (43.1%) showing levels <150 μg/L. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, intake of 1–2 glasses of milk per day, OR = 0.636 95% CI (0.45–0.90) or >2 glasses, OR = 0.593 95% CI (0.37–0.95); iodized salt consumption, OR = 0.678 95% CI (0.51–0. 90); and use of iodine supplementation, OR = 0.410 95% CI (0.31–0.54), protected against the risk of UIC <150 μg/L. Simultaneous consumption of iodized salt and milk (≥1 glass/day) showed a larger protective effect: OR = 0.427, 95% CI (0.31–0.54).ConclusionThe median UIC of the pregnant women surveyed indicated an acceptable iodine nutritional status according to the criteria established by the WHO and ICCIDD. The risk of urinary iodine <150 μg/L decreased with simultaneous consumption of milk and iodized salt, similar to the decrease seen with iodine supplementation.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12884-017-1423-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of Dietary Habit, Iodine Supplementation and Smoking Habit on Urinary Iodine Concentration During Pregnancy in a Catalonia Population

“…Menendez et al [3] also obtained similar results among women who consumed > 2 glasses of milk. Likewise, our group obtained a median UIC > 150 in women who habitually consumed milk and iodized salt before pregnancy [4]. In the present study we observed how the consumption of iodized salt increases during pregnancy and that, like milk and iodized supplements, it maintains an independent effect to achieve UIC ≥ 150 µg/L.…”

“…According to the 2014 position statement of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition [ 2 ], several studies have shown that most Spanish mothers are iodine-deficient during pregnancy and lactation. Nonetheless, two recent studies performed in pregnant women in the first trimester, one in Asturias [ 3 ] and the other by our group in Catalonia [ 4 ], reported median urinary iodine levels of 197 μg/L and 172 μg/L, respectively, both values being within the margins the World Health Organization (WHO) considers indicative of adequate iodine nutrition (>150 μg/L). The foods that had the greatest impact on urinary iodine in these studies were iodized salt, milk, and also iodine supplements.…”

“…A healthy diet should be sufficient, complete, varied, and balanced, but also adapted to the characteristics of the individual, while being satisfying, safe, sustainable, and affordable. To cover iodine needs during pregnancy, the diet should contain 3 servings of milk and dairy products and 2 g of iodized salt per day [ 3 , 4 , 10 ]. If this iodine supply cannot be guaranteed, KI supplementation (200–250 μg/day) is recommended [ 10 ].…”

Impact of Dietary Habit, Iodine Supplementation and Smoking Habit on Urinary Iodine Concentration During Pregnancy in A Catalonia Population

“…Iodine requirements increase significantly during pregnancy and lactation, and if the intake is insufficient during these periods, thyroid hormone production can decrease, with consequent repercussions on the mother, the developing fetus, and the breastfed infant several studies have shown that most Spanish mothers are iodine-deficient during pregnancy and lactation. Nonetheless, two recent studies performed in pregnant women in the first trimester, one in Asturias [3] and the other by our group in Catalonia [4], reported median urinary iodine levels of 197 g/L and 172 g/L, respectively, both values within the margins the World Health Organization (WHO) considers indicative of adequate iodine nutrition (>150 g/L). The foods that had the greatest impact on urinary iodine in these studies were iodized salt, milk, and also iodine supplements.…”

Atmospheric Pollution and Thyroid Function of Pregnant Women in Athens, Greece: A Pilot Study

“…regarding iodine deficiency) and environmental (p.ex. regarding type of pollutants exposed to) differences do exist among these populations [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. The environmental degradation, which has occurred in recent years in urban and suburban settings in Greece [ 20 ], led us to the localized study of air pollution vs. thyroid status in pregnant women in Athens, Greece.…”