Article Text
Abstract
Background: Monitoring iodine status during pregnancy is essential to prevent iodine related disorders. The objectives of this study are to estimate iodine intake and excretion, to assess their association, and to evaluate the compliance of the recommendations in a multicentre cohort of pregnant women.
Methods: We analysed cross-sectional data on maternal iodine nutritional status compiled between weeks 8 and 22 of gestation in three Spanish areas (Valencia, Gipuzkoa and Sabadell). Information on iodine intake from diet, salt and supplements was estimated through questionnaires. Spot urine samples were analysed for urinary iodine concentration (UIC). We used tobit regression analysis to assess the association between iodine intake and UIC.
Results: 1522 women were included in the study. Median UIC was 134 (interquartile range (IQR): 80-218) ig/l in Valencia, 168 (IQR: 108-272) ig/l in Gipuzkoa, and 94 (IQR: 57-151) ig/l in Sabadell. 48.9% of Valencian women consumed iodine supplements, 93.3% in Gipuzkoa and 11.0% in Sabadell. Prevalence of iodised salt consumption was 50.5% in the whole sample. UIC was associated with intake of supplements, iodised salt, dietary iodine and water. UIC levels were lower than expected according to the estimated iodine intake.
Conclusion: Median UIC reflected iodine deficiency according to WHO reference levels, except in Gipuzkoa where supplements are widely consumed. It is necessary to strengthen iodised salt consumption, since it is already far from the objective proposed of coverage of 90% of households. More data would be valuable in order to assess the correspondence between iodine intake and excretion during pregnancy.