Iodine and pregnancy – a UK cross-sectional survey of dietary intake, knowledge and awareness

British Journal of Nutrition
Q1
May 2015
Citations:68
Influential Citations:4
Observational Studies (Human)
83
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Enhanced Details

Methods
Cross-sectional survey; 1026 UK-resident women, either pregnant or mother to a child aged 0–36 months; median age 32 (IQR 29–36).
Intervention
Iodine-containing supplements; frequency: daily or some days (every other day); timing: throughout pregnancy or first trimester only; dosage not reported; brands not specified.
Results
Iodine intake in pregnancy is generally below recommended levels: median dietary intake without supplements is 190 mg/d (IQR 144–256); 74% below 250 mg/d and 55% below 200 mg/d. Main dietary sources are milk (40%), other dairy (31%), and fish (24%). About 38% used iodine-containing supplements; total iodine intake increased with supplementation: first trimester 237 mg/d with supplements vs 190 mg/d without (P<0.001); during 2nd–3rd trimesters 223 mg/d with supplements vs 190 mg/d without (P<0.001). Awareness of iodine-specific recommendations was very low (12%), and confidence in achieving adequate iodine intake was also low (28%); 56% could not identify any iodine-rich foods, and 64% reported receiving no iodine information. 85% would try to increase iodine intake if aware of its importance, but 72% were not confident how to achieve it. Education level and age were associated with higher iodine intake; calcium-related information and general awareness influenced iodine intake. UK has no routine iodine supplementation guideline for pregnancy; findings support need for consistent nutrition education, potential fortification or supplementation strategies, and further research to establish effective public-health approaches.
Limitations
Cross-sectional design; reliance on FFQ with recall bias; convenience sampling and online recruitment; sample skewed toward White British, well-educated women; results may not generalize to the broader UK population; deprivation and socioeconomic factors not fully captured.

Abstract

Iodine is a key component of the thyroid hormones, which are critical for healthy growth, development and metabolism. The UK population is now classified as mildly iodine-insufficient. Adequate levels of iodine during pregnancy are essential for feta...