Change over time in the iodine nutritional status of pregnant women from the Pamplona healthcare region. / Evolución del estado de nutrición de yodo en gestantes del area sanitaria de Pamplona.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Adequate iodine intake is essential during pregnancy. A previous study of pregnant women from the Pamplona healthcare region showed mild iodine deficiency (mean urinary iodine level, 125 mcg/L). This study was intended to ascertain the iodine intake of pregnant women in our region and to analyze the change over time in their iodine nutritional status. METHODS: An observational study of 400 women in their first trimester of pregnancy. An iodine intake questionnaire was administered. To assess iodine status, urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was measured in a simple urine sample, and serum thyroglobulin levels were determined. In addition, thyroid volume was measured by cervical ultrasound examination. RESULTS: Iodized salt was used by 70.5% of all participants (55.3% since the pre-gestational period) and 98.5% of them received iodine-containing supplements (mean dose, 202.6±30.1 mcg/day). Mean urinary iodine concentration was 242 mcg/L (138.5-415.5 mcg/L) and the mean serum thyroglobulin level was 12.3 mcg/L (8.3-9 mcg/L). Iodized salt intake was associated with higher UICs and lower thyroid volume. No differences were found in any of the tested parameters regarding the intake of dairy products, fish, or eggs. CONCLUSIONS: Iodine intake by pregnant women in Pamplona has increased due to a greater use of iodized salt and to higher doses of iodine supplements. As a result of this, an adequate iodine status has been achieved in the last decade.