Iodine deficiency still common in pregnant women
11 March 2011
Iodine deficiency is common in pregnant women despite compulsory fortification of bread, researchers warn.
A cross-sectional study of 86 women in Gippsland, Victoria, who were more than 28 weeks' pregnant, found 72 per cent were iodine deficient (Med J Aust 2011; 194: 240-3).
Only one-third of the women reported hearing about the importance of iodine during pregnancy, whereas all had heard about the importance of folic acid.
The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 96 micrograms/L. Just 24 of the participants had an adequate iodine status of 150 microgram/L.
Last Reviewed: 11 March 2011
- Rahman A, Savige GS, Deacon NJ, et al. Urinary iodine deficiency in Gippsland pregnant women: the failure of bread fortification? Med J Aust 2011; 194: 240-3. http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/194_05_070311/rah10861_fm.html (accessed Mar 2011).
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