Iodine intake and status during pregnancy and lactation before and after government initiatives to improve iodine status, in Palmerston North, New Zealand: a pilot study

• DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12055
• Publication Date: 2013-06-19T10:02:25Z
• Authors: Louise Brough; Ying Jin; Nurul Husna Shukri; Zirsha Roimata Wh...; Janet L. Weber; Jane Coad
• Keywords: Iodised salt; Dietary Reference Intake

Iodine deficiency during pregnancy and lactation may adversely affect fetal infant development. Two initiatives were introduced in New Zealand to prevent deficiency: (1) mandatory fortification of bread with iodised salt; (2) provision a subsidised iodine supplement (150 μg) for all pregnant breastfeeding women. The aim this study was assess intake status among self-selecting sample lactating women Palmerston North, both before after the two initiatives. Pregnant recruited (n = 25 32; 2009) 34 36; 2011) concentration determined 24-h urine breast milk samples using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Use supplements salt, knowledge deficiency, awareness by questionnaire. Median (UIC) higher 2011 compared 2009 (85 47 μg L(-1) ) (74 participants; median UIC below cut-offs adequate status. However, 2011, estimated daily 217 day(-1) ; 74% achieved Estimated Average Requirement. Knowledge low, only 28-56% aware need 15-22% addition salt bread. Despite initiatives, these indicates however, dietary intakes appear adequate. Ongoing surveillance use throughout is needed fully efficacy Alternative strategies require evaluation ensure have breastfeeding.