Iodine knowledge is associated with iodine status in Portuguese pregnant women: results from the IoMum cohort study

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Pinheiro, C (Author) Other; Moreira, NX (Author) Other; Ferreira, P (Author) Other; Coelho, CM (Author) Other; Guimaraes, J (Author) Other; Pereira, G (Author) Other; Cortez, A (Author) Other; Bracchi, I (Author) Other; Pestana, D (Author) Other; Mota, IB (Author) Other; Prucha, C (Author) Other; Martins, C (Author) Other; Ribeiro, CA (Author) Other; Pinto, E (Author) Other; Agostinho Almeida (Author) FFUP; Delerue Matos, C (Author) Other; Montenegro, N (Author) Other; Dias C (Author) FMUP; Moreira Rosario, A (Author) Other; Azevedo L (Author) FMUP; Brantsaeter, AL (Author) Other; ramalho, c (Author) FMUP; Fernandes, VC (Author) Other; Leite, JC (Author) Other; Calhau, C (Author) Other; Elisa Keating (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: British Journal of Nutrition

Vol. 126

Pages: 1331-1339

ISSN: 0007-1145

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 10 Citations

Scopus - 10 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00T-9X7

DOI: 10.1017/s0007114521000155

Abstract (EN): Lack of knowledge about iodine has been suggested as a risk factor for iodine deficiency in pregnant women, but no studies have addressed this issue in Portugal. So, the aim of this study was to investigate iodine knowledge among Portuguese pregnant women and its association with iodine status. IoMum, a prospective observational study, included 485 pregnant women recruited at Centro Hospitalar e Universitario de S. Joao, Porto, between the 10th and 13th gestational weeks. Partial scores for knowledge on iodine importance, on iodine food sources or on iodised salt were obtained through the application of a structured questionnaire. Then, a total iodine knowledge score was calculated and grouped into low, medium and high knowledge categories. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was measured in spot urine samples by inductively coupled plasma MS. Of the pregnant women, 54 % correctly recognised iodine as important to neurocognitive development, 32 % were unable to identify any iodine-rich food and 71 % presented lack of knowledge regarding iodised salt. Of the women, 61 % had a medium total score of iodine knowledge. Knowledge on iodine importance during pregnancy was positively associated with iodine supplementation and also with UIC. Nevertheless, median UIC in women who correctly recognised the importance of iodine was below the cut-off for adequacy in pregnancy (150 mu g/l). In conclusion, knowledge on iodine importance is positively associated with iodine status. Despite this, recognising iodine importance during pregnancy may not be sufficient to ensure iodine adequacy. Literacy-promoting actions are urgently needed to improve iodine status in pregnancy.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9