A study by USP’s Ribeirão Preto Medical School (FMRP) revealed that many pregnant women using the public health system (SUS) in Ribeirão Preto have inadequate iodine levels—a vital nutrient for fetal development.
Ana Carolina Momentti’s study of 266 pregnant women at public clinics found 38% had low iodine, 28% had excess, and only 34% were within the ideal range. Iodine concentrations were measured through urine samples.
The Role of Iodine in Fetal Development and Pregnancy Health
Momentti explains that iodine is crucial for thyroid hormone production, which supports the baby’s nervous system development. A deficiency during pregnancy can lead to hypothyroidism, miscarriage, premature birth, and restricted fetal growth.
Researchers found that poor iodine intake is linked to dietary, environmental, social, and public health factors. Low-income, less-educated, and Black or Brown pregnant women were less likely to use iodized salt. Those with more children or short pregnancy intervals also faced higher deficiency risks due to greater iodine needs.
Since diet is the main source of iodine, both food and environmental factors play a role in its availability. The iodine content in foods can vary widely—even within the same region—due to climate and geographic conditions. Factors like soil mineral content, fertilizer use, animal feed supplementation, and iodized salt all affect iodine levels in food.
Iodine-Rich Foods and Their Accessibility Challenges
Fish, seafood, seaweed, milk, and dairy products are considered good iodine sources. However, access is limited—fish and seafood are coastal, and milk’s iodine content varies with farming practices and environment.
Anvisa sets iodine in salt at 15–45 mcg/kg, but pregnant women need 200–250 mcg daily—about 50% more—due to higher nutritional demands.
Higher iodine needs are vital, as deficiency increases risks of miscarriage, prematurity, growth issues, hypothyroidism, and delayed brain development. Yet, excessive iodine can also cause complications, including thyroid dysfunction and increased chances of miscarriage and premature delivery.
Brazil’s Public Policies for Iodine Deficiency Prevention
To support iodine intake, Brazil has mandated iodization of table salt since the 1950s and established the National Program for the Prevention and Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (Pro-Iodine), coordinated by the Ministry of Health and Anvisa.
Despite these efforts, FMRP research found that many pregnant women still lack sufficient iodine. Risk factors include alcohol consumption during pregnancy, the use of industrialized seasonings instead of iodized salt, and improper salt storage. Notably, women who drank alcohol were 6.59 times more likely to have iodine deficiency. While only 20.3% of participants used iodized salt regularly, 74.3% relied on processed seasonings, contributing to inadequate iodine levels.
Strengthening Fortification Programs and Raising Public Awareness
Ana stresses the need to strengthen salt fortification programs to ensure pregnant women have adequate iodine access. She also calls for public awareness campaigns promoting iodized salt use and healthy pregnancy habits, such as avoiding excess salt and processed seasonings.
The study underscores the importance of nutritional monitoring during prenatal care and urges stronger public policies to guarantee proper iodine intake for all pregnant women.
Advisor Anderson Marliere Navarro notes that while current iodization policies have reduced deficiency overall, they fall short for pregnant women. He recommends improved salt monitoring, proper storage education, and targeted supplementation when needed.
Navarro states that the research is ongoing, aiming to assess the perinatal, neonatal, and infant outcomes—up to six months of age—of the pregnant women from the initial study who showed signs of iodine deficiency or excess during pregnancy.
Read the original article on: Jornal.usp.br
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