scholarly journals Vegans, Vegetarians and Pescatarians Are at Risk of Iodine Deficiency in Norway

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 3555
Author(s):  
Synne Groufh-Jacobsen ◽  
Sonja Y. Hess ◽  
Inger Aakre ◽  
Elin Lovise Folven Gjengedal ◽  
Kristina Blandhoel Pettersen ◽  
...  

Low iodine intakes have been documented in different population groups in Norway. We aimed to assess iodine status, dietary intake, supplement and macroalgae use, and iodine knowledge in vegans, vegetarians and pescatarians. In this study, 115 vegans, 55 vegetarians and 35 pescatarians from the Oslo region of Norway, aged 18–60 years, participated. A spot urine sample was collected along with a dietary assessment of iodine intake, supplement and macroalgae use. The median urinary iodine concentration (MUIC) in vegans was 43 µg/L (moderate iodine deficiency), in vegetarians 67 µg/L and in pescatarians 96 µg/L (mild iodine deficiency). In multiple linear regression analysis, use of iodine supplements was one of the strongest predictors of UIC. About half of the participants had median 24-h iodine intakes below estimated average requirement (EAR) of 100 µg/day. Fifty percent had low knowledge score, while 27% had very low knowledge score. Vegans, vegetarians and possibly pescatarians in Norway, are unable to reach the recommended iodine intake merely from food and are dependent on iodine supplements. There is an urgent need for dietary guidance targeting vegans, vegetarians and pescatarians to avoid inadequate iodine intake in non-supplement users, as well as avoiding excess iodine intake in macroalgae users.

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 941 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigrun Henjum ◽  
Anne Brantsæter ◽  
Astrid Kurniasari ◽  
Lisbeth Dahl ◽  
Eli Aadland ◽  
...  

Previous studies have documented mild to moderate iodine deficiency in pregnant and lactating women in Norway. This study focused on non-pregnant young women because their future children may be susceptible to the adverse effects of iodine deficiency. We assessed urinary iodine concentration (UIC), iodine intake from food and supplements, and iodine knowledge in 403 non-pregnant women, mainly students, aged 18–30 years. Iodine concentration was measured in spot urine samples analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and iodine intake was calculated from a self-reported food frequency questionnaire. Knowledge about iodine was collected through the self-administered, paper-based questionnaire. Median (p25–p75) UIC was 75 (42–130) µg/L and 31% had UIC < 50 µg/L. Habitual iodine intake was 100 (69–136) µg/day. In multiple regression models, supplemental iodine, use of thyroid medication, and iodine intake from food were positively associated with UIC, while vegetarian practice was negatively associated, explaining 16% of the variance. Approximately 40% of the young women had low iodine knowledge score and no differences were found between women in different study programs. Young women in Norway are mild to moderately iodine-deficient, and public health strategies are needed to improve and secure adequate iodine status.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
M. Dineva ◽  
M. P. Rayman ◽  
S. C. Bath

Abstract Milk is the main source of iodine in the UK; however, the consumption and popularity of plant-based milk-alternative drinks are increasing. Consumers may be at risk of iodine deficiency as, unless fortified, milk alternatives have a low iodine concentration. We therefore aimed to compare the iodine intake and status of milk-alternative consumers with that of cows’ milk consumers. We used data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey from years 7 to 9 (2014–2017; before a few manufacturers fortified their milk-alternative drinks with iodine). Data from 4-d food diaries were used to identify consumers of milk-alternative drinks and cows’ milk, along with the estimation of their iodine intake (µg/d) (available for n 3976 adults and children ≥1·5 years). Iodine status was based on urinary iodine concentration (UIC, µg/l) from spot-urine samples (available for n 2845 adults and children ≥4 years). Milk-alternative drinks were consumed by 4·6 % (n 185; n 88 consumed these drinks exclusively). Iodine intake was significantly lower in exclusive consumers of milk alternatives than cows’ milk consumers (94 v. 129 µg/d; P < 0·001). Exclusive consumers of milk alternatives also had a lower median UIC than cows’ milk consumers (79 v. 132 µg/l; P < 0·001) and were classified as iodine deficient by the WHO criterion (median UIC < 100 µg/l), whereas cows’ milk consumers were iodine sufficient. These data show that consumers of unfortified milk-alternative drinks are at risk of iodine deficiency. As a greater number of people consume milk-alternative drinks, it is important that these products are fortified appropriately to provide a similar iodine content to that of cows’ milk.


Mediscope ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 30-35
Author(s):  
GM Molla

Iodine is a micronutrient, which is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones play a major role in the development of different functional components in different stages of life. The relationship between iodine intake level of a population and occurrences of thyroid disorders U-shaped with an increase from both low and high iodine intake. Iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) are a major health problem worldwide in all age groups, but infants, school children, and pregnant and lactating women are vulnerable. During pregnancy and lactation, the fetus and infants are sensitive to maternal iodine intake. Even mild iodine deficiency may lead to irreversible brain damage during this period. A main cause of IDDs of neonates and infants is maternal iodine deficiency. Universal salt iodization strategy has been initiated by the World Health Organization and United Nation International Children Emergency Fund by the year 1993 for correction and prevention of iodine deficiency. Excessive iodine causes hypothyroidism, iodine-induced hyperthyroidism and autoimmune thyroid diseases. Iodine deficiency and excessive iodine, both cause goiter. There are many indicators for assessing the IDDs, such as measurement of thyroid size by palpation or ultrasonography, serum thyroid stimulating hormone, and thyroglobulin but these are less sensitive, costly and sometimes interpretation is difficult. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) is a well-accepted, cost-efficient, and easily obtainable indicator of iodine status. Since the majority of iodine absorbed by the body is excreted in the urine, it is considered a sensitive marker of current iodine intake and can reflect recent changes in iodine status. Iodine requirements are greatly increased during pregnancy and lactation, owing to metabolic changes. During intrauterine life, maternal iodine is the only source of iodine for a fetus. UIC determines the iodine status of pregnant and lactating women. Breast milk is the only source of iodine for exclusively breastfed neonates and infants. Breast milk iodine concentration can be determined by UIC. UIC predicts the adverse health consequences of excessive iodine intake such as goiter, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism. This review presents that iodine status in different groups of a population can be determined by UIC which will be helpful in assessing the iodine status in a community, finding out the cause of thyroid disorders, to predict the risk of adverse health effects of iodine deficiency and excessive iodine, and in making plan for iodine supplementation.Mediscope Vol. 5, No. 2: Jul 2018, Page 30-35


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-69
Author(s):  
Scrinic Olesea ◽  
Delia Corina Elena ◽  
Toma Geanina Mirela ◽  
Circo Eduard

Abstract Objective: Assessment of iodine nutritional status in pregnant women in the perimarine area of Romania, a region without iodine deficiency. Adequate iodine intake is the main source for normal thyroid function, ensuring the need for maternal thyroid hormones during pregnancy, but also for the development and growth of children in the fetal and postpartum period. Material and method: Prospective study performed on 74 pregnant women in the first 2 trimesters of pregnancy, originating from the perimarin area. The following indicators of iodine status were analyzed: urinary iodine concentration (UIC), the ratio between urinary iodine concentration and urinary creatinine (UIC/UCr), the prevalence of maternal goiter and the value of neonatal TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). Results: The mean gestational age was 11 weeks. The ways of iodine intake are: iodized salt - 59.4%, iodized salt and iodine supplements- 23%, only iodine supplements -10.8% and 6.8% consume only non-iodized salt. The median of UIC was 133.03 mcg/l considered insufficient iodine intake (normal in pregnancy UIC >150 mcg/l), but the adjustment of UIC to urinary creatinine reveals a median of 152.83 mcg/g, a value that reflects an adequate iodine intake. The prevalence of goiter was 25.6% characteristic for a moderate iodine deficiency. The prevalence of neonatal TSH >5 mIU/L was registered in 18.8% characteristic of mild iodine deficiency. Conclusions: Monitoring of the iodine nutritional status is recommended for the prevention of disorders due to iodine deficiency under the conditions of universal salt iodization. Perimarine areas considered sufficient in iodine may show variations in iodine status in subpopulations under certain physiological conditions, such as pregnancy. An indicator of iodine status of the population is UIC, but the UIC/UCr ratio may be a more optimal indicator for pregnant women, to avoid possible overestimated results of iodine deficiency in pregnancy.


2017 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 216-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Murcia ◽  
Mercedes Espada ◽  
Jordi Julvez ◽  
Sabrina Llop ◽  
Maria-Jose Lopez-Espinosa ◽  
...  

BackgroundThe effect of mild-to-moderate maternal iodine deficiency on the neuropsychological development of their offspring is uncertain. We aimed to assess the association between iodine status during pregnancy and the cognitive and motor development of children at 4–5 years.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study in four Spanish regions with recruitment of pregnant women between 2003 and 2008 and follow-up of their children up to 4–5 years (mean (SD)=4.8 (0.6)). Cognitive and motor function was assessed in 1803 children using the McCarthy Scales of Children’s Abilities. Dietary iodine and supplementation were measured through questionnaires twice during pregnancy. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was measured in spot samples. The residuals of a regression of UIC against creatinine were used to define a variable corrected for creatinine (UIC~Cr).ResultsNeither iodine supplements nor iodised salt consumption or maternal UIC were associated with cognitive or motor function. After adjusting for creatinine, children of women with UIC~Cr <100 µg/L had 3.93 (95% CI −6.18 to –1.69) general cognitive scores lower than the reference (150–249 µg/L). Dietary iodine was inversely associated with motor scores and milk but not other dairy products or seafood consumption accounted for this association (beta: −1.36; 95% CI −2.12 to –0.61; per one daily milk serving).ConclusionsWe found an association between low maternal urinary iodine and lower cognitive scores in childhood, although only when corrected for creatinine, adding to the evidence that iodine deficiency may have potential harmful effects on neurodevelopment. Iodine supplementation does not appear to improve child’s neurodevelopment at 4–5 years.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Creswell J Eastman ◽  
Gary Ma ◽  
Mu Li

Iodine intake must be boosted during pregnancy to meet the demands for increased production and placental transfer of thyroid hormone essential for optimal foetal development. Failure to meet this challenge results in irreversible brain damage, manifested in severity from neurological cretinism to minor or subtle deficits of intelligence and behavioural disorders. Attention is now being focused on explaining observational studies of an association between insufficient iodine intake during pregnancy and mild degrees of intellectual impairment in the offspring and confirming a cause and effect relationship with impaired maternal thyroid function. The current qualitative categorisation of iodine deficiency into mild, moderate and severe by the measurement of the median urinary iodine concentration (MUIC) in a population of school-age children, as a proxy measure of dietary iodine intake, is inappropriate for defining the degree or severity of gestational iodine deficiency and needs to be replaced. This review examines progress in analytical techniques for the measurement of urinary iodine concentration and the application of this technology to epidemiological studies of iodine deficiency with a focus on gestational iodine deficiency. We recommend that more precise definitions and measurements of gestational iodine deficiency, beyond a spot UIC, need to be developed. We review the evidence for hypothyroxinaemia as the cause of intrauterine foetal brain damage in gestational iodine deficiency and discuss the many unanswered questions, from which we propose that further clinical studies need to be designed to address the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental impairments in the foetus and infant. Agreement on the testing instruments and standardization of processes and procedures for Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and psychomotor tests needs to be reached by investigators, so that valid comparisons can be made among studies of gestational iodine deficiency and neurocognitive outcomes. Finally, the timing, safety and the efficacy of prophylactic iodine supplementation for pregnant and lactating women needs to be established and confirmation that excess intake of iodine during pregnancy is to be avoided.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Herborg Líggjasardóttir Johannesen ◽  
Gunnar Sjúrðarson Knudsen ◽  
Stig Andersen ◽  
Pál Weihe ◽  
Anna Sofía Veyhe

Abstract The World Health Organization recommends monitoring iodine status in all populations with median urinary iodine concentration below 100 µg/L suggesting iodine deficiency. There are no data on the iodine intake among the population of the Faroe Islands. This study aimed to provide data on iodine nutrition in a representative sample of the general adult population from the Faroe Islands. We conducted a population-based cross-sectional survey in 2011-2012 and measured iodine in urine from 491 participants (294/197 men/women) using the ceri/arsen method after alkaline ashing. Participants include around 100 subjects in each of four adult decades and included participants from both the capital city and villages. The median urinary iodine concentration was low within the recommended range 101 µg/L (range 21-1870 µg/L). No samples were in the range suggesting severe iodine deficiency, but half of the samples were in the range of just adequate or mildly insufficient iodine intake with urinary iodine concentration markedly lower in women than in men (86 versus 115 µg/L; P<0·001). Intake of fish and whale meals affected the urinary iodine concentrations. In conclusion, nearly half of the population had an iodine excretion in the range of borderline or mild iodine deficiency. The lowest iodine nutrition level among Faroese women is a concern as it may extend to pregnancy with increased demands on iodine nutrition. In addition, we found large variations and the intermittently excessive iodine intakes warrants follow-up on thyroid function in the population of the Faroe Islands.


2001 ◽  
pp. 595-603 ◽  
Author(s):  
WM Wiersinga ◽  
J Podoba ◽  
M Srbecky ◽  
M van Vessem ◽  
HC van Beeren ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Iodine deficiency and endemic goiter have been reported in the past in The Netherlands, especially in the southeast. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate iodine intake and thyroid size in Dutch schoolchildren, contrasting those living in a formerly iodine-deficient region in the east (Doetinchem) with those living in an iodine-sufficient region in the west (Amsterdam area). DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of 937 Dutch schoolchildren aged 6--18 years, of whom 390 lived in the eastern and 547 in the western part of the country. METHODS: Thyroid size was assessed by inspection and palpation as well as by ultrasound. Iodine intake was evaluated by questionnaires on dietary habits and by measurement of urinary iodine concentration. RESULTS: Eastern and western regions were similar with respect to median urinary iodine concentration (15.7 and 15.3 microg/dl, NS, Mann-Whitney U test), goiter prevalence by inspection and palpation (0.8 and 2.6%, P=0.08, chi-squared test), and thyroid volumes. The P97.5 values of thyroid volumes per age and body surface area group were all lower than the corresponding sex-specific normative WHO reference values. Iodized salt was not used by 45.7% of households. Daily bread consumption was five slices by boys and four slices by girls. Weekly milk consumption was 3 liters by boys and 2 liters by girls. Seafish was consumed once monthly. From these figures we calculated a mean daily iodine intake of 171 microg in boys and 143 microg in girls, in good agreement with the measured median urinary concentration of 16.7 microg/dl in boys and 14.5 microg/dl in girls. The sex difference in iodine excretion is fully accounted for by an extra daily consumption of one slice of bread (20 microg I) and one-seventh of a liter of milk (8.3 microg I) by boys. Thyroid volume increases with age, but a steep increase by 41% was observed in girls between 11 and 12 years, and by 55% in boys between 13 and 14 years, coinciding with peak height velocity. Girls have a larger thyroid volume at the ages of 12 and 13 years, but thyroid volume is larger in boys as of the age of 14 years. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Iodine deficiency disorders no longer exist in The Netherlands. (2) Bread consumption remains the main source of dietary iodine in The Netherlands; the contribution of iodized table salt and seafish is limited. (3) The earlier onset of puberty in girls renders their thyroid volume larger than in boys at the age of 12--13 years, but boys have a larger thyroid volume as of the age of 14 years.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Nicol ◽  
Cara Swailes ◽  
Layla Alahmari ◽  
Emilie Combet

AbstractIntroduction: Most consumers remain unaware of iodine sources in the diet. With no prophylaxis, iodine insufficiency remains a largely unappreciated issue in the UK. Including seaweed to the food supply represents a solution and opportunity but this supply needs to be carefully curated and calibrated, as excess iodine may be harmful for thyroid health. This project aimed to test the efficacy of a proof-of-concept reformulated food using seaweed as an ingredient source of iodine, to supplement women who have a habitual low iodine intake.Materials and Methods: Self-reported healthy women, pre-menopausal who avoid iodine-rich foods were randomised to: P1) reformulated food (pizza)with seaweed ingredient, or P2) a control food, similar to P1 but without supplemental iodine, or S1) control, empty capsules, or S2) PureSea Natural ascophyllum nodosum seaweed capsules, the ingredient used in P1. Capsules or food were to be consumed three times per week (providing 400μg iodine per intake). At least 10 spot urine samples were collected per person over at least 3 days preceding each study point. Urinary iodine was measured with a modified Sandell-Koltoff assay.Results: Participants (n = 96, median age 29, IQR 23–42) had a habitual iodine intake of 64μg/d (IQR 39–119, no detectable difference between groups). Dropout rates at 3-month were 41% (P1 &P2 each), 21% for S1, 11% for S2.Baseline urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was low/marginal, at 66μg/L (IQR 34-71), 64μg/L (IQR 40-96), 54μg/L (IQR 31-86) and 39μg/L (IQR 21-64) for P1, P2, S1 and S2 respectively (no difference between groups, p > 0.05).Change in UIC differed between groups at week-2 (p < 0.001), increasing in P1 & S2: by 45μg/L (IQR 2-69), and 35μg/L (IQR 13-48), respectively, decreasing in S1: -14μg/L (IQR –24-(–1)), with no change in group P2. This remained true for groups S1 & S2 when urinary iodine excretion was corrected for creatinine.After 3 months, differences in changes from baselines remained between groups (p < 0.01), with an increase in groups P1 and S2: 28μg/L (IQR 1-112), 43μg/L (IQR 23-93) but not groups P2 or S1. This remained true when UIC was corrected for creatinine.Changes in weight between and within groups were not detected at either time points, with group median changes within 2 kg of baseline weight.Discussion: Iodine-rich seaweed is effective in increasing the iodine status of women with a low habitual iodine intake, as a supplement, or as an ingredient in a cooked reformulated product. In term of feasibility, large attrition in the food groups P1 and P2 demands further attention, for interpretation of data and future translation of the findings.


Author(s):  
Ilze Konrāde ◽  
Ieva Kalere ◽  
Ieva Strēle ◽  
Marina Makrecka-Kūka ◽  
Vija Veisa ◽  
...  

Abstract In the absence of a mandatory salt iodisation programme, two nationwide cross-sectional cluster surveys revealed persisting iodine deficiency among Latvian schoolchildren during the spring season and a noteworthy iodine deficiency in pregnant women in Latvia; these deficiencies warrant intervention. The consequences of mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency during pregnancy and lactation can adversely affect foetal brain development. Data from a Latvian population survey revealed the consumption of approximately 100 μg of iodine per day through foods and iodised salt. Therefore, strategies to increase the consumption of iodine-containing products should be implemented, particularly for children. In addition, to meet the increased iodine requirement during pregnancy, pregnant women should take daily supplements containing 150 μg iodine from the earliest time possible. All women of childbearing age should be advised to increase their dietary iodine intake by using iodised table salt and iodine-rich products: seafood, milk and milk products. For women with pre-existing thyroid pathologies, the medical decision should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Urinary iodine concentration monitoring among schoolchildren and pregnant women and neonatal thyrotropin registry analysis every five years would be an appropriate strategy for maintaining iodine intake within the interval that prevents iodine deficiency disorders.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document