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Iodine saturation of Roma neonates in prague is not at an optimum level
P Dlouhý1, J Rambousková, O Wiererová
1Division of Nutrition, 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. pavel.dlouhy@lf3.cuni.cz
Insights
Urinary iodine levels in Roma neonates indicate mild iodine deficiency, despite overall higher supplementation. Further improvements in iodine intake are needed for optimal infant health.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional biochemistry
- Pediatric health
- Public health
Background:
- Iodine is crucial for neonatal development.
- Assessing iodine status in diverse populations is important.
- Roma neonates may have different nutritional profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare urinary iodine levels in Roma and majority population neonates.
- To evaluate iodine supplementation status in these groups.
- To identify potential disparities in iodine intake.
Main Methods:
- Urinary iodine concentration was measured in neonates.
- The Sandell-Kolthoff method was employed for analysis.
- Urine samples were collected on the 4th day postpartum.
Main Results:
- Median urinary iodine was lower in Roma neonates (92.15 microg/l) compared to majority population neonates (109.20 microg/l).
- Mean urinary iodine levels showed a similar trend, though differences were not statistically significant.
- Mothers in the majority population reported higher intake of iodine supplements and fish.
Conclusions:
- Roma neonates exhibit urinary iodine levels consistent with mild iodine deficiency.
- While neonatal iodine supplementation has increased, it remains suboptimal.
- Targeted nutritional strategies may be necessary for Roma neonates.
Aim:
The purpose of our study was to determine urinary iodine as an indicator of iodine supplementation in Roma (Gypsy) neonates compared to majority population neonates.
Methods:
The groups studied were formed by 30 full-term Roma neonates and 151 majority population neonates. Iodine was determined from samples of urine collected on the 4th day after delivery, after alkaline ashing, using the Sandell-Kolthoff method.
Results:
The median of urinary iodine in Roma neonates was 92.15 microg/l urine and in neonates from majority population mothers it was 109.20 microg/l urine. The mean of urinary iodine in Roma neonates was 114.55 microg/l urine (SD 71.68 microg/l) and in neonates from majority population mothers it was 141.86 microg/l urine (SD 87.42 microg/l). The difference was not statistically significant. Majority population mothers more frequently consumed nutrition supplements containing iodine as well as fish.
Conclusions:
Compared to older data, supplementation of neonates with iodine is higher. However, it does not reach optimum levels. The urinary iodine median in Roma neonates lies in the mild iodine deficiency band.
