Methods to assess iron and iodine status

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Nutritional Science
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Assessing iodine and iron status is crucial for public health.
• Traditional methods for assessing these micronutrients have limitations in specificity and sensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recommended methods for assessing iodine and iron nutrition.
• To highlight the complementary roles of various biomarkers for accurate status evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Review of established and emerging biomarkers for iodine and iron assessment.
• Discussion of the temporal dynamics and applicability of each indicator.
• Consideration of practical aspects like sample collection and assay standardization.

Main Results:

• Urinary iodine, goitre rate, thyroglobulin, and TSH are complementary for iodine status across different timeframes.
• Serum ferritin and transferrin receptor, especially when combined, offer sensitive iron status assessment in the absence of inflammation.
• Thyroid ultrasound provides standardized criteria for goitre assessment in children.
• Dried blood spot thyroglobulin assays enhance practicality for remote sample collection.

Conclusions:

• A multi-biomarker approach is essential for comprehensive iodine and iron nutritional assessment.
• Urinary iodine, goitre rate, thyroglobulin, and TSH provide a dynamic picture of iodine status.
• Serum ferritin and transferrin receptor are the most sensitive indicators for iron status, particularly when used together.