[Iodine deficiency and pregnancy. Current situation]

Several studies performed in Spain have reported iodine deficiency in pregnant women but data from Valencia are lacking. The aim of the present study was to determine the degree of implantation of iodine supplementation in pregnant women in our health area.

A total of 232 pregnant women were studied in the first trimester of pregnancy. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine, and antiperoxidase antibodies were measured. A survey was performed on intake of iodized salt and pharmacological iodine supplements. Neonatal TSH concentrations were measured, based on screening of metabolopathies, in the newborns of participating women.

Then mean age was 30.5+/-4.4 years. A total of 60.8% of the women consumed iodized salt, 51.3% took iodine polyvitamins and only 14.2% consumed potassium iodide. The median urinary iodine concentration was 100 microg/l; 66% had urinary iodine concentrations below the recommended level (150 microg/l). A positive association was found between pharmacological iodine intake and urinary iodine (p=0.016). Ten percent of the women had mild hypothyroxinemia, while 5.7% of the newborns had elevated TSH levels.

Iodine intake in pregnant women in our health area is low, despite current recommendations. Our data support the need to promote the use of iodized salt in every home and to systematically administer potassium iodide supplements in all pregnant women.