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Effect of iodine supplementation during pregnancy on infant neurodevelopment at 1 year of age

Mario Murcia1, Marisa Rebagliato, Carmen Iñiguez

  • 1Unit of Environment and Health, Centre for Public Health Research, Avda. Catalunya 21,Valencia, Spain. murcia_mar@gva.es

American Journal of Epidemiology
|March 10, 2011
PubMed

Insights

High iodine intake from supplements during pregnancy may negatively impact infant neurodevelopment, particularly in girls. More research is needed on iodine supplementation safety and effectiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Thyroid hormones, crucial for fetal brain development, require iodine.
  • The precise relationship between maternal iodine intake, thyroid function, and infant neurodevelopment requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between maternal iodine intake (diet and supplements), maternal/neonatal thyroid function, and infant neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A prebirth cohort study in Valencia, Spain (2005-2007) involving 691 children.
  • Maternal iodine intake assessed via diet and supplements.
  • Maternal and neonatal thyroid function measured.
  • Infant neurodevelopment evaluated at age 1 year using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (Mental Development Index and Psychomotor Development Index - PDI).

Main Results:

  • Elevated maternal thyrotropin (>4 μU/mL) correlated with increased risk of low PDI (<85).
  • Maternal iodine intake from supplements ≥150 μg/day was linked to a significant decrease in PDI and higher odds of low PDI compared to <100 μg/day.
  • This negative association was more pronounced in female infants.

Conclusions:

  • High maternal iodine supplementation may pose risks to infant neurodevelopment, especially for girls.
  • Further research is essential to determine the safety and efficacy of iodine supplementation in pregnant women, particularly in areas with sufficient or mildly deficient iodine levels.

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