Maternal iodine deficiency: a newborns' overweight risk factor? A prospective study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Public Health
• Perinatal Medicine

Background:

• Childhood obesity and iodine deficiency are significant global health issues.
• The role of maternal iodine status in infant overweight development requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between maternal iodine status and infant birth weight.
• To assess the relationship between maternal iodine status and the incidence of small for gestational age (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA) infants.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 134 mother-infant pairs in Israel.
• Maternal iodine intake assessed via questionnaire; iodine status estimated using serum thyroglobulin (Tg).
• Inadequate iodine intake defined as <220 μg/d; maternal and neonatal thyroid function, anthropometry, and antibodies were analyzed.

Main Results:

• 118 mother-infant pairs completed the study.
• Maternal iodine status was insufficient in the study population (median Tg > sufficiency cutoff).
• Inadequate iodine intake correlated with maternal isolated hypothyroxinemia and increased rates of higher birth weight, including LGA. Elevated Tg showed a suggestive link to increased LGA risk.

Conclusions:

• Maternal iodine status during pregnancy influences newborn anthropometric measurements.
• Inadequate maternal iodine intake may impact fetal growth, potentially increasing the risk of LGA newborns.
• Further research is warranted to understand iodine deficiency's impact on newborn overweight in Israel and globally.