May 22, 2013

expert reaction to new research into iodine and pregnancy

A study of around 1000 UK mothers and their children, published in The Lancet, revealed that iodine deficiency in pregnancy may have an adverse effect on children’s mental development.  A before the headlines analysis accompanied this roundup.

Speaking on behalf of the Society for Endocrinology, Professor Jayne Franklyn (University of Birmingham), Dr Kristien Boelaert (University of Birmingham) and Dr Mark Vanderpump (Royal Free Hospital, UK International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (ICCIDD) representative) said:

“This is an exciting study providing the first clear evidence of the association of mild to moderate iodine deficiency in the UK with a small but measurable effect on neurodevelopment in childhood. It also lends support to other recent studies, such as that published in 2011 by the British Thyroid Association UK Iodine Survey Group, suggesting that around two thirds of UK women of childbearing age have iodine levels below that classified by the World Health Organisation as ‘sufficient’.

“This association should prompt further awareness of the iodine status of the UK and the potential need for iodine supplementation, either for the whole population or in the context of pregnancy and breast feeding. Whether supplementing this group with iodine might safely and effectively negate the effect suggested by this study is now a key research question of real importance to public health.”

Dr Mark Turner, from the University of Liverpool’s Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, said:

“This study suggests that further research is needed to signpost women towards a healthy diet and that policy interventions are needed to ensure that all women in the UK have access to the food they need during pregnancy.”

Professor Andrew Weeks, from the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Translational Medicine, said:

“A good diet is extremely important in pregnancy. We have known for years about how major dietary deficiencies in pregnancies can affect babies, but we are now understanding that even small changes also have an effect.

“This study shows how subtle changes in iodine intake can have long-lasting effects on childhood development and IQ. The same is true with iron. This research is a reminder that a mother’s diet during pregnancy is important to the health and development of her child.”

‘Effect of inadequate iodine status in UK pregnant women on cognitive outcomes in their children: results from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC)’ by Rayman et al. published in the Lancet on Wednesday 22 May.