Suboptimal Urinary Iodine Level in Pregnant Women from Perimarine Area of Romania

TL;DR

Pregnant women in Romania's perimarine area have suboptimal iodine levels, requiring monitoring and dietary adjustments to prevent thyroid issues.

Contribution

This study provides the first assessment of iodine status in pregnant women from Romania's perimarine region using urinary iodine concentration.

Findings

47.3% of pregnant women had insufficient iodine nutritional status.

43.2% of pregnancies showed moderate iodine deficiency.

Severe iodine deficiency was found in 4.1% of cases.

Abstract

Objective: Maintaining adequate iodine intake during pregnancy contributes to achieving a viable fetus with proper neuropsychological development. Because of the lack of national data regarding the assessment of iodine status in pregnant women—conducted through urinary iodine determination in perimarine regions, geographical areas characterized by sufficient iodine intake—this study was undertaken. Materials and Methods: The study evaluated iodine status in a cohort of pregnant women from southeastern region of Romania, perimarine area, assessing iodine intake indicators and the severity of iodine deficiency levels. Results: Iodine nutritional status, based on urinary iodine concentration values adjusted to urinary creatinine, was insufficient in 47.3% of pregnancies. Moderate iodine deficiency was found in 43.2%, while severe iodine deficiency was identified in only 4.1%. Conclusions: Although this is a non-endemic region for iodine deficiency disorders, the perimarine area of Romania presents a moderate iodine deficiency among special population groups such as pregnant women. This situation necessitates iodine intake adaptation and periodic monitoring to prevent maternal-fetal thyroid dysfunctions.

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