Intake of iodine in a sample of UK mother–infant pairs, 6–12 months after birth: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Objective: To investigate the intake of iodine in mother–infant pairs. Design: An exploratory, cross-sectional study. Iodine intake was estimated using Nutritics nutritional analysis software, following 24-h dietary recall. Iodine-rich foods were grouped and compared between those women...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Jo Pearce, Jenny Christian, Lisa J Coneyworth
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press 2025-01-01
Series:Public Health Nutrition
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Online Access:https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S1368980025000230/type/journal_article
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Summary:Abstract Objective: To investigate the intake of iodine in mother–infant pairs. Design: An exploratory, cross-sectional study. Iodine intake was estimated using Nutritics nutritional analysis software, following 24-h dietary recall. Iodine-rich foods were grouped and compared between those women who met the UK reference nutrient intake (RNI) for iodine (140 µg/d) and those who did not. Setting: Online and telephone questionnaires. Participants: Self-selecting caregivers of infants aged 6–12 months. Results: Ninety-one mother–infant pairs with a mean (sd) age of 33·2 (4·1) years and 8·4 (1·3) months, respectively, were included. Most mothers were exclusively breast-feeding (54·9 %). The estimated maternal median iodine intake from food and supplements (median 140·3 µg/d, just meeting the UK RNI for women of reproductive age, but not the World Health Organisation (WHO) or British Dietetic Association (BDA) recommendations for lactating women (250 µg/d and 200 µg/d, respectively). Forty-six (50·5 %) of mothers met the UK RNI. Estimated intakes of fish, eggs, cow’s milk and yoghurt/cream/dairy desserts were significantly greater, whilst intakes of plant-based milk alternative drinks were significantly less in mothers who met the RNI for iodine (P < 0·05) compared with those who did not. Infant iodine intake from food was positively correlated with maternal; total iodine intake, iodine intake from all food and iodine intake from dairy foods (Spearman’s rho = 0·243, 0·238, 0·264, respectively; P < 0·05). Conclusions: Women in the UK may not consume enough iodine to meet the demands of lactation. Guidance on iodine-containing foods, focussed on intake before and during pregnancy and lactation and mandatory fortification of plant-based milk-alternatives could all serve to avoid deficiency.
ISSN:1368-9800
1475-2727