Full intellectual capabilities are achieved only if crucial nutrients are present during development. Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of preventable brain harm in infants. Because of its critical need during pregnancy, several countries implemented programs of iodine supplementation in preconception and pregnancy. In 2013, the prevalence of iodine deficiency in Portugal has led health authorities to issue a recommendation for iodine supplementation. This study aims to evaluate the impact of iodine supplementation on maternal and fetal iodine status and thyroid function, obstetric outcomes, quality of breast milk and child psychomotor development. It also intends to evaluate whether the time of iodine supplementation initiation influences all the above-mentioned parameters. The novelty and relevance of this study reside on the number of women/child and on the extent of health parameters that will be evaluated. The information collected will contribute to the detailed characterization of thyroid hormone homeostasis throughout pregnancy and its relationship with iodine supplementation (including time of initiation). The data will provide evidence on whether this iodine supplementation strategy impacted on iodine sufficiency of the mother and the newborns, or if it needs re-evaluation.
Age range
18 Years – 50 Years
Sex
FEMALE
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Prevalence of iodine deficiency in pregnant women and in women of childbearing age in the Minho region
Timeframe: At baseline in women recruited for pregnancy follow-up and in women in childbearing age not planning to become pregnant.
Impact of iodine supplementation on maternal serum parameters of thyroid function and urinary iodine in the first trimester of pregnancy
Timeframe: First trimester of pregnancy
Bayley scale assessed psychomotor development at one year of age
Timeframe: One year of age