[Prevalence of iodine deficiency in pregnant women in the health area of Palencia (Spain)].

Background: Iodine deficiency in pregnant women may result in substantial and irreversible impairment in fetal brain development, even from the first few weeks of pregnancy.

Objective: To assess the nutritional iodine status of pregnant women in our health area and its relationship with dietary factors and thyroid function and to suggest treatment guidelines.

Patients And Method: A study in 164 pregnant women in early pregnancy was carried out. Data on urinary iodine concentrations were gathered from 24-hour urine samples. Data on anthropometric parameters and thyroid function were included. Information on dietary habits in the previous week was collected using a nutritional questionnaire. All data were obtained before iodine supplements were administered.

Results: The median urinary iodine concentration was 92 [p25-p75 range, 71-139] microg/l. Seventy-eight percent of urinary iodine values were under 150 microg/l. Women who took iodized salt had higher levels of urinary iodine concentrations than women without iodized salt intake.

Conclusions: Seventy-eight percent of pregnant women in our health area were iodine deficient. Iodized salt intake is related to iodine sufficiency and to increased urinary iodine concentrations. Measures to increase intake of iodized salt among the population should be implemented. Iodized salt supplements should be systematically prescribed in women from the beginning of pregnancy.