Salt Iodization: Meeting the Needs of Pregnancy, Lactation and Infancy

Because pregnant women, lactating women and infants are the groups most vulnerable to iodine deficiency and its irreversible consequences, programs should focus on these groups. But like other mass fortification strategies, it is uncertain whether USI can meet the increased dietary requirements of pregnant women, lactating women and infants. Objective of this study to test whether USI can meet the dietary requirements of iodine in women of reproductive age, pregnant women, lactating women and infants up to 2 years of age without causing excess iodine intake in school children and non-pregnant non-lactating women. The study hypothesis is that USI, when fortified at adequate levels and applied to all salt consumed, including both household salt and salt used for processed foods, provides adequate dietary iodine for all population groups, except for weaning infants; while not posing any risk of excessive iodine intakes in other age groups.

Inclusion criteria

• living at study area for at least 6 months
• generally healthy
• no chronic medication
• no history of thyroid disease in the family
• no use of iodine containing dietary supplements during the last 6 months
• no use of iodine containing disinfectants for the last 6 months
• no use of X-ray / CT contrast agent or iodine containing medication within the last year
• in addition for women of reproductive age, pregnant women and breastfeeding women: age between 18 and 44 years old
• in addition for pregnant women: healthy pregnancy, singleton pregnancy (no twins or multiple pregnancy)
• in addition for breastfeeding women and breastfed infants: healthy pregnancy, singleton pregnancy (no twins or multiple pregnancy), baby born at full-term (in pregnancy week 38 to 42), the baby had normal birth weight (≥ 2500 g), baby not older than 6 months, baby currently completely breastfed (except for water, tea and juices)
• in addition for toddlers: between 6 and 24 months old