Comparison of Median Urinary Iodine Concentration as an Indicator of Iodine Status among Pregnant and Altered Thyroid Function Women - A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Iodine is vital for synthesis of thyroid hormones for brain development especially during
gestational period and early childhood. Therefore variations in iodine exerts some effects on normal and
sick thyroid gland.
Objective: To compare and validate whether the median Urinary Iodine Concentration (mUIC) varies in
different physiological conditions.
Method: A snapshot study was conducted among sixty subjects, selected conveniently to measure the Urinary
iodine concentration (UIC) by using spot urine sample in all the groups. Also dietary habits, knowledge,
attitude and practice of iodine was studied.
Results: The values for mUIC were highly significant (P<0.01) between the groups. Knowledge, attitude
and practice varied significantly between the groups. It was surprising to observe, high mUIC in healthy
non-pregnant women.
Conclusion: Continuous intake of high iodine may trigger thyroid hypo-function. A positive change with
better education regarding the iodine intake and its consequences might help in reducing the burden of high
iodine intake