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 who met the UK reference nutrient intake (RNI) for iodine (140 g/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 (41) years and 84 (13) months, respectively, were included. Most mothers were exclusively breast-feeding (549 %). The estimated maternal median iodine intake from food and supplements (median 1403 g/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 g/d and 200 g/d, respectively). Forty-six (505 %) 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 < 005) 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 = 0243, 0238, 0264, respectively; P < 005). 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.