Inverse association between iodine status and prevalence of metabolic syndrome: A cross-sectional population-based study in a chinese moderate iodine intake area

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between iodine intake status and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) through a population-based survey. Patients and Methods: In total, 2691 Chinese adults participated in this cross-sectional study, and they were stratified by urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and sex. Fasting blood samples were used to assess biochemical parameters, including thyroid function and anti-bodies. Urine samples were collected in the morning to measure UIC. Multivariate regression logistic analysis was performed for the overall population and sex subgroups. Results: An inverse association was observed between iodine intake status and MetS prevalence in Chinese adults. Compared with individuals with adequate iodine status, those with high-iodine status had significantly low MetS risks, and the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) were 0.70 (0.57–0.86, P <0.01) and 0.75 (0.6–0.95, P <0.05). A high MetS risk was observed in the iodine-deficient group, which did not reach statistical significance. There was a significant inverse linear trend between the risk of MetS and UIC in the total population and male subgroup (P for trend <0.05), which was not observed in the female subgroup (P for trend >0.05). Conclusion: An inverse association was observed between iodine intake status and the risk of developing MetS in Chinese adults. Sufficient iodine status is a potential protective factor for MetS development. Males may benefit from increased iodine intake, while females would need to achieve a more-than-adequate iodine status to gain metabolic benefits.