The results are thus compatible with the international recommendation that lactating women and infants younger than two years of age who reside in iodine-sufficient countries do not require iodine supplementation
BACKGROUND Iodine , an essential micronutrient , plays a critical role in normal growth and development , especially during the first two years of life .
This systematic review and meta- analysis is among the first to evaluate breast-milk iodine concentrations and infant iodine status in countries characterized by iodine sufficiency or deficiency .
Iodine Concentration in Breastmilk and Urine among Lactating Women of Bhaktapur, Nepal
Adequate iodine concentration in breastmilk ( BMI C ) is essential for optimal neonatal thyroid hormone synthesis and neurological development in breastfed infants . For many decades , iodine deficiency has been a public health problem in Nepal . However , recently , excessive iodine intakes among Nepali infants have been reported . This study aim ed to measure BMI C and urinary iodine concentration ( UIC ) among lactating women in a peri-urban area of Nepal .  Iodine concentration was measured in spot urine ( n = 485 ) and breastmilk sample s ( n = 291 ) of 500 r and omly selected lactating women . The median ( p25 , p75 ) BMI C and median UIC were 250 ( 130 , 370 ) µg/L and 230 ( 135–377 ) µg/L , respectively . Around 82 % had BMI C > 100 µg/L , 61 % had BMI C > 200 µg/L and 81 % had UIC > 100 µg/L , 37 % had > 300 µg/L and 20 % had > 500 µg/L. In multiple linear regression models , time since birth ( β 3.0 , 95 % CI ( 0.2 , 5.0 ) ) and UIC ( β 1.0 , 95 % CI ( 0.1 , 2.0 ) ) were associated with BMI C , explaining 26 % of the variance . A large proportion of the women had adequate BMI C and UIC ; however , a subset had high iodine concentrations . These findings emphasize the importance of carefully monitoring iodine intake to minimize the risk of iodine excess and subsequently preventing transient iodine-induced hypothyroidism in breastfed infants
The results are thus compatible with the international recommendation that lactating women and infants younger than two years of age who reside in iodine-sufficient countries do not require iodine supplementation
BACKGROUND Iodine , an essential micronutrient , plays a critical role in normal growth and development , especially during the first two years of life .
This systematic review and meta- analysis is among the first to evaluate breast-milk iodine concentrations and infant iodine status in countries characterized by iodine sufficiency or deficiency .