Cognitive and motor functions of iodine-deficient but euthyroid children in Bangladesh do not benefit from iodized poppy seed oil (Lipiodol)

Huda et al., 2001 | J Nutr | Rct

Citation

Huda S N, Grantham-McGregor S M, Tomkins A. Cognitive and motor functions of iodine-deficient but euthyroid children in Bangladesh do not benefit from iodized poppy seed oil (Lipiodol). J Nutr. 2001-Jan;131(1):72-7

Abstract

Iodine supplementation before pregnancy in iodine-deficient women prevents cretinism and neuromotor deficits in their offspring. It is unclear whether iodine supplementation benefits cognitive function in iodine-deficient school-aged children. We therefore conducted a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial of the effects of iodized poppy seed oil (Lipiodol) on cognitive and motor function and weight gain of iodine-deficient school children. The study was conducted with 305 children in grades 1 and 2 from 10 primary schools in two iodine-deficient areas in Bangladesh. The children were stratified by school and grade and randomly assigned to receive 400 mg of oral Lipiodol or a placebo. All children were given a battery of cognitive and motor function tests and had their weights, serum thyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and urinary iodine levels measured before and 4 mo after the intervention. On enrollment, both groups were moderately iodine deficient (median urinary iodine values: placebo group = 3.3 micromol/L, n = 148; iodine group = 3.1 micromol/L, n = 152; goiter prevalence in both groups >95%). However, their T4 and TSH levels were within the normal range. After 4 mo, there was a significant treatment effect on urinary iodine levels (P < 0.0001), but the levels of the treated group were still below normal (median = 7.9 micromol/L). No significant differences were found in T4 and TSH levels, weight gain, cognitive or motor function. The findings suggest that Lipiodol supplementation in moderately iodine-deficient children with normal T4 levels is unlikely to benefit their cognitive function. However, it remains possible that other iodine preparations may have benefits.

Key Findings

However, it remains possible that other iodine preparations may have benefits.

Outcomes Measured

• Requires manual extraction

Population

MeSH Terms

• Body Weight
• Child
• Cognition
• Humans
• Iodine
• Iodized Oil
• Motor Activity

Evidence Classification

• Level: Rct
• Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
• Vertical: iodine-cognitive

Provenance

• PMID: 11208941
• DOI: (not available)
• PMCID: Not in PMC
• Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09