WITHDRAWN: Maternal iodine supplements in areas of deficiency

Mahomed et al., 2007 | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review

Citation

Mahomed K, Gülmezoglu A M. WITHDRAWN: Maternal iodine supplements in areas of deficiency. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007-Jul-18;2006(3):CD000135

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Iodine deficiency is the leading preventable cause of intellectual impairment in the world. Although iodine supplementation is generally considered to be safe, there is a possibility of high doses of iodine suppressing maternal thyroid function. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of iodine supplementation before or during pregnancy in areas of iodine deficiency. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register. SELECTION CRITERIA: All acceptably controlled trials of maternal iodine supplementation during pregnancy with clinical outcomes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Eligibility and trial quality were assessed by two reviewers. MAIN RESULTS: Three trials involving 1551 women were included. In two trials, iodine supplementation was associated with a statistically significant reduction in deaths during infancy and early childhood (relative risk 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.56 to 0.90). Iodine supplementation was associated with decreased prevalence of endemic cretinism at the age of four years (relative risk 0.27, 95% confidence interval 0.12 to 0.60) and better psychomotor development scores between four to 25 months of age. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Iodine supplementation in a population with high levels of endemic cretinism results in an important reduction in the incidence of the condition with no apparent adverse effects.

Key Findings

Three trials involving 1551 women were included. In two trials, iodine supplementation was associated with a statistically significant reduction in deaths during infancy and early childhood (relative risk 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.56 to 0.90). Iodine supplementation was associated with decreased prevalence of endemic cretinism at the age of four years (relative risk 0.27, 95% confidence interval 0.12 to 0.60) and better psychomotor development scores between four to 25 months of age. AUTHO

Outcomes Measured

Requires manual extraction

Population

Field	Value
Population	See abstract
Sample Size	See abstract
Age Range	See abstract
Condition	deficiency

MeSH Terms

Child, Preschool
Congenital Hypothyroidism
Deficiency Diseases
Dietary Supplements
Female
Humans
Infant
Iodine
Preconception Care
Pregnancy
Prenatal Care

Evidence Classification

Level: Systematic Review
Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
Vertical: iodine

Provenance

PMID: 17636600
DOI: (not available)
PMCID: PMC10865965
Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

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