Insufficient iodine intake in pregnant women in different regions of the world: a systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#female #global-health #humans #iodine #nutritional-requirements

Insufficient iodine intake in pregnant women in different regions of the world: a systematic review

Candido et al., 2019 | Arch Endocrinol Metab | Systematic Review

Citation

Candido Aline C, Morais Núbia de S de, ... Alfenas Rita de Cássia G. Insufficient iodine intake in pregnant women in different regions of the world: a systematic review. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2019-Jul-18;63(3):306-311. doi:10.20945/2359-3997000000151

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of insufficient iodine intake in pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The search was performed in the electronic databases Medline (PubMed), Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (Lilacs) and Scopus. Review studies, experimental studies, those with adolescent pregnant women (< 20 years) and iodine supplementation were excluded. The selection followed the steps of identifying the articles in the databases, deleting the duplicates, and reading the titles, abstracts, and then the entire article. The search for the articles occurred in September 2017, using the descriptors "pregnant" and "iodine deficiency" NOT "supplementation" in English, Portuguese and Spanish. RESULTS: Thirteen articles were included, the deficiency prevalence ranged from 16.1% to 84.0%, and the median of iodine intake was insufficient in 75% of the studies. There is no classification for mild, moderate or severe levels of iodine deficiency in pregnant women, which makes it impossible to know the real dimension of the problem. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of insufficient iodine intake in pregnant women, observed worldwide, shows the need for a population classification in order to direct public policies. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2019;63(3):306-11.

Key Findings

Thirteen articles were included, the deficiency prevalence ranged from 16.1% to 84.0%, and the median of iodine intake was insufficient in 75% of the studies. There is no classification for mild, moderate or severe levels of iodine deficiency in pregnant women, which makes it impossible to know the real dimension of the problem.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Iodine
  • Nutritional Requirements
  • Pregnancy
  • Prevalence

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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