The intake of iodine among Filipino pregnant and lactating women is insufficient and that iodine deficiency is common in these groups.
This was revealed in the 2018-2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) of the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) which showed that
One out of five, or 21.1 percent of pregnant women suffer from iodine deficiency, as indicated by urinary iodine (UI) level less than 50 micrograms per liter (µg/L).
The same survey showed that the median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) among pregnant women was only 122 µg/L, which is less than the 150 µg/L cut-off for determining insufficient iodine intake.
Similarly, among lactating mothers, the median UIC was 99 µg/L, which is less than 100 µg/L cut-off that indicates insufficient iodine intake.
Iodine deficiency was seen in 1 out of 5, or 22.0 percent, of lactating mothers or those with UI level less than 50 µg/L.
In the same survey period (2018-2019 ENNS) it was also found that insufficient iodine intake was common among pregnant women across wealth quintile, while lactating mothers in the poorest households have insufficient iodine intake.
Why is iodine important in our body?
Iodine is an essential micronutrient needed by the body for the production of thyroid hormones.
Thyroid hormones control the body’s metabolism and many other important functions.
Iodine requirements increase during pregnancy to help in the proper brain and bone development of the fetus.
Signs and symptoms of iodine deficiency
Insufficient intake of iodine may cause iodine deficiency disorders resulting in inadequate production of thyroid hormones.
Iodine deficiency during pregnancy may result in miscarriage and stillbirth, or may cause irreversible effects on the newborn.
The adverse effects on the newborn may include neuro-developmental deficits and intrauterine growth restriction, impaired cognitive development, cretinism, or severe hypothyroidism.
Sources of iodine
Iodine is naturally present in tuna, seaweeds, shrimp and other seafoods, and iodized salt.
There are also supplements but must be taken with a prescription or as per advice from a medical doctor.
DOST-FNRI’s responses
The DOST-FNRI developed 10 messages in the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos to serve as guiding principles towards good nutrition.
The seventh message of this Guidelines emphasizes the importance of using iodized salt “to prevent Iodine Deficiency Disorders.”
Iodized salt is a product of food fortification that was a strategy to enhance or add the nutrient value of a food or beverage.
Another effort of the Institute is the developed technology called Iodine-Rich Drinking Water, or “Tubig Talino”.
Tubig Talino is a blend of purified or ordinary potable water and Water Plus I2, a premix of water and iodine. A 5-milliliter (ml) Water Plus I2 can enrich 20 liters of drinking water with iodine.
Five 250 ml glasses of Tubig Talino can meet 33 percent of the daily iodine requirement of the body.
DOST-FNRI is encouraging micro, small, and medium enterprises, as well as the local government units to become adoptors of Tubig Talino and supply their respective communities with a drinking water that is rich with iodine which can be used in nutrition intervention programs, disaster relief, and other health or civic projects.