The Effect of Gestational Stage on Pregnancy-Related Urinary Iodine Excretion

Author : Samira Akdader- Oudahmane, Assia Kamel, Lynda Lakabi, Hanane Kherrab, Michael Bruce Zimmermann

Abstract : Iodine is a trace mineral that must be consumed in sufficient amounts during pregnancy in order to support the fetus's proper development. A number of conditions associated to an increased risk of miscarriage or premature birth are caused by iodine excess or inadequate supply. The aim of our research was to evaluate the thyroid function and urine iodine concentration (UIC) of pregnant women (PW) in northern Algeria. Three groups of healthy pregnant women (n = 174) were selected from the gynecology-obstetrics service. Urinary iodine concentration, serum thyroid hormone, and thyroid peroxidase antibody concentrations were measured in spot urine and venous blood samples to determine iodine status. Correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between thyroid measures and UIC. The median UIC values were 246.74 μg/L, 244.68 μg/L and 220,63 μg/L, in the first, second and third trimester respectively. Median TSH and FT4 concentrations were within reference ranges. Among pregnant women, More than 70% of PW, were TPO-Ab positive and 18.7%, 13% and 10.3% of pregnant women had subclinical hypothyroidism. Analysis of linear regression conducted during the third trimester, revealed an important negative association between urine iodine concentrations and levels of TPO antibodies (r= - 0,247; p= 0,042). In northern Algeria, median UICs indicate iodine sufficiency. Monitoring of iodine fortification programs is vital to avoid both iodine deficiency and excess in pregnant women.

Keywords : Thyroid, pregnant women, UIC, association

Conference Name : International Symposium on Nutrition and Health Disparities (ISNHD-26)

Conference Place : London, UK

Conference Date : 6th Jun 2026