Iodine Whats in your supplement Goals Objectives Goals

Iodine What’s in your supplement?

Goals & Objectives Goals: Increase knowledge of WIC staff regarding the importance of iodine supplementation for pregnant and breastfeeding women. WIC staff can assign Risk 427. 4 correctly and discuss iodine supplementation with participants. Objectives: Upon completion of this in-service, WIC staff will be able to: Explain the reasons for iodine supplementation for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Demonstrate their knowledge of iodine supplementation by reading nutrition labels and identifying iodine-containing prenatal vitamins.

Iodine: What do you know about it? Essential trace mineral Helps with thyroid function

Where is it? Table salt – iodized since the 1920’s Seafood and seaweed Small amounts found in: Grains Dairy Meat

Iodine and Public Health Added to salt in the 1920’s One of the first food fortifications designed to prevent a common health issue (goiter) Later found iodine prevented certain birth defects (cretinism)

Why are we worried about iodine?

What can happen if you don’t get enough? Deficiency is rare in U. S. Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs) Increased number of miscarriages, stillbirths, and birth defects Depends on developmental stage and severity of deficiency

How much do we need? Adults & adolescents: 150 micrograms /day (Micrograms is abbreviated mcg or µg) Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women: 250 -500 mcg/day

Pregnancy & breastfeeding Increased need during pregnancy and breastfeeding because mothers are the sole source of iodine for their babies.

How much iodine is in salt? One teaspoon of iodized salt contains 400 mcg of iodine Americans get lots of sodium, most of which comes from processed foods not iodized salt. Don’t encourage moms to eat more salt, rather encourage them to consider buying iodized salt when they shop.

Prenatal Vitamins Take before or early in pregnancy First half of pregnancy especially critical Recommend a vitamin that contains 150 mcg of iodine during pregnancy and breastfeeding Not all prenatal multivitamins contain iodine Review labels before making recommendations

What does this mean? DO NOT increase salt intake When adding salt to food, consider using iodized forms Vitamins should supplement food About 150 mcg from supplements Combine with foods to reach 250 -500 mcg/day

Assigning Risk 427. 4 is Inadequate Supplementation of Iron, Iodine, or Folic Acid. In TWIST the supplementation question for women reads “Are you taking a vitamin with iron or iron supplement? ” Ask if they are taking a prenatal vitamin. If no – assign the risk If yes – ask if it contains iron, folic acid and iodine If they don’t know – do not assign risk and refer to their health care provider. If it does not contain any of the 3 nutrients – assign risk If it contains all 3 nutrients – do not assign risk

Questions?