Status of iodine nutrition in France:: prevention of iodine deficiency in pregnant and lactating women

Iodine intake varies with age and physiological status: in pregnant and lactating women, recommended iodine intake ranges from 200 to 250 mu g/day. Recent epidemiological studies in France demonstrate the presence of moderate iodine deficiency in the majority of pregnant and lactating women. This iodine deficiency induces maternal thyroid hyperplasia and then development of goiter in women, as well as impaired thyroid parameters. Maternal hypothyroxinemia during the first trimester of pregnancy can be associated with abnormal cognitive development and intellectual outcomes in the newborn and the children. According to the recent World Health Organization recommendations for the prevention and control of iodine deficiency in pregnant and lactating women, systematic iodine supplementation is indicated in France: 100 mu g/day for women of reproductive age and 200 mu g/day in pregnant and lactating women in order to eradicate iodine deficiency during pregnancy and lactation, and prevent the maternal and fetal consequences.