IODINE STATUS IN NEONATES IN DENMARK - REGIONAL VARIATIONS AND DEPENDENCY ON MATERNAL IODINE SUPPLEMENTATION

Iodine status of 147 neonates born in five different regions of Denmar k was evaluated in relation to the iodine content of breast milk and i odine supplementation taken by the mother. Approximately two-thirds of the women had not received iodine supplementation. They had low iodin e concentrations in breast milk and urinary iodine concentrations of t he neonates at day 5 were low. The median values (milk/urine) were 33. 6/31.7 mu g/l (Randers 22/26, Ringkobing 29/16, Aalborg 36/31, Arhus 5 4/41 and Copenhagen 55/59 mu g/l). Higher values were found in the gro up where tablets containing iodine had been taken (milk/urine: 57.0/61 .0 mu g/l). In general, the values are low compared with international ly recommended levels. We suggest that mothers without autoimmune thyr oid disease should receive iodine supplementation in the form of vitam in/mineral tablets containing iodine (150 mu g per tablet).