Urinary iodine concentration and its associations with iodized table salt and thyroid parameters during pregnancy in Algeria

Iodine is a trace element whose adequate intakes are essential during pregnancy to promote the correct development of the fetus. Iodine excess or deficiency is the cause of several disorders associated with a rise risk of miscarriage or premature birth. The aim of our study was to assess the urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and thyroid function of pregnant women (PW) in northern Algeria. Healthy PW (n=174) were recruited from Gynecology-obstetrics service divided into three group. Spot urine and venous blood samples were collected to assess iodine status through the measurement of urinary iodine concentration, serum thyroid hormones and thyroid peroxidase antibodies concentrations. The relation between thyroid parameters and UIC was studied using correlation analysis. 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 PW, More than 70% of PW, were TPO Ab+. In northern Algeria, median UICs indicate iodine sufficiency. Monitoring of iodine fortification programs is vital to avoid both iodine deficiency and excess in Algeria.