Association between fluoride and iodine during pregnancy.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Association between fluoride exposure and iodine status during pregnancy in expectant mothers and their neonates: a study from gestation to birth and their newborn.
IRAS ID
246563
Contact name
Vida Zohoori
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Teesside University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck. This gland produces thyroid hormones which are required for normal growth and development. Iodine is an important nutrient for making thyroid hormones. Insufficient iodine during pregnancy and early childhood may have a negative impact on healthy brain development of the fetus and young child.
Fluoride is an essential element to maintain healthy teeth, because of its anti-cariogenic role against tooth decay. It is found naturally in the food we eat, in the water we drink as well as added to the majority of toothpaste and mouthrinses we use. It is added to either drinking water, milk or salt in many countries to prevent tooth decay. In the UK over 6 million people receive fluoridated water. Fluoride, when used at low concentration, has beneficial effects but excessive exposure to fluoride for a long time may affect human health.
Some previous studies have suggested that fluoride may compete with iodine and affect the absorption and use of iodine. However, the current evidence for this competition is unclear. Furthermore, based on the reports from 2017 Global Scorecard of Iodine Nutrition, pregnant women in the UK have been shown to be iodine insufficient[1].
The proposed study aims to evaluate and compare the iodine status and thyroid function in pregnant women and newborn from fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas. By finding this out, we will be able to gain a better understanding of the role of fluoride on iodine status during pregnancy. The study findings will provide valuable information which could help guide public health strategies to issue effective management of iodine deficiency among pregnant women.
Objectives:
1)To estimate fluoride in urine and plasma in pregnant women living in fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas.
2)To estimate urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in pregnant women living in fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas.
3)To measure the levels of TSH, T3, and T4 in pregnant women living in fluoridated and non-fluoridated area.
4)To compare the birthweight of infants born to women from fluoridated and non-fluoridated area.
5)To assess the relation between the thyroid levels in infants born to women from fluoridated and non-fluoridated area.Reference:
[1] Global Scorecard of Iodine Nutrition 2017. Available online: http://www.ign.org/scorecard.htm (accessed on 10 May 2018)REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/WM/0041
Date of REC Opinion
18 Mar 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion