We are pleased to announce our next Lunchtime Seminar showcasing the “Use of biomarkers to assess maternal iodine status” presented by Dr Zheng Feei, Xi’an Jiaotong, China – Liverpool University. The seminar will take place Friday 20th May at 13.00 – 14.00
Abstract:
“Iodine is a micronutrient required by the body for normal growth and development. The iodine status of a population is usually measured biochemically. Iodine status can be determined by taking urine samples for urinary iodine concentration (UIC) or blood samples for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones. Pregnant women are vulnerable to iodine deficiency. During pregnancy, the iodine requirement increases significantly due to the increased production of thyroid hormones and the transfer of iodine to the foetus, to about 160% of the requirement of non-pregnant women. Maternal iodine deficiency remains one of the major public health issues worldwide. The consequences of maternal iodine deficiency include neonatal hypothyroidism and cretinism. Together with colleagues, he has measured iodine status of children, adults and pregnant women. More recently, his research group has studied the usefulness of breast milk iodine concentration (BMIC) in assessing iodine status of breastfeeding women and infants.”