The Influence of Current Salt Iodine Level on the Iodine Nutrition of Lactating Women and Infants in Guangdong,China

To investigate the iodine nutrition of the lactating women and infants at the salt iodine level of 35±15mg/kg in Guangdong Lactating women and infants in 3 areas (Shenzhen, Fugang and Lechang) of mild, moderate and severe iodine deficiency were selected by “spot sampling” method and the iodine levels in urine, salt, water and milk were measured The urine iodine in infants was 281 2, 237 1 and 286 6 μg/L (median) and the percentage (urine iodine300 μg/L) was 43 3%, 34 9% and 49 0%;The urine iodine in lactating women was 207 8,172 6 and 260 5 μg/L (median) and the percentage was 34 4%, 23 8% and 41 5% respectively The level of salt iodine was 32 8, 27 5 and 36 0 mg/kg (median) respectively The iodine nutrition can be satisfied and even higher than needed level with current standard of salt iodine for lactating women and infants It is suggested to adjust salt iodine level to 30 mg/kg in moderate and severe deficiency areas and to 25 mg/kg in mild areas in Guangdong province