Clinical Research Directory

Effect of Iodine-containing Multiple Micronutrient During Lactation on Infant Neurodevelopment

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about the effects of iodine-containing multiple micronutrient supplements provided to breastfeeding mothers who live in settings with mild iodine deficiency. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. What are the effects of iodine-containing multiple micronutrient supplements provided to breastfeeding mothers on infant development, as measured by electroencephalography/visual evoked potentials? 2. What are the effects of iodine-containing multiple micronutrient supplements on breast milk concentrations of iodine, and infant iodine and thyroid status? 3. How do iodine and iron interact with each other to affect thyroid function in the mother during lactation? Participants will be randomized to receive a daily multiple micronutrient tablet containing iodine (UNIMAPP) for 6 months postpartum, or routine postnatal care per Ethiopia Ministry of Health. Mothers will provide a breast milk sample and blood at 3 and 6 months postpartum. Infants will provide a urine sample and drop of blood, and have a neurodevelopmental assessment at 3 and 6 months. Researchers will compare the groups that received the iodine-containing micronutrient supplement with the group that received routine care and see if there were any benefits on infant development and iodine and thyroid status in the mother and baby.

The Next Step Towards the Elimination of Iodine Deficiency and Preventable Iodine-related Disorders in Europe

In the EUthyroid2 intervention, measures are being developed and implemented in educational settings across the UK, Germany, Slovenia, the Republic of Cyprus, Bangladesh, and Pakistan to effectively raise awareness of the risks associated with iodine deficiency. Each participating country will employ three measurement points. The intervention will be tailored to the specific contextual characteristics of each implementation site. A process evaluation utilizing a convergent parallel mixed methods design will be conducted, involving surveys of students and teachers, as well as semi-structured interviews.

EUthyroid2: the Next Step Towards the Elimination of Iodine Deficiency and Preventable Iodine-related Disorders in Europe

In EUthyroid2 intervention measures are to be developed, implemented in ambulatory care settings and evaluated to effectively raise awareness for the risks of iodine deficiency among young women (18-24 years) in three European countries (Norway, Poland, UK) as well as Bangladesh and Pakistan. A cluster-randomized controlled trial with three points of measurements will be applied in each participating country. The intervention will be adapted to the different contextual characteristics of the implementation sites. A process evaluation with a convergent parallel mixed methods design will be conducted. For this, participants and healthcare professionals will be surveyed and semi-structured interviews will be carried out.

The Bioavailability of Iodine in Plant-based Milk Alternatives

Iodine is a mineral commonly found in seafood and dairy products such as milk and cheese. Iodine is important as it is required to make thyroid hormones which regulate growth and metabolism at all stages of life. The UK population has been iodine-sufficient for many years, however, there is now concern that iodine deficiency may be more prevalent than previously thought. This is a concern because iodine deficiency during pregnancy can result in cognitive impairment and developmental delays in children. This study will to measure the ability to absorb iodine from plant-based milk alternatives fortified with iodine and compare with cow's milk in adults. Knowing the actual iodine bioavailability from plant-based alternatives is important because plant-based milk alternatives are becoming increasingly popular, especially in young adults, and are used as a replacement for cow's milk. In this study, participants will consume three test drinks (cow's milk, soya milk and oat milk), one per week. The study will start with the cows' milk and the other two drinks will be administered in a random order with a crossover design. We will ask participants to follow a low iodine diet for three days leading up to the test day where they will drink one of the test drinks. Participants will then keep a food diary and collect their urine for the following 24 hours. Participants will then go back to their usual diet for at least four days before starting the next arm of the study with another test drink. This data will be used to calculate how much iodine was absorbed.

Iodine Impact on Thyroid Function and Psychomotor Development, Observational Study in the Portuguese Minho Region

Full intellectual capabilities are achieved only if crucial nutrients are present during development. Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of preventable brain harm in infants. Because of its critical need during pregnancy, several countries implemented programs of iodine supplementation in preconception and pregnancy. In 2013, the prevalence of iodine deficiency in Portugal has led health authorities to issue a recommendation for iodine supplementation. This study aims to evaluate the impact of iodine supplementation on maternal and fetal iodine status and thyroid function, obstetric outcomes, quality of breast milk and child psychomotor development. It also intends to evaluate whether the time of iodine supplementation initiation influences all the above-mentioned parameters. The novelty and relevance of this study reside on the number of women/child and on the extent of health parameters that will be evaluated. The information collected will contribute to the detailed characterization of thyroid hormone homeostasis throughout pregnancy and its relationship with iodine supplementation (including time of initiation). The data will provide evidence on whether this iodine supplementation strategy impacted on iodine sufficiency of the mother and the newborns, or if it needs re-evaluation.