Food supplements and iodine supplementation in pregnancy

Iodine is a trace element tremendously important for thyroid gland hormone production. It affects normal evolution of brain, especially in the time of intrauterine development and in the first year of child's life. Deficiency of iodine can lead to creation of pregnancy goiter, it also decrease the probability of carrying fetus to term and increase the probability of disorder in psycho-motoric evolution of child. Czech Republic is geographically lined up among the regions with lack of iodine in natural sources and food. However, nowadays the iodine deficiency is considered to be managed. But risk groups of population still exists, especially pregnant women can be endangered by lack of iodine, because the need of iodine intake in pregnancy increases to 200 250 ug per day and this level must be ensured. Consumption of food rich in iodine can cover the increased need of iodine. Significant source of iodine is milk and milk products. Another source is table salt enriched with iodine, but its daily intake is limited. Rich sources of iodine like sea fish, sea products and seaweed rarely occur in our diet. The goal of thesis was to evaluate intake of dietary supplements with iodine by pregnant women and evaluate women's awareness of higher iodine need and iodine food sources. Quantitative research in form of questionnaires was chosen for getting information from higher number of individuals. The questionnaire consists of 15 questions. Answers were gained from 118 respondents living in Central Bohemia, Moravia-Silesia region, Liberec region, region Highlands and South Bohemia. Questionnaire was distributed to gynecological ambulances by employees of State health institution. I visited gynecological ambulances in South Bohemia personally. By evaluation of questionnaire was found out that dietary supplement with iodine use 63 % pregnant women in researched population. All respondents always use only one type of dietary supplement. Among the most used belong "Chytré miminko", "GS mamavit" and "Femibion 800". 68 % of respondents know the importance of higher iodine intake in time of pregnancy. Question about daily recommended dosage was correctly answered only by 35 % of respondents. As a food sources of iodine the pregnant women know sea fishes, sea products, seaweed and table salt enriched with iodine. But 90 % of respondents are not familiar with milk and milk products as important source of iodine. Pregnant women should be better informed about importance of sufficient supply of iodine and about sources of iodine by gynecological ambulances. Information about mentioned issues should occur in magazines, education materials and internet articles more often. Respondents were notified of issues and important role of iodine in time of pregnancy by questionnaire. It is very probable that women found correct answers on the internet or in publication for expectant mothers after filling in the questionnaire