[Science Update] Maternal iodine deficiency and human milk composition

2 min read /
General Nutrition Obstetrics / Gynaecology Public health
iodine-in-periodic-system

In this study, the influence of maternal iodine deficiency on the metabolome and elemental composition of human milk was examined through a metabolomic analytical approach. Lactating women with normal and deficient iodine status were clearly distinguished accordingly to their multi-element and metabolomic profiles.

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Samples collection:

  • 40 transitional human milk samples were collected by manual expression or by pump within 48 hours after delivery
  • Urine samples were taken from pregnant women when they were admitted for giving birth to measure urine iodine concentration
     

Analytical method:

  • An integrated analytical multiplatform has been applied. It was based on:
    • Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry
    • Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry
       

Key findings:

  • Levels of selenium, zinc and copper were significantly lower in human milk of women with iodine deficiency* as compared with that of normal women
  • 31 metabolites were remarkably altered in the human milk of women with iodine deficiency* compared with women with normal iodine status,
    • They belong to various metabolic pathways influencing mother-offspring transport of crucial molecules, e.g.
      • Lower levels of glycerophospholipids involved in neurodevelopment
      • Generally lower levels of metabolites of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle
      • Higher levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-lactone that is a seco-cholestane (a hydroxy seco-steroid, a member of the group of D3 vitamins, a secondary alcohol and a steroid hormone)
         

*Remark:
Iodine deficiency was defined according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for pregnant women who show urine iodine levels below 150 mcg per liter

Link to the full article:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814621023359?via%3Dihub
 

Reference:

Arias-Borrego A et al. Iodine deficiency disturbs the metabolic profile and elemental composition of human breast milk. Food Chem. 2022;371:131329.
 

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WYE-EM-036-MAR-22