Objectives
This study was aimed to evaluate impact of double fortified salt on micronutrient status of the pregnant women and its impact on fetal outcome.
Methods
Pregnant women (n=150) from a semi government hospital of urban Vadodara were enrolled during first trimester (<12 weeks) and followed up till the end of gestation, n=75 were divided into experimental (DFS supplemented) and control (IS) group each. Impact on iodine and iron status was assessed by UIE & thyroid hormones and Hb respectively. Impact on fetal outcome was assessed using anthropometric indices and cord blood thyroid hormone assessment.
Results
Median UIE (µg/L) improved non significantly (278.6 to 299.01) in experimental group and decreased significantly (p<0.05) (376.59 to 288.66) in control group. Median TSH (µU/ml) increased significantly (2.07 to 2.39, p<0.01) in experimental and non-significantly (2.15 to 2.39, p>0.05) and control group. Hb concentration improved significantly among experimental group compared to control group (p<0.05). Fetal outcomes varied insignificantly in mean gestational age (38 weeks) and mean anthropometric indices including birth weight (2.7 kg), head circumference (33 cm), length (45.7 cm) between both the groups. However, neonatal cord blood TSH (µU/ml) concentration was significantly higher in control group (9.76, p<0.05) compared to experimental group (9.02).
Conclusions
Results reveal clear impact on maternal iodine and iron status but impact of DFS supplementation on thyroid status of the offspring remains sketchy.
