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Kapper C, Oppelt P, Ganhör C, Gyunesh AA, Arbeithuber B, Stelzl P, Rezk-Füreder M. Minerals and the Menstrual Cycle: Impacts on Ovulation and Endometrial Health. Nutrients 2024; 16:1008. [PMID: 38613041 PMCID: PMC11013220 DOI: 10.3390/nu16071008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of minerals in female fertility, particularly in relation to the menstrual cycle, presents a complex area of study that underscores the interplay between nutrition and reproductive health. This narrative review aims to elucidate the impacts of minerals on key aspects of the reproductive system: hormonal regulation, ovarian function and ovulation, endometrial health, and oxidative stress. Despite the attention given to specific micronutrients in relation to reproductive disorders, there is a noticeable absence of a comprehensive review focusing on the impact of minerals throughout the menstrual cycle on female fertility. This narrative review aims to address this gap by examining the influence of minerals on reproductive health. Each mineral's contribution is explored in detail to provide a clearer picture of its importance in supporting female fertility. This comprehensive analysis not only enhances our knowledge of reproductive health but also offers clinicians valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies and the recommended intake of minerals to promote female reproductive well-being, considering the menstrual cycle. This review stands as the first to offer such a detailed examination of minerals in the context of the menstrual cycle, aiming to elevate the understanding of their critical role in female fertility and reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Kapper
- Experimental Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, 4040 Linz, Austria; (C.K.); (P.O.); (B.A.)
| | - Peter Oppelt
- Experimental Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, 4040 Linz, Austria; (C.K.); (P.O.); (B.A.)
- Department for Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Kepler University Hospital, Johannes Kepler University Linz, 4020 Linz, Austria
| | - Clara Ganhör
- Division of Pathophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, 4020 Linz, Austria
- Clinical Research Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, 4020 Linz, Austria
| | - Ayberk Alp Gyunesh
- Experimental Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, 4040 Linz, Austria; (C.K.); (P.O.); (B.A.)
| | - Barbara Arbeithuber
- Experimental Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, 4040 Linz, Austria; (C.K.); (P.O.); (B.A.)
| | - Patrick Stelzl
- Department for Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Kepler University Hospital, Johannes Kepler University Linz, 4020 Linz, Austria
| | - Marlene Rezk-Füreder
- Experimental Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, 4040 Linz, Austria; (C.K.); (P.O.); (B.A.)
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Abstract
Iodine is a micronutrient needed for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth, and development. Iodine deficiency or excess may alter the thyroid hormone synthesis. The potential effects on infant development depend on the degree, timing, and duration of exposure. The iodine requirement is particularly high during infancy because of elevated thyroid hormone turnover. Breastfed infants rely on iodine provided by human milk, but the iodine concentration in breast milk is determined by the maternal iodine intake. Diets in many countries cannot provide sufficient iodine, and deficiency is prevented by iodine fortification of salt. However, the coverage of iodized salt varies between countries. Epidemiological data suggest large differences in the iodine intake in lactating women, infants, and toddlers worldwide, ranging from deficient to excessive intake. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge and recent advances in the understanding of iodine nutrition and its association with thyroid function in lactating women, infants, and toddlers. We discuss risk factors for iodine malnutrition and the impact of targeted intervention strategies on these vulnerable population groups. We highlight the importance of appropriate definitions of optimal iodine nutrition and the need for more data assessing the risk of mild iodine deficiency for thyroid disorders during the first 2 years in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Andersson
- Nutrition Research Unit, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, CH-8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Christian P Braegger
- Nutrition Research Unit, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, CH-8032 Zürich, Switzerland
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Breast Milk Iodine Concentration (BMIC) as a Biomarker of Iodine Status in Lactating Women and Children <2 Years of Age: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14091691. [PMID: 35565659 PMCID: PMC9104537 DOI: 10.3390/nu14091691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Iodine is needed for the production of thyroid hormones, which are essential for infant growth and development. Given that there are wide variations in breast milk iodine concentration (BMIC) and urinary iodine concentration (UIC), it is unclear if BMIC is associated with UIC in populations residing in iodine sufficient or deficient areas. Aim: To investigate if BMIC can be used as a biomarker for iodine status in lactating women and children <2 years of age. Methods: Electronic databases; PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus were searched until year 2021, for studies investigating the relationship between BMIC and UIC. Studies were reviewed for eligibility, according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by data extraction, according to the PRISMA guidelines. Results: Overall, 51 studies met the criteria for inclusion in the systematic review. BMIC ranged from 18 to 1153 µg/L. In iodine-deficient and iodine-sufficient lactating women, BMIC ranged from 26 to 185 µg/L and 15 to 1006 µg/L, respectively. In most studies, the categorisation of iodine status assessed by median UIC was consistent with the categorisation of iodine status assessed by median BMIC cut off of ≥100 µg/L, to determine iodine sufficiency in lactating women and children <2 years of age. Conclusions: The systematic review indicated that BMIC is a promising biomarker of iodine status in lactating women and children <2 years of age. However, these data need to be interpreted cautiously, given the study limitations in the included studies. Future studies should consider investigating the optimal median BMIC, as there is a lack of high-quality observational and intervention studies in lactating women and infants.
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Candler T, Kessler N, Gunasekara C, Ward K, James P, Laritsky E, Baker M, Dyer R, Elango R, Jeffries D, Waterland R, Moore S, Ludgate M, Prentice A, Silver M. DNA methylation at a nutritionally sensitive region of the PAX8 gene is associated with thyroid volume and function in Gambian children. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabj1561. [PMID: 34739318 PMCID: PMC8570597 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj1561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
PAX8 is a key thyroid transcription factor implicated in thyroid gland differentiation and function, and PAX8 gene methylation is reported to be sensitive to the periconceptional environment. Using a novel recall-by-epigenotype study in Gambian children, we found that PAX8 hypomethylation at age 2 years is associated with a 21% increase in thyroid volume and an increase in free thyroxine (T4) at 5 to 8 years, the latter equivalent to 8.4% of the normal range. Free T4 was associated with a decrease in DXA-derived body fat and bone mineral density. Furthermore, offspring PAX8 methylation was associated with periconceptional maternal nutrition, and methylation variability was influenced by genotype, suggesting that sensitivity to environmental exposures may be under partial genetic control. Together, our results demonstrate a possible link between early environment, PAX8 gene methylation and thyroid gland development and function, with potential implications for early embryonic programming of thyroid-related health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toby Candler
- MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Noah Kessler
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Chathura Gunasekara
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kate Ward
- MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Philip James
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Eleonora Laritsky
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Baker
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Roger Dyer
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Rajavel Elango
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David Jeffries
- MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Robert Waterland
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sophie Moore
- MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Marian Ludgate
- Thyroid Research Group, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Andrew Prentice
- MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Matt Silver
- MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Næss S, Markhus MW, Strand TA, Kjellevold M, Dahl L, Stokland AEM, Nedrebø BG, Aakre I. Iodine Nutrition and Iodine Supplement Initiation in Association with Thyroid Function in Mildly-to-Moderately Iodine-Deficient Pregnant and Postpartum Women. J Nutr 2021; 151:3187-3196. [PMID: 34255063 PMCID: PMC8485914 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxab224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whereas the adverse effects of severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy are well documented, the effects of mild-to-moderate deficiency are not well established. OBJECTIVES We aimed to explore whether iodine nutrition and timing of iodine supplement initiation are associated with thyroid function in pregnant and postpartum women. METHODS In this cohort study, 137 pregnant women were enrolled and followed up at gestational weeks (GWs) 18 and 36, and 3 and 6 mo postpartum. Thyroid function tests [thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), and free thyroxine (fT4)], urinary iodine and creatinine concentration (UIC:Cr), and iodine intake (including iodine supplement use) were measured at each time point. The associations between thyroid hormone concentrations and UIC:Cr, iodine intakes, and iodine supplement use were estimated using multiple generalized estimating equation models. RESULTS The median UIC at GW18 was 94 μg/L, indicating mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency. UIC:Cr (β; 95% CI) per 100 μg/g was negatively associated with fT3 (-0.191; -0.331, -0.051) and fT4 (-0.756; -1.372, -0.141) concentrations. Iodine intake (β; 95% CI) per 100 μg/d was positively associated with TSH (0.099; 0.022, 0.177), and negatively associated with fT3 (-0.084; -0.0141, -0.027) and fT4 (-0.390; -0.599, -0.182) concentrations. Compared with no use of supplement, those initiating an iodine-containing supplement prepregnancy and continuing through pregnancy had lower TSH (estimated means) (1.35 compared with 1.68 mIU/L, P = 0.021), and higher fT3 (4.48 compared with 4.28 pmol/L, P = 0.035) and fT4 (15.2 compared with 14.4 pmol/L, P = 0.024) concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Lower iodine availability during pregnancy and postpartum was associated with lower TSH, and higher fT3 and fT4 concentrations. The use of an iodine-containing supplement that was initiated prepregnancy and continuing through pregnancy was associated with lower TSH, and higher fT3 and fT4 concentrations, which may suggest improved thyroid function. These findings support the notion that optimization of iodine intake should start before pregnancy.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02610959.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria W Markhus
- Seafood, Nutrition and Environmental State, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tor A Strand
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway,Department of Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Lillehammer, Norway
| | - Marian Kjellevold
- Seafood, Nutrition and Environmental State, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lisbeth Dahl
- Seafood, Nutrition and Environmental State, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ann-Elin M Stokland
- Department of Endocrinology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Bjørn G Nedrebø
- Department of Internal Medicine, Haugesund Hospital, Haugesund, Norway,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Inger Aakre
- Seafood, Nutrition and Environmental State, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
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Verhagen NJE, Gowachirapant S, Winichagoon P, Andersson M, Melse-Boonstra A, Zimmermann MB. Iodine Supplementation in Mildly Iodine-Deficient Pregnant Women Does Not Improve Maternal Thyroid Function or Child Development: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:572984. [PMID: 33123091 PMCID: PMC7573140 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.572984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Iodine deficiency during pregnancy may be associated with lower offspring IQ, but there are few data on the safety and efficacy of maternal iodine supplementation on child development. In a previously reported multi-center randomized trial conducted in Thailand and India, we assessed the effect of iodine supplementation in mildly iodine-deficient pregnant women on offspring development. In this secondary analysis of that trial, we report data only from the Thai pregnant women in the study, who were more iodine deficient at entry. Methods: Pregnant women in Bangkok, Thailand, were randomized to receive daily 200 μg oral iodine or placebo until delivery. We assessed thyroid size and thyroid function during pregnancy and cognitive and motor development at ages 1, 2, and 5.7 years. The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov/NCT00791466. Findings: Women (n = 514) entered the trial between November 2008 and March 2011 at a mean ± SD gestational age of 11 ± 2.8 weeks; their median (IQR) UIC was 112 (75, 170) μg/L. Mean compliance with supplementation was 88%. We assessed 397 mothers in the 3rd trimester, 231 infants at age 2 y, and 157 children at mean age 5.7 y. During pregnancy, there was a slightly greater decrease in free and total thyroxine concentrations in the iodine group (p < 0.05). At age 2 years, the iodine group had borderline lower scores for combined fine and gross motor function (p = 0.05), but there were no other significant differences in development. At 5.7 years, there were no significant group differences in child development. Conclusion: Daily iodine supplementation in mildly iodine deficient pregnant women was associated with small negative effects on maternal thyroxine concentrations, but did not affect child development. The safety and efficacy of iodine supplementation in mildly-iodine deficient pregnant women needs to be evaluated further in large randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole J. E. Verhagen
- Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Maria Andersson
- Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alida Melse-Boonstra
- Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Michael B. Zimmermann
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Michael B. Zimmermann
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