Evaluation of iodine intake and status using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in urban and rural areas in Benin, West Africa

• Iodine intake and status among adults in Benin were described for the first time.
• Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to access iodine concentration in 24-h urine collection.
• Iodine intake appeared to be fairly low in the Beninese population.
• Factors associated with inadequate iodine status were determined.
• Iodization of salt and fortification of selected nutrients should be strengthened.

ObjectiveIodine deficiency has severe pathological repercussions. The aim of this study was to evaluate iodine intake and status in adults in Benin, West Africa.MethodsWe randomly selected 420 participants ages 25 to 64 y and free of visible goiter from urban and rural settings of South Benin. The participants had a diet based on carbohydrates and fish. Urine was collected over a 24-h period and samples were assayed for iodine analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.ResultsWe studied 401 urinary iodine samples. The overall median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in 24-h urine was 62.9 μg/L (interquartile range: 40–96.2 μg/L). UIC was significantly lower in women than men (56.5 versus 78.6 μg/L; P < 0.001) and in rural versus urban areas (54.7 versus 77.8 μg/L; P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, low UIC (<100 μg/L) was positively associated with women (odds ratio, 2.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.44–4.26; P = 0.001) and body mass index <25 kg/m2 (odds ratio, 2.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.20–3.54; P = 0.008).ConclusionIodine intake appeared to be fairly low in the Beninese population, according to World Health Organization criteria, and factors associated with low iodine intake were identified. Public health interventions to increase iodine intake, such as iodization of commercial salt and/or fortification of selected nutrients, should be strengthened at the national level.