Iodine Intake and Its Correlation with TSH and FT4 Levels, and Geographic Mapping Among Children Aged 2 to 5 Years

• Published in: Journal of comprehensive pediatrics Vol. 16; no. 4
• Main Authors: Novina, Novina, Bhakti Pulungan, Aman, Hermanussen, Michael, Dias Ismiarto, Yoyos, Setiabudiawan, Budi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.11.2025
• ISSN: 2251-8177; 2251-8177
• DOI: 10.5812/jcp-161273

Background: Iodine is an essential micronutrient required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones (THs), which play a critical role in growth and development. Iodine status influences the regulation of THs, particularly free T4 (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), both of which serve as key physiological indicators of thyroid function. Objectives: This study aimed to assess dietary iodine intake among children aged 2 - 5 years in West Java, Indonesia, and to examine its correlation with FT4 and TSH levels. Geographic mapping was also conducted to visualize iodine intake distribution across the region. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving children aged 2 to 5 years from 12 primary healthcare centers in Bandung District, West Java. Iodine intake was estimated using a 24-hour dietary recall and a Semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQFF). Blood samples were collected to analyze FT4 and TSH levels. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships among iodine intake, FT4, and TSH. Results: The majority of children had insufficient iodine intake, with an average of 11.32 µg/kg/24 hours. Geographic mapping revealed a clustering of low iodine intake across the district. Iodine intake showed a significant positive correlation with FT4 levels (R = 0.412, P < 0.001) and a significant negative correlation with TSH levels (R = -0.229, P = 0.036). Additionally, FT4 and TSH levels were inversely correlated (R = -0.215, P = 0.049). Although TSH levels remained within the normal range, 40.44% of the subjects had low FT4 levels, indicating a potential early stage of thyroid dysfunction. Conclusions: This study highlights the high prevalence of inadequate iodine intake among young children in West Java and its significant associations with TH levels. These findings underscore the importance of adequate iodine intake during early childhood and long-term clinical outcomes monitoring.