Iodine and women's fertility and pregnancy health
Iodine Deficiency: Novel assessment methods and implications for reproductive health
This project looks at whether better measuring and fixing iodine levels can help women trying to get pregnant have healthier pregnancies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11319774 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You may be asked to provide multiple urine samples so researchers can measure iodine more accurately than a single spot test. They will compare those iodine patterns with outcomes like how long it takes to get pregnant, pregnancy loss, and other pregnancy complications. The team will study how day-to-day variation affects classification and whether low-cost steps like supplements or fortification could help. Results aim to inform clearer advice for women, doctors, and public health actions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are women of reproductive age, especially those trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or with a history of pregnancy loss.
Not a fit: People who are not of reproductive age or whose fertility issues are caused by non-nutritional factors may not benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to clearer guidance and affordable iodine interventions that reduce infertility and pregnancy loss.
How similar studies have performed: Severe iodine deficiency is known to harm fetal brain development, but studies on mild deficiency and effects on fertility and pregnancy are limited and hampered by poor measurement methods.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hinkle, Stefanie Nicole — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Hinkle, Stefanie Nicole
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.