Abstract
Iodine supplementation is an additional intervention of the Ministry of Public Health that is used to
alleviate iodine deficiency disorder among the Thai population. This survey was aimed at examining the
opinion of obstetricians nationwide regarding vitamin and mineral supplements for pregnant women. It
can be used as input data for formulating national policy on iodine supplementation.
Over 90 percent of obstetricians prescribed folate and iron compared with 25 per cent of those prescribing
iodine. The number of participants who considered that iron deficiency, thalassemia and folate
deficiency comprised a severe or the most severe health problem in their areas of responsibility was 2-4
times greater than those who concerned iodine deficiency to be such a problem. This finding contrasts
with epidemiological data showing that iodine deficiency could be found in most of the places. Potassium
iodide plus folate and iron tablets were the preference of 90 per cent of obstetricians. Thus, we suggest
that the combination of the three minerals should be provided for pregnancies. Iodine only tablet should
be prescribed for thalassemic pregnant women. To effectively implement the administration of iodine
supplement tablets, guidelides are essential for vitamin and mineral supplementation for pregnancies
and good monitoring and evaluation systems are essential.
