Purpose of review: The aim of this work is to review the recent findings on iodine nutrition in adults with intestinal failure.
Recent findings: Patients with intestinal failure who require long-term parenteral nutrition are potentially at risk for trace element deficiencies. It was considered that iodine deficiency was unlikely to occur in adults on parenteral nutrition, even if iodine is not added to parenteral nutrition, because of iodine absorption from iodine-containing antiseptics, to presence of iodine as contaminant in parenteral nutrition products and to absorption of dietary iodine, in patients eating and having a functioning duodenum. It is believed that thyroidal iodine could support thyroid function for several months during total parenteral nutrition. Clinical Nutrition Societies do not have uniform opinion about the need to supplement iodine routinely in parenteral nutrition in adults. Although very few studies have addressed this topic, inadequate iodine supply in long-term parenteral nutrition in young adults, and the increased risk of iodine deficiency in adults on long-term parenteral nutrition have recently been reported.
Summary: There is some evidence that adults with intestinal failure on long-term parenteral nutrition may be at risk of iodine deficiency. Studies carried out in large cohorts of patients are required to better define iodine requirements in long-term parenteral nutrition.