The Iodine Story- why you need it and so does your baby!

The Iodine Story- why you need it and so does your baby!

Here’s why all pregnant  and breast feeding women and those planning pregnancy need to take iodine supplements.  

In Australia in 2010, there is increasing evidence that IODINE DEFIENCY is widespread. Iodine is the essential component required to produce thyroid hormone . Thyroid hormone regulates growth metabolism and in developing babies, brain development. Thyroid deficiency is on e of the most preventable but irreversible causes of mental retardation in the world. You can get iodine mainly from iodized salt, seafood and dark green vegetables such as kelp, kale and spinach. While your body only needs a small amount of iodine, not getting enough can lead to impaired physical and mental development in children, and poor thyroid development.

Iodine is essential for Central Nervous System development in babies and growing fetuses. The effect of iodine deficiency during Pregnancy is Intellectual impairment. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding women need to take iodine supplements to increase iodine by 100-200micrograms per day. The commonest preventable but itreversible cause of global intellectual impairment is Iodine deficiency. The only exception to taking iodine supplements is women with pre existing thyroid disease who should be individually managed to ensure normal thyroid function during pregnancy.

There are two main causes for this

[1] work practices have changed in the Diary industry and sanitisers for milk products which used to use Iodine are now using chlorine. Milkbased products have been a major source of iodine for over 40 years, and iodine intake has reduced by more than 50% in the past decade.

[2] Most Australian households and the food industry do not use iodised salt.

During Pregnancy and Lactation iodine requirements increase and can almost double. The Foetus ins entirely dependant on maternal iodine ( T4) during the first and second trimester and on Iodine transfer in the third trimester. Therefore to meet the increasing demands for pregnancy where thyroid  hormone production is increased by 50% in the third trimester a pregnant woman need to  increase iodine intake by at least 75 microgram per day.

This is easily achieved by taking one commercially available supplement for example Blackmores Pregnancy Gold.

As always, discuss any concerns with your Obstetrician or Doctor.

More information can be found at http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/womenshealth/pdfs/OG_IodineInPregnancyAutumn2005.pdf