Iodine Supplements During and After Pregnancy Crucial for Baby's Healthy Growth

Pregnant and breastfeeding women in the United States are not getting sufficient levels of iodine and should take iodine supplements to avoid severe risks associated with iodine deficiency, a new study says.

Iodine is an important nutrient that helps in the normal development of the brain and nervous system before and after the birth of a child.

As the body cannot produce iodine, it is important to consume foods rich in iodine. Cheese, cow's milk, soy milk, yogurt, iodized table salt, shell fish, eggs, seaweed, saltwater fish and soy sauce are some natural sources of dietary iodine.

As it is often difficult to maintain the adequate levels only through diet, according to health experts, women planning to get pregnant, already pregnant and breastfeeding should include 150 micrograms (µg) of iron supplement every day.

An iodine deficiency before or during pregnancy has been associated with enlargement of thyroid, low fertility, miscarriage, hypothyroidism and mental retardation in infants and children.

For the current study, researchers Alex Stagnaro-Green and Elizabeth Pearce examined the recommended levels of iodine before, during and after pregnancy. From previous studies, the authors learnt that many prenatal multivitamins don't contain iodine and only a minority of American women (20 percent) take an iodine supplementation.

The findings bring in concern as "even mild iodine deficiency in pregnant women could lead to children with lower IQ's," Pearce said in a news release.

"Iodine levels in the US have been decreasing, which has the potential to negatively impact the mother and unborn child," said Stagnaro-Green. "It's time for all healthcare professionals to make sure that every pregnant and breast-feeding woman gets supplemental iodine during pregnancy and while they are breast-feeding."

The authors recommend for health care providers to include iodine in all prenatal vitamins to avoid the side-effects.

The article is published in Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).