Iodine in pregnancy, new research data on its importance

We all need iodine. We need a very small amount, only 5 grams during a 70-year life, but if we have a deficiency, problems arise, which can be serious, especially for young children.

What causes iodine deficiency?

If unborn babies and infants do not receive enough iodine, their brains may not develop properly [1]. Recent data show that iodine deficiency may even reduce the chance of pregnancy.

The human body normally contains 15-20 mg of iodine, of which about 70-80% is present in the thyroid gland. Iodine deficiency can cause thyroid disease, e.g. goitre. This was more common in the past, until people started using iodized salt. In recent years, however, cases have risen in some countries. Iodized salt has helped reduce the risk, but because too much salt can raise blood pressure, people are now consuming less.

Which groups of people are deficient?

People with the highest risk of iodine deficiency are pregnant and breastfeeding women, those who do not consume iodized salt and those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Which foods contain iodine?

Foods rich in iodine are seafood (fish, shrimp and seaweed), milk, cheese, egg yolk, cereals (hence bread) as well as green vegetables such as spinach. Iodine is found in seawater at a content of 0.2 mg per liter.

Why do you need iodine when you are pregnant?

Iodine is very important for the development of your baby’s brain. You need more than usual when you are pregnant or breastfeeding [2]. The daily iodine intake should be 150 mcg (micrograms) for adults, 220 mcg for pregnant women and 290 mcg for breastfeeding women. In other words, the requirements increase by 50% during pregnancy and almost 100% during breastfeeding. This is because you need to consume enough iodine to meet your own daily needs and the needs of their developing baby.

Inadequate iodine intake during pregnancy and lactation can cause side effects for both mother and baby. The mother may experience symptoms of hypothyroidism, goiter, weakness, fatigue and a feeling of cold. Meanwhile, iodine deficiency in infants can have serious side effects by impeding the natural development of the body and brain. Iodine deficiency even increases the risk of stillbirth.

Ideally, you should have a sufficient amount of iodine in your body before conception (10-20 mg) [3]. During pregnancy, even if you follow a balanced diet, it can be difficult to get the iodine you need. A Norwegian study published in 2020 and included 78,318 pregnancies estimated that the average dietary intake was about 121 mcg, ie iodine deficiency in a large percentage of women [4]. Women who did not take supplements had an increased risk of preeclampsia, and researchers reported that starting iodine supplements during pregnancy may be too late.

Therefore, it is recommended that you eat foods rich in iodine. Avoid consuming nitrates, in part because they can affect your body’s ability to absorb iodine. You can get extra iodine by cooking with iodized salt, but this may increase your blood pressure. You may also be getting enough iodine from your prenatal vitamins but it depends on the type of supplement you are taking. Research has shown that only half of prenatal vitamins contain iodine. So you may need the recommended daily amount of iodine tablets, with or without a prescription. From the first time you find out you are pregnant until you stop breastfeeding you should make sure you take the recommended amount.

At Vita4you.gr you will find iodine supplements!

References

1. Health Consequences of Iodine Deficiency.
2. The effects of iodine deficiency in pregnancy and infancy.
3. Iodine supplementation during pregnancy.
4. Insufficient maternal iodine intake is associated with subfecundity, reduced foetal growth, and adverse pregnancy outcomes in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study.