Iodine is a naturally occurring element that is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland in the human body. It can be found in certain foods, dietary supplements, medications, or topical disinfectants.
In the human body, iodine is primarily essential for the production of thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). During pregnancy, it is crucial for the baby to regulate the development of the brain and nervous system. A woman's iodine requirement increases during pregnancy to ensure an adequate supply for the baby.
After childbirth, the level of thyroid hormones affects the proper growth of the infant and neurological (brain) development. Breastfed babies obtain iodine from breast milk. Therefore, if a mother is breastfeeding, she needs an adequate intake of iodine from her diet. If a pregnant or breastfeeding woman has an iodine deficiency, the baby may also have an iodine deficiency and related problems.
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends 150mcg of iodine daily for adult women, and 200mcg daily for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Data indicate that iodine status in pregnant and breastfeeding women in Europe has been improving over the long term, primarily due to the iodization of table salt. Salt iodization is the most effective method of iodine delivery. According to the WHO, global coverage of the population with iodized salt increased from 20% in 1990 to approximately 70% in 2013.
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List of References:
Mother To Baby | Fact Sheets [Internet]. Brentwood (TN): Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS); 1994-. Iodine. 2021 May 1. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582771/
Iodine in pregnancy and lactation. Online. WHO. Available from: https://www.who.int/tools/elena/bbc/iodine-pregnancy.
Iodine and Breastfeeding. Online. CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/hcp/diet-micronutrients/iodine.html .