Pregnant women are often deficient in iodine, and this nutrient is essential during pregnancy and breastfeeding because it allows better brain development in babies. Children who have suffered from iodine deficiency may have more difficulty learning over the long term and may not reach their developmental potential.
Researchers at Uppsala Hospital University in Sweden conducted a study of 459 pregnant women who were not smokers. Scientists measured their average iodine levels during their third trimester of pregnancy and found that the median urine iodine concentration was 98 µg per day. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily consumption of 250 micrograms (µg) of this trace element.
“Our research reveals insufficient iodine intake among Swedish women and underscores a need for targeted interventions to optimize iodine intake during pregnancy,” comments author Dr Michaela Granfors from Uppsala Hospital University , in Sweden.
This study confirms the conclusions of a scientific study by the American Academy of Pediatrics published in the specialized journal Pediatrics which revealed that American women were also lacking in iodine. And that only 15-20% of pregnant women took iodine supplements. While for most women, their diet is not rich enough in iodine.
An iodine deficiency during pregnancy is something that can be easily prevented by eating well and taking supplements. Seafood products (fish, seaweed and seafood) are obviously very rich in iodine, but be careful: during pregnancy they should only be eaten well cooked. Pregnant women can also eat eggs and dairy products. As for vegetables, apart from spinach and watercress, they have a fairly low iodine intake.
Read also:
Pregnancy: foods rich in iodine that are good for baby’s IQ
India: bindis against iodine deficiency
Good habits to take while breastfeeding
