Why Iodine Mineral Is Important To Nursing And Pregnant Women
Iodine is a dietary mineral required for the production of thyroid hormones. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need this mineral more because of it’s vital influence on brain development in the uterus and during early childhood .
The mother’s thyroid hormone levels affect proper fetal growth and neurological development during pregnancy and after birth.
This piece will inform you of the crucial role of iodine in the mental and overall development of your child.
Why iodine Is Important For Pregnant And Nursing Women
1. Risk Of Brain Damage :
Iodine deficiency is associated with thyroid dysfunction, and acute iodine deficiency during pregnancy can result in irreversible brain damage and other neurological abnormalities in infants, this is why pregnant and nursing mums should take the mineral levels seriously.
2. Iodine Deficiency In Your Infant/Fetus:
Although breast milk contains iodine, concentrations can vary based on maternal iodine levels.
If a pregnant or breastfeeding woman is deficient in iodine, the fetus or infant may be at risk for iodine deficiency and psycho-motor impairments.
3. Risk Of Learning Impairment:
Mild deficiency during pregnancy is associated with,
- low thyroid function,
- learning impairment,
- and other minor neuro-cognitive defects in your fetus or infant.
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4. You May Not Be Producing Sufficient Amounts Of Iodine:
Although pregnancy and lactation are associated with increased production of iodine, your body still may not be providing enough.
When physiological requirements for iodine are not met during pregnancy and the first 2 to 3 years of life, a variety of functional and developmental abnormalities can occur, exactly what every mum wants to avoid.
READ ALSO: 5 Ways To Minimize Your Risk Of Having A Baby With Birth Defects
See table below for recommended dietary allowance (RDA), according to the American Institute of Medicine :
| Period | Iodine RDA |
|---|---|
| Before Pregnancy | 150 µg per day |
| During Pregnancy | 220 µg per day |
| Breastfeeding | 290 µg per day |
In other words, it is recommended that pregnant or breastfeeding women take a daily multivitamin or prenatal supplement every day containing 150 µg of iodine.
Not all multivitamin and prenatal supplements contain 150 µg of iodine; therefore, all women should check the nutrition label or speak with their healthcare provider about whether their multivitamin supplement or prenatal vitamin contains enough iodine.