Abstract Title:

Iodine supplementation during pregnancy: a public health challenge.

Abstract Source:

Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2007 Nov;18(9):338-43. Epub 2007 Oct 24. PMID: 17962037

Abstract Author(s):

Pere Berbel, María Jesús Obregón, Juan Bernal, Francisco Escobar del Rey, Gabriella Morreale de Escobar

Abstract:

Iodine deficiency remains the most frequent cause worldwide, after starvation, of preventable mental retardation in children. It causes maternal hypothyroxinemia, which affects pregnant women even in apparently iodine-sufficient areas, and often goes unnoticed because L-thyroxine (T4) levels remain within the normal range, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is not increased. Even a mild hypothyroxinemia during pregnancy increases the risk of neurodevelopmental abnormalities, and experimental data clearly demonstrate that it damages the cortical cytoarchitecture of the fetal brain. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) recommends a supplement of 150 microg iodine/day during pregnancy and lactation, in addition to the use of iodized salt. We discuss the importance of iodine supplementation to ensure adequate T4 levels in all women who are considering conception and throughout pregnancy and lactation.

Study Type : Animal Study

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