11 January 2013
Researchers raise the alarm that iodine intakes in the US are decreasing, which has the potential to negatively impact the mother and unborn child.
In a new publication, US researchers discuss the growing issue of iodine deficiency in pregnant women in the U.S. and the potential negative health implications for both mothers and their children from this deficiency (1). It is time for all healthcare professionals to make sure that every pregnant and breast-feeding woman gets supplemental iodine during pregnancy and while they are breastfeeding, they say. There is concern that even mild iodine deficiency in pregnant women could lead to children with lower IQs. Other risks of iodine deficiency include maternal and fetal goiter and increased pregnancy loss and infant mortality.
Iodine, which is not naturally made in the human body, must be consumed through iodine-rich foods or through supplements. The trace element is required for the production of thyroid hormone, critical for normal fetal neurodevelopment. National and international health organizations currently recommend that pregnant women take at least 150 micrograms of potassium iodide daily. Guidelines from the American Thyroid Association, Endocrine Society and Teratology Society have recommended daily iodine supplements for women in the U.S. who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy. However, these recommendations have not been widely adopted and many prenatal multivitamins sold do not contain iodine. Previous studies have shown that approximately only 20 percent of women in the U.S. take supplements with iodine. Iodine deficiency remains the leading cause of preventable mental retardation worldwide. The researchers hope to start a discussion in the healthcare community on how to better protect the health of mothers and their children.
27 March 2012
According to a new literature review, supplements containing antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, vitamin A and vitamin E, do not show significant effects in preventing mortality, but may increase mortality by up to 3%. Experts criticize that the analysis included trials using high micronutrient doses to prevent or even treat chronic diseases, which would not reflect typical daily usage.
15 July 2015
Helena Pachon is Research Associate Professor at the Rollins School of Public Health in Atlanta, USA. Her team has been involved in a systematic assessment regarding the effectiveness of the fortification of flour to prevent anemia. They found that each year of flour fortification was associated with a 2.4% reduction in the prevalence of anemia. There was no reduction in those countries that did not fortify.
30 November 2010
People with vitamin D deficiency may have an increased likelihood of suffering depressive episodes, a new US study suggests.
