Iodine is a trace element necessary throughout life. It is a mineral necessary for certain metabolic reactions that allow the human body to function properly. Thanks to iodine, the transformation of food into energy is possible.
The amount of iodine needed daily depends on the age and situation of each person. Iodine requirements, as for many other substances, increase during pregnancy. Throughout pregnancy, the woman has to produce more hormones and other substances in order to maintain the pregnancy and the baby's development.
For this reason, and in order to maintain adequate iodine concentrations, pregnant women should increase their intake of foods rich in this element. In case of insufficient iodine intake from the diet, the physician may recommend taking iodine supplements.
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What is iodine used for in pregnancy?
Iodine is a trace element necessary for the formation of thyroid hormones, which are synthesized in the thyroid gland. These hormones are necessary from the beginning of embryonic development and throughout life.
Trace elements are minerals found in small amounts in the body. These substances are essential for proper cell metabolism. Some trace elements are fluorine, selenium, iodine, etc. Both an excess and a deficiency of trace elements could be detrimental to health.
The thyroid hormones are T4 (tetraiodothyronine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). The functions of thyroid hormones, and therefore those in which iodine is involved, are mainly growth, differentiation and maturation of the central nervous system.
This is precisely why iodine is essential in the development of the embryo and fetus, as it is directly involved in the correct formation of the central nervous system.
In the first trimester of pregnancy, the baby has not yet developed its thyroid gland. For this reason, the pregnant woman must produce enough hormones to cover her own needs and also those of the fetus.
From the third month of pregnancy, the baby's thyroid gland is already formed, but it needs the mother to provide it with the necessary iodine to be able to synthesize its own thyroid hormones.
Iodine is not only important while the baby is in the womb. After birth, the central nervous system of the newborn must mature and psychomotor development must take place, for which iodine is also necessary.
Risks of iodine deficiency in pregnancy
Adequate iodine levels are essential in the early months of pregnancy. Otherwise, if there is an iodine deficit, problems in the formation of the fetal nervous system may occur. This could cause mental retardation as well as neurocognitive disorders.
In addition, iodine deficiency during pregnancy is associated with an increase in the number of miscarriages and stillbirths.
If iodine deficiency continues during childhood, goiter may develop.
Recommended amount of iodine
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the recommended daily dose of iodine varies according to age and situation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is recommended that during pregnancy the daily amount of iodine should range between 150-249 μg/l. However, iodine intake through the diet is often low. Therefore, it is necessary for pregnant women to take iodine supplements.
In particular, a pregnant or breastfeeding woman needs about 200-300 micrograms per day of extra iodine. It is advisable to start taking iodine before pregnancy or as early as possible. In addition, it is advisable for women to maintain extra iodine intake during lactation as well.
Nevertheless, iodine-rich complexes should not be consumed without prior medical authorization.
Foods rich in iodine
The most common way to consume iodine is by ingesting iodized salt. However, sea salt or Himalayan salt, for example, are not usually iodized. Therefore, it is best to read product labels carefully.
It is also possible to incorporate iodine in the diet through the following foods:
- Seafood.
- Algae.
- Fish, especially sea bass, cod and perch.
Iodine is also found in leafy green vegetables, rice, nuts, lentils, beef, pork, veal, wheat, figs, lemon, tomatoes, cheese, apples, dates, bread, blackberries, pineapple, milk, eggs and garlic, among many other foods.
FAQs from users
Is it true that I should eat without salt during pregnancy?
No, this is completely false. Salt provides the body with essential minerals such as chlorine and sodium, although it should be taken in moderation and not in excess.
It is best to use iodised salt, as this will also provide the iodine necessary for pregnancy.
Is excess iodine dangerous in pregnancy?
Yes, high iodine levels in pregnancy may cause fetal damage. For example, goiter or even thyroid cancer may occur. The woman may also experience stomach pain, nausea, weak pulse, etc. Therefore, the daily limits for iodine should never be exceeded.
What is gestational hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism consists of a deficit of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Therefore, gestational hypothyroidism is the lack of thyroid hormones during pregnancy.
If there is a deficit of these hormones during gestation it could have fetal consequences. For example, thyroid hormone deficiency in pregnancy is associated with alterations in the development and maturation of the central nervous system of the fetus.
Suggested for you
If you would like to know more information about essential vitamins during pregnancy, we recommend you to visit the following article: What vitamins should be taken during pregnancy?
In addition to taking care of your diet during pregnancy, it is also essential to practice sports. We invite you to continue reading in the following link for more information: Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy.
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References
Carla A Lopes, Susana Prazeres, José Martinez-de-Oliveira, Edward Limbert, Manuel C Lemos. Iodine Supplementation in Pregnancy in an Iodine-Deficient Region: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Nutrients. 2022 Mar 27;14(7):1393. doi: 10.3390/nu14071393 (View)
Elizabeth N Pearce, John H Lazarus, Rodrigo Moreno-Reyes, Michael B Zimmermann. Consequences of iodine deficiency and excess in pregnant women: an overview of current knowns and unknowns. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Sep;104 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):918S-23S. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.115.110429 (View)
Freddy J K Toloza, Hooman Motahari, Spyridoula Maraka. Consequences of Severe Iodine Deficiency in Pregnancy: Evidence in Humans. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2020 Jun 19;11:409. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00409 (View)
Soamsiri Niwattisaiwong, Kenneth D Burman, Melissa Li-Ng. Iodine deficiency: Clinical implications. Cleve Clin J Med. 2017 Mar;84(3):236-244. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.84a.15053 (View)
Sun Y Lee. Editorial: Consequences of Iodine Deficiency in Pregnancy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021 Jul 28;12:740239. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.740239 (View)
FAQs from users: 'Is it true that I should eat without salt during pregnancy?', 'Is excess iodine dangerous in pregnancy?' and 'What is gestational hypothyroidism?'.
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