Iodine's Impact on Pregnancy
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In the midst of all the advice and information you receive during pregnancy, there’s an essential nutrient that shouldn’t be overlooked - iodine, a micronutrient that holds the key to cognitive development and well-being for both you and your little one.
Why Iodine Matters
Iodine is a trace mineral found in food that supports the production of thyroid hormones and normal function of the thyroid gland. These hormones play a critical role in regulating metabolism, energy production, and the development of the baby's brain and nervous system. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can lead to complications such as poor thyroid function, intellectual disabilities, and developmental delays in the baby [1].
Benefits of Iodine for You and Your Baby
Healthy Brain Development:
Balanced iodine levels are vital for the development of the baby's brain and nervous system [2]. An underdeveloped brain can lead to developmental delays, impaired growth, deafness, and other issues.
Thyroid Function:
Iodine supports both yours and your baby’s thyroid gland, helping maintain a healthy metabolism and higher energy levels for both of you.
Hormonal Balance:
Keeping enough iodine in your diet helps balance your hormones throughout pregnancy, supporting various physiological processes.
Top Food Sources of Iodine
Pregnant women should try to get around 220 micrograms of iodine each day for a healthy pregnancy [3]. And don’t forget to keep up your iodine intake while breastfeeding! Iodine passes through breast milk to baby, which means you continue to support your child’s development during your breastfeeding journey.
Remember to look at the label on your prenatal vitamin to see how much iodine you’re getting from that source. Many prenatal vitamins actually don’t provide iodine, so it’s important to make sure you are taking a vitamin that provides this important mineral.
Also, chlorinated water and fluoridated water are known to block iodine absorption, contributing to iodine deficiency and poor thyroid health. Use caution in your exposure to these chemicals.
Some food sources high in iodine to keep in your diet include:
Seaweed
Seafood
Greek Yogurt
Full-Fat Milk
Eggs
Lima Beans
Iodized Salt
Remember: Regular table salt that's been iodized is an easy way to ensure you're getting iodine in your diet. Many people use sea salt instead of iodized salt, which isn’t iodized, and a lot of processed foods do not use iodized salt. Don’t rely solely on iodized salt for your nutritional needs, but it is a great source of the mineral to add to your diet.
Nurturing Healthy Beginnings
During pregnancy, every nutrient counts, and iodine is no exception. Keeping up a steady intake of iodine-rich foods can significantly benefit your baby's brain development and overall health. By incorporating seafood, dairy products, iodized salt, and other iodine-rich foods into your diet, you're giving your little one the best chance for a bright and healthy start.
Visit our wholesale account at Wellevate to look for prenatal vitamins, iodine supplements such as Liquid Light minerals, and other products that match your needs.
