Last Updated on May 30, 2025 by

Adequate iodine is important for the proper growth of both a baby’s thyroid and brain. Iodine supplements such as iodine-enriched salt, are usually recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Despite adding iodine to salt, there are still elements that could make the infant iodine deficient.

Indeed. If we store and later on cook, iodine quantity loses in iodized salt.

Ø Between 7% and 70% of iodine may be lost during cooking. The way you cook and for how long influence the concentration of vitamins in your food.
ØHow much food is lost depends on the method; the most is lost in boiling and pressure cooking and the least in deep-frying.
Ø You must consume two glasses of milk, two katori of curd, two full-boiled eggs, and one katori of spinach each day in order to guarantee that you achieve your daily requirements.
Ø After cooking, season meals with Iodised-salt.
ØAdd Iodised-salt either after cooking or later in the cooking process.
Ø Don’t keep it near the heat and steam in the kitchen.
Ø It should be kept in an airtight glass jar after it has been opened.

Good sources of Iodine Rich food

Role of Iodine in Pregnancy (Iodized salt)

T4 and T3 which are thyroid hormones, are made from iodine in our bodies. These T3 & T4 plays a role in regulating metabolic processes. Besides, it regulates energy and supports growth of the nervous system. Adequate iodine in pregnancy may support growth of the fetus and brain development as well.

The risk of iodine deficiency in pregnant women.

Complications during pregnancy:

Hypothyroidism: Low iodine can bring about hypothyroidism, leading to a feeling of tiredness, gaining extra weight, depression and flaky skin.
Goiter : Due to lacking of iodine, it may leads to goiter.
Due to iodine deficiency, it may increase high blood pressure in pregnant women.
Miscarriage and Still birth: Severe iodine deficiency is linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth or preterm birth.

2. Fetal Complications

Congenital Hypothyroidism Also Refer As Congenital Thyroid (Hypothyroidism) Growth Retardation, Mental Disability & Developmental Delay In The Baby Result From Iodine Deficiency.
The main result of iodine shortage is cretinism22 which causes children to have stunted growth, mental delays and problems with both speaking and hearing.
A shortage of iodine during pregnancy can lead to a child being born with low birth weight.
With regards to neurodevelopment, thyroid hormones assist in brain growth and could therefore lead to problems with learning, movement and brains functions.

Iodine deficiency — and why pregnant mothers have it.

Not eating enough dairy, seafood eggs is one reason why people may eat low-iodine foods.
Mothers in regions where iodine is hard to get or people don’t typically eat iodized salt are more like to suffer from iodine deficiency during pregnancy.
The requirement of Iodine is increased during pregnancy– During pregnancy the Thyroid is in an active state of activities, which necessitates a large amount of iodine which is required both for maternal and fetal thyroid.
In some cases, digestive disorders or a poor diet cause iodine not to be absorbed by the body.

How to Prevent & Manage the Iodine Deficiency:

Food Cooked & served where there is a quantity of Iodine:

Choosing iodized salt is a good idea, because this salt usually has iodine added to it.
Iodine deficiency in fish and other animals is treated using government programs that supply fish food and iodized salt.

Food rich with Iodine are as follows:

Pregnant women are encouraged to eat high-iodine fruits and vegetables, since they should focus on dairy foods, eggs, fish or seafood (such as shrimp or seaweed) and fortified cereals.

Supplements of Iodine:

In an area where iodine shortage occurs, healthcare providers suggest adding supplements.

The additional pregnancy requirements are supported by iodine enhancement found in prenatal vitamins.

Monitoring:

Doctors also perform thyroid tests in pregnancy visits to identify a deficiency in iodine at the beginning stages. People’s urinary excretion of iodine is a method used to judge their iodine status.
Both government health programs and health agencies strive to ensure that everyone can get access to iodized salt.

Key Points:

When the mother does not get enough iodine, both she and the baby may experience serious issues, but these problems can still be quickly treated. All of us should try to get the necessary iodine, as it’s good for health and a well-balanced diet. The greatest defense against iodine deficiency comes from doing what is necessary to ensure your baby’s health and safety during pregnancy.

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FAQs:

Q1. During pregnancy, women why include iodized salt in their diet ?

Ans. The essential mineral from iodized salt supports brain development in the baby and maintains thyroid function and enables proper growth. Pregnant women need iodized salt because it controls both the thyroid hormone levels that are essential for pregnancy.

Q2. The absence of adequate iodine in a pregnant female results in which negative effects?

Ans. A pregnant woman’s lack of iodine may result in multiple severe health complications which include the loss of a pregnancy and continuing pregnancy to full term and cognitive impairments in her child. Hearing problem may be seen with less development in growth.

Q3. What should be the appropriate iodine daily dosage for pregnant women?

Ans. A daily requirement of 220 micrograms (mcg) of iodine will support healthy development for the baby and meet the needs of pregnant women.

Q4. Apart from iodized salt what is an alternative source of iodine in the diet?

Ans. Iodized salt serves as one source but pregnant women can also obtain iodine through dairy products together with seafood types like fish and seaweed along with eggs and fortified bread.

Q5. Does an inadequacy of iodine have any effect on an infant’s health following birth?

Ans. If a mother lacks iodine, her newborn may show signs like poor thinking ability, delayed cognitive skills, trouble with speech and issues with growing muscles.

Q6. Eating excessive amounts of iodized salt poses any risks during pregnancy.

Ans. Even though we need iodine, having too much iodized salt raises blood pressure and may result in extra health issues. Generally, it is recommended to use iodized salt, but when pregnant, eating less salt is a good idea.

Q7. Every pregnant woman requires iodine supplementation or not needs evaluation.

Ans. Not always. Iodine supplements should not be taken if a woman gets enough iodine in her daily meals. Those who are strictly following a diet or living somewhere un-iodized need to seek guidance from a medical professional about taking supplements.

Guideline of WHO for Iodized Salt for Pregnant Women and its link as mentioned below: https://www.who.int/tools/elena/interventions/iodine-pregnancy

Thanks and Regards

Note: This information is suggestive only and not a replacement for medical advice. For more details please visit to my website as mentioned below:

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Iodized Salt : What happens when pregnant mother’s diet lacking?