He Spanish Group of Iodine in Pregnancy and Child (GEYEN) has held a day of debate on the prevention during pregnancy of deficiencies in the newborn caused by moderate iodine deficiency. In this context, the importance of iodine during pregnancy, lactation and childhood has been highlighted again.
We know that iodine deficiency can cause serious problems in babies, such as hypothyroidism or mental retardation. The iodine that the fetus receives is the one that the future mother contributes mainly through feeding, although, as with folic acid, the amount ingested may be insufficient, so a supplement is recommended.
And, although the consumption of iodized salt is one of the measures taken at the international level to avoid Iodine Deficit Disorders, it is not enough in the case of pregnant women, since salt is one of the main factors of cardiovascular risk in this case. Therefore, salt intake should be limited in pregnant women.
Regarding iodine supplements, the GEYEN Group recommends only the prescription of drugs, which are supported by Evidence-Based Medicine and registered with the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products.
There are multiple drugs on the market, which must guarantee the intake of between 200 and 300 micrograms of iodine throughout pregnancy and lactation. It is proven that a deficit of iodine can harm the correct development of the child, so prevention is important, and even before pregnancy.
