Pregnant? You May Need More Iodine
It doesn't get as much press as calcium, magnesium, or even zinc, but iodine is a crucial mineral for thyroid health, and it's especially important for pregnant women and healthy babies.
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Pregnant women and women of child-bearing age are likely to fall short on iodine, which is essential for normal thyroid function and healthy neurological development of babies, according to an Australian study. Eating salt that isn’t iodized (such as many sea salts and pink salts) and drinking plant milks in place of cow’s milk may contribute to the shortfall.
An earlier study that tested 30 plant milks found that these generally contain significantly less iodine than cow’s milk, which has been a traditional source of the mineral in the United States along with regular (iodized) table salt. Many multivitamins contain iodine. The current Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for iodine are 150 mcg per day for adults, 220 mcg per day for women who are pregnant, and 290 mcg for women who are lactating. RDAs are based on total intake from food and supplements.
Related:
- Supplements for Thyroid Health
- Best Foods for Thyroid Health
- Baby on Board: 7 Ways to Prevent Birth Defects
