If you thought iodine was important during pregnancy, know that it is also important during breastfeeding. We tell you more about it below.
During pregnancy, you probably had to supplement with vitamins that your gynecologist prescribed to provide iodine and folic acid supplement to your body. Iodine plays a major role during breastfeeding as it will be the only mineral you will need to take during this time. As always, it depends on each mother. In addition, there will be women who will need an additional intake of other vitamins and minerals.
What Is Iodine?
Iodine is an extremely necessary mineral for our body because it is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. The body also needs thyroid hormones for proper bone and brain development during pregnancy and childhood.
Deficiency
Iodine deficiency can produce different alterations in our body, such as:
- Goiter: this is the enlargement of the thyroid gland. It is manifested by inflammation of the neck. When there is not enough iodine in the body, the thyroid has to do a lot more work, which causes imbalances in thyroid hormones.
- Cretinism in children: This is a congenital deficiency that causes physical and mental retardation. A pregnant or breastfeeding mother must have a higher daily intake of iodine than another adult to avoid cretinism in children.
- Infertility: Iodine deficiency and the resulting low thyroid hormone levels can prevent women from ovulating. This leads to infertility.
Where Is This Mineral Found?
It is found in the following foods:
- Iodized salt: this is the main source where we can get iodine more easily for our body.
- Fish and shellfish: Seafood is naturally rich in iodine. Similarly, fish such as cod, tuna, or perch are good sources of minerals.
- Some varieties of algae: kelp is the most common seaweed with a good source of iodine.
- Milk and dairy products: Milk, yogurt, and cheese are among the main sources of this mineral that we currently consume.
- Eggs: They are also a good source of iodine.
- Fruits and vegetables: although in a smaller proportion than the foods mentioned above, iodine can also be found.
The Importance Of This Mineral
The signatory countries to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) have made a commitment that includes the recognition and protection of the right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health (article 24 of the CRC), in addition to the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) by the year 2000.
It was endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly on 20 November 1989 and the World Declaration on the Survival, Protection, and Development of Children on 30 September 1990. Thus, as a fundamental human right of childhood, the following can be affirmed:
- “Every child has the right to an adequate amount of iodine in his or her diet.”
- “Every pregnant or breastfeeding woman has the right to receive adequate iodine nutrition to prevent the mental development of the child from being affected by a deficiency of this essential nutrient.”
Iodine During Breastfeeding
Specific recommendations vary throughout life depending on age, gender, and other factors. Pregnant or breastfeeding women need higher amounts of iodine, including:
- Adults: 150 mcg/day.
- Pregnant women: 220 mcg/day.
- Breastfeeding women: 290 mcg/day.
As with folic acid supplementation, supplemental iodine intake should begin as soon as a pregnancy is planned. Indeed, the needs increase from the beginning of the latter. In this sense, it is established that said supplementation would be done as follows:
“The iodine requirements of breastfeeding women are estimated at 250-300 μg/day. As salt intake can be reduced during this period, a supplement of 200 μg of iodine per day in the form of potassium iodide is recommended during breastfeeding, whether it is a single breastfed child or if it is twins or siblings.”
– Breastfeeding Committee of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics –
Ensuring The Proper Development Of The Child
During breastfeeding, the mother needs a significant additional intake of iodine because breast milk is the only source of this micronutrient for the infant. In addition, this mineral is important for the baby, for the proper development of his brain. Therefore, a mother must continue to supplement throughout the breastfeeding period.
If the baby is artificially fed, preparations containing the necessary amounts of this mineral should be used. Thus, the aim is to guarantee the proper development of the child, with particular importance if it is a premature baby.
Bibliography: • Delshad H, Azizi F. Iodine nutrition in pregnant and breastfeeding women: sufficiency, deficiency, and supplementation. Hormones (Athens). 2020 Jun;19(2):179-186. doi 10.1007/s42000-019-00160-2. Epub 2019 Nov 27. PMID: 31776808. Disponible en https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31776808/
The content of ELYAQOUT UNIVERSE is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace the diagnosis, advice, or treatment of a professional at any time. If you have the slightest doubt, it is advisable to consult a trusted specialist.
