Iodine (Potassium Iodide)

Iodine Claims

Aids and assists thyroid hormone production

Iodine is essential for both mother and her developing baby during pregnancy as it helps produce thyroid hormones that regulate growth and metabolism. The thyroid gland requires iodine to synthesize the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones help control basic functions like heartbeat, body temperature and energy levels.

In the mother, thyroid hormones ensure adequate supply of nutrients and oxygen to the growing baby. The thyroid hormones regulate metabolic rate, supply of nutrients and oxygen to the baby, placental function, fetal growth rate and blood flow to the uterus. All of these factors are critical for ensuring proper growth and maturation of the fetus during pregnancy.

The baby relies entirely on the mother's iodine supply and thyroid hormones during the first half of pregnancy. Starting from the second trimester, the fetal thyroid begins to take up iodine and produce its own hormones. However, the baby still depends significantly on the mother's iodine and thyroid status.

Why Iodine Is Important During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the iodine and thyroid hormone requirements of both mother and baby increase substantially. The mother needs around 50% more iodine to produce extra thyroid hormones that sustain her own higher metabolic rate as well as provide for her baby. Iodine deficiency during this period can lead to hypothyroidism in the mother and cause developmental delays, intellectual disability and hearing loss in the baby.

In summary, adequate iodine intake during pregnancy through iodine-rich foods and supplements is important to ensure sufficient thyroid hormone production for both the mother and her growing baby. Thyroid hormones help regulate growth, metabolism and various vital functions that sustain the high demands of pregnancy. 

References:

Gropper, S., Smith, J., & Groff, J. (2009). Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism (5th ed.). Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Higdon, J. (2003). An evidence-based approach to vitamins and minerals health benefits and intake recommendations. Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Jamison, J. (2003). Clinical Guide to Nutrition & Dietary Supplements in Disease Management.

Marshall, N. E., et al. (2022, May). The importance of nutrition in pregnancy and lactation: lifelong consequences. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 226(5), 607–632. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2021.12.035

Scientific Committee. (2007). Iodine Monograph. Health Canada.

Scientific Committee. (2016). Multi Vitamin/Mineral Supplement Monograph. Health Canada.

Scientific Committee. (2011). Global Information Hub on Integrated Medicine.