Extra Iodide Urged for Pregnant Women

Many pregnant women don’t get enough iodine, which is important for babies’ brain development, a group of children’s doctors says. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published the statement. It recommends that pregnant and breastfeeding women take supplements that contain potassium iodide. The thyroid uses iodine when it makes thyroid hormone. Among other functions, this hormone is critical for normal brain development. About one-third of pregnant U.S. women have at least a mild iodine deficiency, the policy statement says. Only about 15% of pregnant and breastfeeding women take supplements. The AAP recommends that they take a daily pill containing at least 150 micrograms of iodide. They also should use iodized table salt, the statement says. Total intake should be 290 to 1,100 micrograms a day.