Iodine in pregnancy linked to higher IQ

[Kangaroosjump]

This seems like a story that runs every few years and then gets dropped? It's back today on the BBC news

I wondered if our autism rates have anything to do with iodine deficiency, a quick google search showed up a few studies but nothing seems to really have come of it.

Apparently NZ already supplements alongside folic acid as a matter of course which is interesting as I assume that means their scientists believe it's necessary

What's the link between IQ and Autism?

You seem to be suggesting that low iodine = low IQ, and low IQ = autism. Which seems an unlikely leap.

There has been evidence recently that many cases of Autism are related to genetic mutations (in an epigenetic way, not in a ninja turtles way).

Sorry I don't mean lower IQ = autism

In the article it suggests that iodine deficiency affects brain development which is where I then wondered if there were any links to autism rates and was suprised to see a few studies have looked at this

I understood the genetics research most recently was saying that some genes over/under express?? (I assume due to environmental triggers switching them on/off) and i hypothesised this could be one of those triggers iyswim

I can see your thought process. Yeah, I suppose iodine could be something that effects gene expression. But... that research will be a long time in the pipeline.

Regarding additional iodine being advised in NZ, there could be other factors. Like how much is naturally found in drinking water, foods, etc. It could be different to the UK.

Or this could already be under review by NICE/WHO and be next year's Vitamin D. We'll have to wait and see.

Yes, I wonder why we seem to have this story every few years and then we don't hear anything, there's seemingly enough evidence of benefit to keep coming back to thinking about it but not enough to implement it?

I've just seen the article on the BBC. It seems the recommendation is for adults to have 0.14mg/day, but pregnant women to have 0.25mg/day. And suggests that it could save the NHS £199 per pregnant woman. (Apparently higher IQ is associated with better health outcomes, so I suppose it would be a saving of £199 per child of iodine supplemented pregnancy. Though, I'm not sure there isn't more to that link - with poverty etc).

My pregnancy vitamins have 0.14mg in them. And I presume I'll be getting some in my diet. As will most pregnant women who take a multivitamin.

The article also points out that a widespread recommendation for extra iodine supplementation is unlikely.

Either way, thanks for drawing my attention to this. It's been an interesting one to think through.

I'm not TTC just yet but hoping to be soon and therefore been taking prenatals. I checked earlier pregnacare has some in, think around the same as yours

Where else do we get it from?

Milk, dairy products and fish, apparently.

But then I read half the article in last weeks New Scientist about milk consumption... I really should finish reading it before I jump to any conclusions though!

Good luck with the TTC!

There's iodine added to quite a lot of things, like salt for example, in the UK (not all brands.)

Some geographical areas have naturally low iodine levels - usually areas very far from the sea and some inland mountainous areas. In extreme cases this leads to high levels of cretinism and things like goitres. Iodine deficiency is very very bad for brain development.

NZ introduced iodine supplementation in some foods a while back, I think after changes in the way they processed their dairy products.

In the UK It's not as simple as putting everyone on iodine supplements, as too high levels can cause issues too.

The best dietary sources are marine fish, seafood, marine vegetables (nori, kelp, seaweeds) egg yolks and dairy - if you eat them it's highly unlikely you'd be deficient, and your prenatal vits should have them too. I can't take. The prenatal so so I'm using that as an excuse for my sushi habit ;)

so it's rather ironic then that pregnant women are told to avoid some kinds of fish, boiled eggs and many choose not to eat shellfish