Iodine in pregnancy

[TabithaTwitchet]

I have been told that pregnant women are routinely advised to take iodine supplements here (am not in the UK).
Have never heard of this - does anyone know why you would need extra iodine?
What foods is it found in?
I know it isn't advised in the UK, so was wondering how necessary it is.

If you are not getting sufficient iodine in your food you may need to take iodine. As far as I know this is normally only a problem if none of your food is grown near a coast - ie middle of a large continent.

I may be wrong however...

The effect of iodine deficiency on the production of thyroid hormone has a direct impact on fetal development by stopping the brain functioning adequately. In many countries pregnant women are advised to take iodine supplements.

Iodine is commonly added to table salt and can be found in seafood, dairy products and bread. Iodine deficiency affects more than 2 billion people worldwide and is the leading cause of mental retardation.

I have been taking Kelp (dried milled seaweed / brown algae), however, I was slightly difficient in iodine pre-pregnancy and took Spirulina (blue algae)for many months to support my thyroid function. If you do decide to take iodine (and you thyroid function is normal), you have to make sure that you do not overdoze.

PS Iodine tablets (aka Iodomarine, derived from marine salt) are believed to be more effective than dried seaweed supplements(aka Kelp). If you do not want to take unnecessary pills, then go for Kelp -- it has no chemicals /additives...

Right, thanks for that, really helpful :-)

I eat plenty of dairy products, and bread - but I suppose I do sort of live in the middle of a continent (Southern Germany). Have not been here long though.

Is iodine added to dairy products or is it in them naturally?

May have a look in the pharmacy for iodine supplements or kelp (prefer the sound of that one).

Would I have to take it for the whole pregnancy or just the first trimester?

If you are in Germany, Iodomarine tablets(spelling?) is a German brand of iodine derived from marine salts. You can also order Kelp via internet (the best one is the one made in USA), make sure it is in powder, rather than capsules. It can be taken all throughout pregnancy to support one's thyroid function and is totally safe unless you have a hyperactive thyroid to begin with (you would know if this was the case pre-pregnancy)... I believe for people with normal thyroid function(200-400mg per day is fine, however, check the labels. Good luck!

I would ask the doctor/midwife about this, it's very common in Germany to take iodine supplements, and they should know how much and how long.