“Iodine deficiency in pregnancy remains the leading cause of preventable retardation worldwide. Even mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy leads to lower IQ in children,” said study co-author Kate Jolly, <g data-gr-id="28">professor</g> at <g data-gr-id="29">University</g> of Birmingham in Britain.
The study published in the journal The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology suggests that iodine supplementation before and during pregnancy should be made universal.
The researchers studied the effects of introducing iodine supplementation in Britain, a mildly iodine deficient country.
Using data from a systematic review of published studies and expert opinion, the researcher modelled both the direct health service savings and monetary benefits to society (lifetime earnings) in terms of gains from an additional IQ point in the children.
By converting the effects of iodine supplementation in pregnancy on developing IQ points in the brain, the authors estimate that the benefits equate to 1.22 IQ points per child, with monetary benefits of around 44,476 pounds per pregnancy for society. With around 1.9 billion people and 241 million school-age children (aged six-12 years) living in the 32 countries that have iodine deficiency, the study found that the benefits of universal iodine supplementation during pregnancy could be substantial.
“It is time for all women living in <g data-gr-id="30">iodine deficient</g> countries without universal supplementation of iodine, who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy, to be advised to take a daily supplement containing iodine,” Jolly noted. Severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy can cause substantial mental impairment and delayed development in children, resulting in a lower IQ and consequently lower educational attainment and earning potential.
International health organisations like WHO and the European Food Safety Authority recommend that pregnant and breastfeeding women take daily iodine supplements.