Why Iodine Matters for Your Baby’s Brain & Development During Pregnancy

Why Iodine Is Crucial for a Healthy Pregnancy

For a baby's healthy development, especially the brain and nervous system, a mother needs sufficient iodine. As an expectant mother or someone planning a family, understanding why iodine is so vital is a key step in ensuring the best start in life for your baby. This guide will walk you through why it's so important and how you can ensure you're getting enough.

The Role of Iodine in Pregnancy & Baby Development

Iodine is a mineral that plays a critical role in the production of thyroid hormones. These hormones, which are responsible for keeping your cells and metabolic rate — the speed at which your body converts food into energy — in good working order.and, most importantly during pregnancy, are crucial for the development of your baby's brain. From the very early stages of pregnancy, the baby relies on the mother's thyroid hormones and iodine supply for proper neural and cognitive development.

The need for iodine significantly increases throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. Your body can store iodine in the thyroid gland, which is why it's important to have a good intake even before you conceive. This store helps ensure a steady supply for both you and your developing baby.

How Much Iodine Do You Need?

The recommended daily intake for adults in the UK is 150 micrograms (mcg). However, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, this amount increases to 200 mcg per day, as recommended by the British Dietetic Association.

It's vital to meet this higher requirement to support your baby's growth and development.

Getting Iodine from Your Diet

The best way to get iodine is through a balanced diet. The primary sources of iodine are:

• Milk and dairy products (e.g., cheese, yoghurt)
• Fish (especially white fish like cod and haddock)

The NHS advises pregnant women to have at least two portions of fish per week, one of which should be oily fish. For example, a 120g portion of cod provides approximately 190 mcg of iodine, which can be stored and used on days when you don't eat fish.

Remember to follow NHS guidance on which types of fish to eat and how much, including avoiding more than two portions of oily fish a week and cooking all shellfish thoroughly.

Do You Need an Iodine Supplement?

While a healthy diet is the foundation, it can be difficult for many people to meet the increased iodine needs of pregnancy through food alone, particularly if you don't regularly consume dairy or fish. This is where a supplement can be beneficial.

Getting enough iodine is crucial for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your body needs a sufficient supply of iodine to create the thyroid hormones essential for the healthy development of your baby's brain and nervous system. Because your body can store iodine, it's important to build up these stores before conception to ensure an optimal supply from the very beginning of pregnancy. Taking an iodine supplement can help ensure a consistent and adequate intake to support your baby's brain development. It's important to note that you should avoid taking kelp or seaweed supplements, as these can contain dangerously high levels of iodine.

Choosing the Right Supplement

If you decide to take a supplement, choose one that is specifically designed for pregnancy. These multivitamins often contain around 140-150 mcg of iodine, which is designed to complement your dietary intake. This provides a safe and effective way to top up your levels without the risk of getting too much iodine.

Weldricks Pharmacy offers a range of pregnancy supplements that contain the right amount of iodine to support you and your baby, from trusted brands such as Valupak, Pregnacare and HealthAid.

Browse our full range of conception, pregnancy and breast-feeding multivitamins

A Word of Caution

Before taking any new supplement, it's a good idea to speak to your GP or a pharmacist. This is especially important if you have a pre-existing thyroid condition or are on other medications. Our friendly, professional team at Weldricks is always on hand to offer confidential advice and support.