Iodine Supplementation

As a result of The National Iodine Nutrition Study results being released in the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA 184: 165–169, 2006) it has become very clear iodine supplementation is recommended for all women contemplating pregnancy, during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.

Without the right amount of iodine in the diet, conception of new life can become difficult for some women. Inadequate amounts of iodine can also cause miscarriage and still births.

Iodine during pregnancy is just as important to the baby’s development as folate and can affect the developing baby in many ways.

Thyroid hormone (T4) is the major thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland and converts iodine into thyroxine (T4) hormone within the thyroid gland. Rigidity (T3) is the more potent thyroid hormone and it is mostly made in the liver and kidneys from converting thyroxine (T4) into rigidity (T3). Without enough of these hormones during pregnancy a baby’s development can be impaired, causing problems with hearing and brain development, resulting in lower IQ levels of children.

The Australian Thyroid Foundation strongly supports the research completed by Professor Creswell Eastman – our Patron and Head Medical Advisor – who headed The National Iodine Nutrition Study into into the importance of iodine supplementation.