President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Wasiu Afolabi has said pregnant women should ensure adequate intake of foods containing iodine, noting that the chemical element is crucial for the optimal development of babies.
According to him, foods that contain iodine include dairy, seaweed, as well as certain fish, beans, and fruit.
The nutritionist expressed concern over lack of awareness among expectant mothers on the importance of iodine , warning that iodine deficiency in pregnancy can cause spontaneous abortion.
Afolabi disclosed to PUNCH Healthwise during an interview that iodine deficiency in pregnancy could have a devastating impact on babies in the womb and delay their growth when they are born.
Researchers also warned that women are at increased risk of having children born with impaired neurological conditions, due to poor iodine intake.
Afolabi, a Professor of Community Nutrition at the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, notes that iodine is required for the normal development and function of the brain and nervous system.
He stated that the lack of iodine in pregnancy is a common cause of infant and child mortality.
The nutritionist explained, “Iodine is required for normal development of the foetus inside a pregnant woman.
“So, when it is not sufficient, that means the child in the womb may not grow adequately. In fact, it can cause loss of the pregnancy; it can cause abortion; It can cause stillbirth.
“It is very important that pregnant women have enough iodine. Interestingly, the requirement for iodine for a pregnant woman is higher than in a woman who is not pregnant.
“When women are pregnant, they run the risk of having insufficient iodine particularly when they have inadequate intake.”
Afolabi reiterated that iodine deficiency during pregnancy can cause slower growth in a child.
Reeling other consequences of iodine deficiency in pregnancy, the NSN president said, “The child can be delivered with mental retardation.
“The child will be slow to grow. That is why some children, when they are delivered, will appear normal.
“But as time goes on, you will find out that they are very slow to grow. They will be slow to reach developmental milestones like walking, teething and everything about them will be slow.
” Such children may likely be sluggish and their growth will be retarded.”
He urged women of reproductive age to consume a variety of foods rich in fruits and vegetables, sea foods and iodized salt.
According to him, sea weeds and sea foods are rich sources of iodine.
In a 2021 study published in sciencedaily, researchers from University of South Australia, say
There is a link between poor iodine status in women and impaired neurological conditions in newborns.
According to them, poor iodine levels in women pose risks to foetal intellectual development in pregnancy.
The lead researcher and dietician, Jane Whitbread, says adequate iodine is essential for foetal intellectual development.
‘Mild to moderate iodine deficiency has been shown to affect language development, memory and mental processing speeds.
“During pregnancy, the need for iodine is increased and a 150mcg supplement is recommended prior to conception and throughout pregnancy.
“Unfortunately, most women do not take iodine supplements before conceiving. It is important to consume adequate iodine, especially during the reproductive years”, Whitbread said.
