Vitamins & Minerals

Iodine Deficiency in Pregnant Women Pre- and Post-Mandatory Iodine Fortification in Australia - An Epidemiological Review

Abstract

Kamil J Wegrecki, Richard R Sadig, Jason Aramideh, Nusrath Khan, Danie Moawad, Joe Jabbour and Andria May Yaourtis

Adequate iodine nutrition is necessary during pregnancy and breastfeeding for proper neurodevelopment in offspring. Iodine deficiency is common in developed nations and persists despite various public health interventions. This review examines the effect of mandatory iodine fortification of food on iodine status in pregnant women in Australia. Although iodine status has improved, additional supplementation is still required to achieve adequate iodine levels in pregnant and breastfeeding women.