Study shows 60% of pregnant women have signs of iodine deficiency

Medical Xpress / University College Cork / European Journal of Nutrition ^ | July 1, 2025 | Lisa Kelliher et al

[ConservativeMind]

A new study found that 60% of pregnant women had suboptimal iodine status, highlighting a need for increased nutritional awareness to support maternal and child health.

The IMPROvED study evaluated iodine levels in more than 1,500 women who were pregnant with their first baby.

Key findings:

—60% of participants had insufficient iodine intake.

—The average urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 125µg/L, below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended level of 150µg/L for pregnancy.

—Women who were younger, had a higher BMI, lower education levels, or were not taking iodine containing supplements were more likely to be deficient.

—Seasonal variation played a role, with lower iodine levels during the summer months.

This study highlights the first large scale assessment of iodine status in pregnant women in Ireland.

Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production, which supports a baby's brain development during pregnancy. A woman's iodine requirement increases by 50% during pregnancy, making adequate intake from our diet essential. Our bodies cannot make iodine, so we must get it from our diet. Deficiency can lead to adverse outcomes, including impaired neurodevelopment in children.

"Iodine deficiency is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies worldwide, there is little public awareness of the important role that iodine plays in brain development during pregnancy," said Dr. Áine Hennessy.

"Our findings are particularly concerning as most women in the study were considered healthy and low risk and two thirds reported taking pregnancy supplements containing iodine."

---

TOPICS: Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS: iodine; pregnant

[ConservativeMind]

Iodine is lacking in the daily lives of pregnant women, despite taking prenatal supplements.

This may partly stem from the strange switch away from iodized salt, in my humble opinion.

They didn’t suggest seaweed, as it can have very high amounts, depending on strain and locale it was raised.

[ConservativeMind]

The “Take Charge Of Your Health” Ping List
This high volume ping list is for health articles and studies which describe something you or your doctor, when informed, may be able to immediately implement for your benefit.

Email me to get on either the “Common/Top Issues” (20 - 25% fewer pings) or “Everything” list.

[Karl Spooner]

Helps with cancers, too.

.

[catnipman]

very easy to supplement with standardized seaweed extract tablets ...

[Retgearjammer]

Why do you think iodine was added to table salt? At the start of WW2 over 25% of the men drafted had health disorders from malnutrition and were turned down for military service. The government got with food processors and started programs to fortify basic food staples. Milk with Vitamins A and D, to help with rickets, Bread and iodized salt, are just a few. Then the big Health nuts got on a kick of wanting “ALL NATURAL” foods, not knowing as much as they think they know, Sea salt instead of iodized salt, no additives in other things.

[montag813]

Kelp is even better for iodine. This brand rates well on ConsumerLab:

Oregon's Wild Harvest Kelp Organic Supplement | Natural Source of Iodine | Vegan Capsules, 90 Count