Iodine is an essential nutrient required in small amounts to support normal growth and development including normal brain development. It is important that unborn babies and infants receive enough iodine. Requirements for iodine increase during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Even with a well balanced diet, it is difficult to get enough iodine from food alone.
Therefore pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to choose foods that are important sources of iodine and to take daily iodine-only tablet throughout their pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Important sources of iodine in foods include well cooked seafoods, milk, eggs, some cereals, seameal custard and fortified bread. If salt is used, choose iodised.
· Take one 0.150 milligram (mg)/150 microgram (mcg) iodine-only tablet daily when pregnant and breastfeeding.
· The recommended registered tablet can be purchased at pharmacies.
For further information, please contact a health professional such as your doctor, midwife, dietitian, nurse or pharmacist.
Supplements containing seaweed, kelp and iodine are not recommended for pregnant women because the iodine content and quality of the supplements is variable.
*Sources are from LMC, New Zealand
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