Iodine levels low during pregnancy and breastfeeding - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Iodine levels low during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Posted: Updated:
JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -

An opinion piece in this week's Journal of the American Medical Association expresses concern over iodine deficiencies among pregnant and nursing women.

Iodine is a mineral that is needed for normal thyroid function, and recent studies have shown blood levels have gone down in the U-S.

Researchers at George Washington University say a majority of expecting moms do not take an iodine supplement.

In fact, many prenatal vitamins don't include iodine.

Experts say even a mild iodine deficiency may lead to low IQs.

Copyright 2012 MSNewsNow. All rights reserved.