Iodine deficiency has long been overlooked like a public health condition, but people need to begin taking this issue more seriously. Iodine is a necessary trace mineral that is required for the formation of thyroid hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine. The signs of a deficiency include lethargy and tiredness, difficulty concentrating and unusual putting on weight. In the diet, it is found mainly in seafood, kelp and dairy products.

During pregnancy, iodine deficiency (hypothyroidism) is really a leading reason for intellectual disability in infants. But some expectant mums know of the need for making sure they take folate supplements, few realise the important of topping up their levels, usually by means of a multivitamin. A recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that only one third of ladies in Ireland knew concerning the importance of iodine during pregnancy and just 43 percent knew exactly what the nutrient was.

Studies show that young girls aged between 11 and 18 are likely to have iodine deficiency. The nation's Diet and Nutrition Survey published in 2023 discovered that 26 percent of ladies had iodine intake underneath the Lower Reference Nutrient Intake (LRNI). We think it is because they don't consume a lot of dairy in their diet, thinking it might be fattening. They also eat very little fish which does contain iodine. Around 16 percent of boys of the identical age come with an iodine intake underneath the LRNI.

Girls and ladies may come with an unplanned pregnancy which may result in a live birth, so the problem of widespread iodine deficiency within this group is very worrying.

We require a public health campaign to underline the truth that supplementation might be as essential as folate when it comes to ladies who are planning to have a baby and during the very first trimester. School age children need to be with all this information as well as seniors.

We need greater awareness of clinicians, midwives and health workers about the issue. Everybody may overlook its importance, focusing solely on folic acid instead.

Mandatory fortification with iodine in certain basic foods like flour or salt could be an option but more studies need to be done. Meanwhile, a regular multivitamin will make sure that individuals are becoming the minimum to greatly reduce the chance of avoidable damage to a growing foetus.