Iodine in human milk: Perspectives for infant health

Abstract

Iodine is essential for normal growth, mental development, and survival of infants. The main source of iodine for breastfeeding infants is the iodine found in human milk. Despite the importance of iodine for infant health, there have been limited studies addressing human milk iodine concentrations. The newly recommended Adequate Intake of iodine for infants is 110 μg/day for infants 0-6 months and 130 μg/day for infants 7-12 months. Further studies of human milk iodine are needed to ensure that iodine prophylaxis is providing sufficient iodine for mothers and infants worldwide.