Iodine Content of Prenatal Multivitamins in the United States

Abstract

Normal thyroid function in fetuses and breast-fed infants, which is dependent on sufficient maternal dietary intake of iodine, is crucial for normal neurocognitive development. Children of mothers with severe iodine deficiency may have cretinism. Iodine deficiency affects more than 2.2 billion persons (38% of the world's population) and is the leading cause of preventable mental retardation worldwide. Even mild iodine deficiency may have adverse effecrs on the cognitive function of children.