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[Iodine deficiency in infancy - a risk for cognitive development].
T Remer1, S A Johner, R Gärtner
1Forschungsinstitut für Kinderernährung, Dortmund. remer@fke-do.de
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|July 29, 2010
Summary
Iodine deficiency in infants and pregnant women impairs brain development. Increasing iodine intake recommendations is crucial for preventing mental deficiencies and supporting healthy infant brain growth.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Developmental Biology
- Endocrinology
Context:
- Iodine deficiency during pregnancy and early childhood negatively impacts fetal and infant brain development.
- The World Health Organisation identifies iodine deficiency as a leading preventable cause of intellectual disability.
- Thyroxine production is critically dependent on adequate iodine supply, especially in infants with limited storage capacity.
Purpose:
- To highlight the adverse effects of iodine deficiency on infant brain development.
- To evaluate current iodine intake recommendations for infants in Germany.
- To advocate for increased iodine intake to support optimal neurodevelopment.
Summary:
- Infants fed formula generally receive adequate iodine, but breastfed infants are at risk due to maternal iodine status.
- Introduction of complementary foods, especially homemade or unfortified options, can lead to insufficient iodine intake.
- Inadequate iodine supply from both maternal diet and infant food sources poses a significant risk.
Impact:
- Current German iodine intake recommendations for infants (40 microg/d) are insufficient and should be raised to at least 60 microg/d.
- The WHO recommends 90 microg/d for infants, suggesting a need for substantial increases in German guidelines.
- Ensuring adequate iodine supply is vital for preventing cognitive impairments and promoting healthy brain development in infants.
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