May 22, 2013

iodine in pregnancy

Although iodine deficiency is more often thought to be a problem of developing countries, concern is increasing that iodine deficiency has returned in some groups in the UK, such as pregnant women and those of childbearing age. As a component of thyroid hormones, iodine is essential for foetal brain development.

The authors of a study published in the Lancet assessed whether iodine deficiency in pregnant women could be having an adverse effect on their children’s cognition, using samples and data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).

Speakers:

Prof Jean Golding, Emeritus Professor of Paediatric & Perinatal Epidemiology, University of Bristol

Prof Margaret Rayman, Professor of Nutritional Medicine, University of Surrey

Dr Sarah Bath, Research Fellow, University of Surrey