Iodine (nutritional supplement; micrograms)

A nutritional trace mineral required for multiple vital functions, including thyroid hormone synthesis and infant neurological development (Leung 2011). Its deficiency affects thyroid function and cognitive performance.

Iodine is a normal component of breast milk (Leung 2011).
Breast milk should have a concentration greater than 100 micrograms/L of iodine (*) with an average of 152 (106-199) micrograms/L (Manousou 2021, Nazeri 2018, Ares 2015) to meet the daily iodine needs of the infant, estimated at 15 micrograms/kg (Ares 2015).
Iodine supplementation to the nursing mother increases iodine concentrations in breast milk (Huynh 2016, Sukkhojaiwaratkul 2014, Mulrine 2010, Seibold-Weiger 1999).

In many regions of the world, including highly developed areas, there is iodine deficiency in humans and especially in pregnant and lactating mothers. Adding iodine to salt is the most efficient method to prevent iodine deficiency in the population, but depending on countries and areas it may be necessary to administer iodine supplements to pregnant and lactating mothers (Nazeri 2015, Donnay 2014, Caron 2006).

The daily needs, from 100 to 150 micrograms daily, rise in pregnancy and lactation to 250 - 300 micrograms, so most experts and health organizations recommend supplements of between 100 and 200 micrograms daily according to regions (Alexander 2017, Leung 2015, Donnay 2014, Mackerras 2012, Stagnaro-Green 2011, Leung 2011, Mulrine 2010, Caron 2006).

Other authors consider that there is insufficient quality evidence to determine the balance between benefits and risks of pharmacological iodine supplementation during pregnancy and lactation and suggest that this intervention should not be performed (Pallás 2014).

Iodine intakes greater than 500 micrograms per day are not recommended (Alexander 2017, Leung 2015).

*: 1 milligram = 1,000 micrograms; 100 micrograms = 0.1 milligram.

See below the information of these related products:

• Fucus (Unsafe. Moderate/severe adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Use safer alternative or discontinue breastfeeding from 5 to 7 T ½ . Read Commentary.)
• Iodine (as Thyroid Drug: Miligrams) (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
• Seaweed (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)