A mother may be iodine deficient during a pregnancy, which may affect both her and the developing fetus.
The requirements for iodine increase during pregnancy. In Europe the recommended daily allowance is 250 micrograms per day (Glinoer), with intake not to exceed 500 micrograms.
Iodine deficiency during pregnancy may develop when iodine intake drops below 100 micrograms per day.
Risk factors for deficiency:
(1) restriction on salt intake
(2) use of non-iodised salt
(3) lack of or insufficient iodine supplementation
(4) low body stores prior to the pregnancy
(4) low iodine levels in region
Consequences:
(1) hypothyroidism in the mother
(2) hypothyroidism and other developmental features in the infant
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