research from the U.K.’s Surrey and Bristol Universities has highlighted in importance of iodine, found naturally in seafood, for pregnant and breast-feeding women.The researchers examined 1,000 pregnant women and found that women who had too little iodine in their bodies had children who grew up to have slightly lower IQs at the age of eight and worse reading ability at age nine. The researchers recommended 250 micrograms daily of iodine for pregnant and breast-feeding women and 150 micrograms for other adults.
“It’s essential for our bodies to get a good iodine intake as it makes thyroid hormones which our brains need to develop. Most consumers get enough iodine from a normal balanced diet which would include eating two portions of fish per week, one of which should be an oil rich fish like mackerel or salmon,” said Healther Middleton, Seafish’s Fish is the Dish marketing manager.
“Women who are pregnant or those looking to start a family often have iodine deficiency and their health professional will advise them to increase their iodine levels so they can pass on the very best nutritional benefits to their unborn child. One of the best sources of iodine is in white fish like cod, coley, haddock or hake and by eating these mums-to-be will also be topping up their systems with a whole of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D, Omega-3 and Zinc.”
