Pregnancy and iodine

During pregnancy and lactation iodine requirements rise: the maternal and fetal thyroid work harder and some iodine is lost in breast milk. Maternal iodine deficiency causes fetal hypothyroidism and reduces the child's IQ. WHO and the Endocrine Society recommend 250 mcg of iodine per day in pregnant and lactating women, including iodised salt and potassium iodide supplements. SEEN and SEGO apply the same threshold in Spain.

ICD-10 E01.01 drug

Also known as: Iodine deficiency prevention in pregnancy, Iodine during pregnancy, Lactation iodine prophylaxis

Drugs used for this condition

AIodine (umbrella: potassium iodide, kelp / Fucus vesiculosus)First line · Trace element; substrate of thyroid hormone synthesisIodine deficiency prevention in pregnant and lactating women. WHO 2014, Endocrine Society 2017, SEEN and SEGO recommend 250 mcg of iodine per day – typically 150–200 mcg from potassium iodide supplements plus iodised salt. AEMPS approves Yoduk and folate combinations (Yodocefol, Natalben) for this indication. Treatment starts 2–3 months before conception and continues throughout pregnancy and lactation. Maternal iodine deficiency reduces the child's IQ and is the most common preventable cause of mild cognitive impairment worldwide per WHO.

How to read tiers A–F

Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit