Category: General Wellness
A series of studies published in The Journal of Pediatrics suggests that babies are more likely to develop congenital hypothyroidism if their mothers consumed excessive amounts of iodine during pregnancy. A lab test can help expectant women figure out whether they have healthy levels of this nutrient.
In order to support normal development of the fetal thyroid gland, the World Health Organization recommends that pregnant women consume 200 to 300 micrograms of iodine a day. Meanwhile, the U.S. Institute of Medicine designated the safe upper limit of iodine at 1,100 micrograms. Sources of this mineral include seaweed, prenatal vitamins and dietary supplements.
For the new series of studies, researchers across the U.S. discuss three infants who developed congenital hypothyroidism because their mothers consumed 11 times the safe upper limit of iodine while pregnant or nursing.
Although the thyroid glands of adults and older children are able to protect themselves from excessive iodine, the same is not true for infants.
"The use of iodine-containing supplements in pregnancy and while breastfeeding is recommended in the United States. However, these cases demonstrate the potential hazard of exceeding the safe upper limit for daily ingestion," said researcher Kara Connelly, M.D.
Pregnant women who are concerned about their iodine may undergo a lab test to check their blood levels of the substance.
Related Articles from Private MD:
Subscribe to Private MD Health News RSS Feed:
News Categories:
Advanced Lipid Treatment I Allergy Testing Anemia and RBC disorders Autoimmune Diseases Bariatric Lab Testing Blood and Blood Diseases Breast Cancer Detection and Tumor Markers Celiac Disease Testing Chlamydia Coagulation and blood clotting disorders Colon Diabetes DNA, Paternity and Genetic testing Drug Screening Environmental Toxin Testing Female Specific Tests Gastrointestinal Diseases General Health General Wellness Heart Health and Cholesterol Herpes HIV HIV monitoring/Treatment/Testing/Post Diagnos Hormones and Metabolism Infectious Diseases Infertility Testing-Male Infertitlity Hormone Testing Kidney Diseases Leukemia and WBC disorders Liver Liver Diseases Lyme Disease Male Specific Tests Menopause/Peri-Menopausal Diagnosis Musculoskeletal Diseases Nicotine Screening Organ Specific Testing Ovarian Prostate Sexually Transmitted Diseases Thyroid Diseases Transgender Hormone Testing-female to male Transgender Hormone Testing-Male to Female Vitamin D Deficiency-Diagnosis and Treatment
Visit the Health News Archive: Click Here
Questions about online blood testing or how to order a lab test? Click here to get started or call us toll-free at 1.877.283.7882. Our professionals are ready to assist you.
Back to top
