Iodine makes up part of the thyroid hormones<\/strong> which help release energy from food<\/strong> and regulate growth in children<\/strong>. They also contribute to brain and nerve function<\/strong>, and help maintain skin health<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Goitre<\/strong> is a condition where the thyroid gland becomes enlarged due to insufficient or excess iodine. Iodine deficiency can lead to thyroid dysfunction, including both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, tiredness, depression and intolerance to cold.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” full_height=”yes” columns_placement=”stretch” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” id=”growthanddevelopment” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” enable_shape_divider=”true” shape_divider_color=”#fed7ab” shape_divider_position=”both” shape_divider_height=”100″ shape_divider_bring_to_front=”true” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”tilt_alt”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left-right” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ background_image=”7648″ background_image_position=”center center” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” enable_gradient=”true” color_overlay_2=”#fed7ab” gradient_direction=”top_to_bottom” overlay_strength=”0.95″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”500″][image_with_animation image_url=”7738″ animation=”Fade In” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1619107583307{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 60px !important;}”]\n
Studies have found mild iodine deficiency in some UK teenage girls and pregnant women.<\/span><\/p>\n
It\u2019s a good idea for women to consume enough iodine whether planning a baby or not, as pregnancies can often be unplanned.<\/p>\n
However, too much iodine can also cause problems and it is important to avoid excessive intake of iodine.<\/p>\n
See information on supplements<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”reverse” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” full_height=”yes” columns_placement=”stretch” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” enable_shape_divider=”true” shape_divider_color=”#fed7ab” shape_divider_position=”both” shape_divider_height=”100″ shape_divider_bring_to_front=”true” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”tilt”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ background_image=”7660″ background_image_position=”right top” enable_bg_scale=”true” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”700″][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-8-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin_phone=”50″ bottom_margin_phone=”50″ background_color=”#ffffff” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1618847032801{padding-right: 10% !important;}”]\n
Children and teenagers grow and develop rapidly up until the age of around 18 years.<\/p>\n
Iodine forms part of the thyroid hormones which are responsible for regulating metabolic rate, as well as physical and mental development in children and teenagers. Poor intakes during childhood may be linked to a low IQ and poor physical growth.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#f79420″ scene_position=”center” top_padding=”7%” bottom_padding=”7%” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” id=”dairyandiodine” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” enable_shape_divider=”true” shape_divider_color=”#fed7ab” shape_divider_position=”both” shape_divider_height=”100″ shape_divider_bring_to_front=”true” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”tilt_alt”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”60″ bottom_padding=”30″ bottom_padding_phone=”0″ text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1618848755722{padding-right: 10% !important;}”]\n
Animals that graze on grass from nutrient poor soil are also at risk of becoming deficient in iodine. In fact, in the 1930s dairy farmers in the UK added iodine to cattle feed to improve animal health. This resulted in an increase in the iodine content of milk and dairy products. These days, dairy foods are one of the main providers of iodine to the UK diet.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n
Consuming milk, yogurt and cheese is a great way to help to meet iodine requirements. There is no difference in the iodine content between whole, semi-skimmed or skimmed milk, however, it does vary throughout the year and can range from 20\u00b5g \u2013 41\u00b5g per 100g. It is higher in the winter due to supplementation of iodine in animal feed.<\/p>\n
The table on the next page shows the recommended iodine intake at different stages in life, and the portion sizes of dairy that can help meet those needs.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”7%” bottom_padding=”30″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” id=”iodinerecommendations” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” enable_shape_divider=”true” shape_divider_color=”#fed7ab” shape_divider_position=”top” shape_divider_height=”100″ shape_divider_bring_to_front=”true” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”tilt”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”60″ bottom_padding=”30″ bottom_padding_phone=”0″ text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1618850616225{padding-right: 10% !important;}”]\n
The Department of Health recommendation for pregnant and breastfeeding women is the same as for adults (140\u00b5g\/day). However, WHO recommends 250\u00b5g\/day. <\/span><\/p>\n
See information on supplements<\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”30″ bottom_padding=”120″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_color=”#9edae5″ shape_divider_position=”both” shape_divider_height=”100″ shape_divider_bring_to_front=”true” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”tilt”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”none” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bottom_padding=”5″ text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”padding-1-percent” column_padding_phone=”padding-1-percent” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color=”#f79420″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ font_color=”#ffffff” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-left”][vc_column_text]\n
[divider line_type=”no-line” custom_height=”20″]<\/span><\/p>\n
* Children under five years old shouldn\u2019t be given whole nuts because of the risk of choking. <\/span><\/p>\n
** Pregnant women should limit their oily fish intake during pregnancy to 2 portions per week.<\/p>\n
Most people should be able to get all the iodine they need by eating a balanced and varied diet<\/strong>. Too much iodine in the diet can cause symptoms similar to iodine deficiency, including goitre and hormone imbalance.<\/p>\n
Daily iodine intake should not exceed 600\u03bcg for adults and pregnant women<\/strong>. The upper limit for children aged 1-10 years ranges from 200\u03bcg \u2013 300\u03bcg and 450\u03bcg \u2013 500\u03bcg for teens. If taking supplements, the iodine content should not exceed the RNI for that age group.<\/p>\n
Kelp supplements are not recommended especially during pregnancy, as they are high in iodine. Seaweed should also be consumed sparingly during pregnancy and less than once per week. If taking supplements during pregnancy they should not exceed daily amounts of 150\u00b5g.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#fed7ab” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”5%” bottom_padding=”5%” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_color=”#9edae5″ shape_divider_position=”both” shape_divider_height=”100″ shape_divider_bring_to_front=”true” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”tilt”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”60″ bottom_padding=”30″ text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_custom_heading text=”Information sources” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:40|text_align:center|line_height:1″ google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner content_placement=”top” column_margin=”70px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bottom_padding=”120″ left_padding_desktop=”2%” right_padding_desktop=”2%” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left-right” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-left”][vc_column_text]\n
Bath SC, Rayman MP. BDA (2016) Food Factsheet \u2013 Iodine<\/span>\u00a0 <\/span>[accessed 1\/2021]<\/a><\/p>\n
Finglas PM et al (2015) <\/span>McCance and Widdowson\u2019s The Composition of Foods, <\/span>Seventh Summary edition, Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]NHS Choices. <\/span>Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).\u00a0 <\/span>[accessed 1\/2021]<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n