Better IQ of the offspring through the administration of iodine during pregnancy

Intelligence quotient of children increases with additional iodine intake in pregnancy
Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can lead to irreversible impairment of the cognitive abilities of the offspring. Scientists at the University of Birmingham have now evaluated the benefits of supplemental iodine intake in pregnant women in a comprehensive model analysis and conclude that a significant improvement in cognitive ability is achievable here. In the case of women with mild iodine deficiency, iodine intake during pregnancy significantly increases the IQ of the offspring, researchers at the University of Birmingham write in the journal "The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology" by Prof. Tracy Roberts.

In their model analysis, the scientists also carried out an assessment of the supplemental iodine intake from a cost point of view and determined the monetary value of an additional IQ point for this purpose. According to the available data, the average improvement of the IQ by 1.22 points was associated with the iodine recordings during pregnancy, the researchers report. From the perspective of later income alone, a significant cost advantage of iodine intake could already be deduced from the assessed studies, write Prof. Roberts and colleagues.

The iodine intake during pregnancy increases the average IQ. (Image: Romolo Tavani / fotolia.com)

Iodine deficiency cause of cognitive impairment
According to co-author Prof. Kate Jolly, iodine deficiency in pregnancy is "the most common cause of preventable disability worldwide." Even mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy is associated with a lower IQ of the children. Overall, 1.88 billion people worldwide live in the 32 states known as iodine-deficient countries, the researchers report. Although the demand for iodine increases during pregnancy and lactation, there are in many cases no recommendations for iodine supplementation in pregnant women in pregnant women. The reason is often the supposedly high cost of additional iodine intake. But even from a financial point of view everything speaks for the iodine intake.

IQ increased by an average of more than one point
In the data analysis, the scientists found that an average of 1.22 IQ points were gained from iodine intake, which was associated with a higher income later in life. In contrast, costs incurred in the healthcare sector, which were significantly lower than the economic value added by the increased income. In addition, there would also have been savings in the health sector due to the improved health of the offspring. For the United Kingdom, therefore, a government recommendation for additional iodine intake during pregnancy is certainly advised. This also applies to the other states in which the population tends to suffer from iodine deficiency. Thus, an improvement in the average cognitive abilities of the offspring can be achieved, which does not later pay off only at the level of income. (Fp)