Iodine is an essential nutrient required for synthesis of thyroid hormones, thus playing a significant role in normal thyroid function in all life stages. Adequate iodine intake is even more crucial for pregnant women because the fetus is entirely dependent on the mother’s thyroid function for its physical growth and brain/neuronal development.
While the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends 220 mcg/d for pregnant women, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends 150 mcg for both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Our Shaklee science team has chosen 200 mcg/dose of iodine for Shaklee Vitalizer Women and Vita-Lea Iron Formula, which is an intermediate level between these two recommendations. Our rationale is as follows:
- Iodine intake should be increased for pregnant women because of the increased demand on thyroid function to support fetal growth and development, as well as to maintain the mother’s own iodine level due to increased urinary iodine excretion during pregnancy.
- Iodine deficiency has increased. In recent years, dietary iodine intake has generally decreased in the US and global populations, including pregnant women and non-pregnant women of child bearing age.3 Since the UL (upper limit) of safe intake for iodine is 1100 mcg/d for adults, the higher level of iodine in Vitalizer Women and Vita Lea with iron is a safe and effective way to supply iodine needs for all women of child-bearing age.
