While 96 per cent of pregnant women surveyed were aware of general nutritional recommendations for them, only 12 per cent were aware of iodine-specific advice. Unborn children and young infants are entirely reliant on their mother for iodine supply, making babies and pregnant or lactating mothers the most vulnerable group of the population.
The study estimated the median intake of iodine during pregnancy was 190 micrograms per day, with 74 per cent consuming less than the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended intake of 250 micrograms daily. "Women aren't receiving the message about the importance of iodine in pregnancy, meaning they cannot make informed choices to ensure they get the amount they require," said Dr Emilie Combet, who led the research at the University of Glasgow.