Cause 5: Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy and breastfeeding increase the body’s demand for iodine, making women in these stages of life more susceptible to iodine deficiency. The developing fetus and the breastfeeding infant rely on the mother for their iodine supply, which can deplete the mother’s iodine levels if not adequately compensated through diet or supplementation.
During pregnancy, the body produces more thyroid hormones to support the developing fetus. This increase in hormone production requires higher iodine intake. Moreover, the renal iodine clearance also increases during pregnancy, leading to more iodine being lost through urine.
The increased iodine demand continues during breastfeeding, as the mother provides iodine to the infant through breast milk. Women who do not increase their iodine intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding may therefore develop iodine deficiency, with potential consequences for both their health and their child’s health. (5)
