Fact 10. Iodine Deficiency and the Vulnerable: Impact on Women and Children
Iodine deficiency doesn’t discriminate, but it does have a pronounced impact on certain vulnerable groups. Women, particularly pregnant and breastfeeding ones, and children are most susceptible to the ill effects of iodine deficiency.
For women, the repercussions of iodine deficiency are manifold. Pregnancy exacerbates the body’s demand for iodine to support fetal development. An iodine-deficient pregnant woman can suffer from complications such as preterm delivery and stillbirth, and her child is at risk of congenital abnormalities and intellectual disabilities.
Breastfeeding women also need higher iodine levels to pass onto their babies via breast milk. An iodine-deficient mother might not be able to provide enough iodine for her nursing baby, compromising the child’s growth and development.
Children and adolescents are another vulnerable group. Iodine plays a crucial role in growth and brain development during these formative years. Iodine-deficient children may experience stunted growth and developmental delays, and in severe cases, they can develop cretinism, a condition characterized by physical deformity and cognitive impairment.
The impact of iodine deficiency on these vulnerable groups underscores the necessity of sufficient iodine intake, particularly for women and children. It highlights the need for preventive measures and interventions to protect these vulnerable populations from the devastating consequences of iodine deficiency. (10)
