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Iodine remains a critical chemical element for pregnant women because it's foster optimal development of babies, according to Prof Wasiu Afolabi, the President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria.
He, however noted that the deficiency of iodine in pregnant women could lead to abortion.
According to him, foods that contain iodine include dairy, seaweed, as well as certain fish, beans, and fruit.
The nutritionist expressed concern over lack of awareness among expectant mothers on the importance of iodine , warning that iodine deficiency in pregnancy can cause spontaneous abortion.
Researchers have also warned that women are at increased risk of having children born with impaired neurological conditions, due to poor iodine intake.
Afolabi, a Professor of Community Nutrition at the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, notes that iodine is required for the normal development and function of the brain and nervous system.
He stated that the lack of iodine in pregnancy is a common cause of infant and child mortality.
The nutritionist explained, “Iodine is required for normal development of the foetus inside a pregnant woman.
“So, when it is not sufficient, that means the child in the womb may not grow adequately. In fact, it can cause loss of the pregnancy; it can cause abortion; It can cause stillbirth.
“It is very important that pregnant women have enough iodine. Interestingly, the requirement for iodine for a pregnant woman is higher than in a woman who is not pregnant.
“When women are pregnant, they run the risk of having insufficient iodine particularly when they have inadequate intake.”
Afolabi reiterated that iodine deficiency during pregnancy can cause slower growth in a child.
“The child can be delivered with mental retardation. The child will be slow to grow. That is why some children, when they are delivered, will appear normal.
“But as time goes on, you will find out that they are very slow to grow. They will be slow to reach developmental milestones like walking, teething and everything about them will be slow.
"Such children may likely be sluggish and their growth will be retarded.”
He urged women of reproductive age to consume a variety of foods rich in fruits and vegetables, sea foods and iodized salt.
