Iodine- Essential for healthy thyroid function
Iodine is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in the healthy growth and development of infants. It is important for the functioning of the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism, energy levels, and growth. Iodine is also necessary for the development of the nervous system and cognitive function.
What is Iodine?
Iodine is a mineral that is essential for human health. It is found naturally in some foods, such as seafood and dairy products, and it is also added to table salt to prevent iodine deficiency. Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth, and development. Iodine is also important for brain development, particularly during pregnancy and infancy.
Why Do Infants Need Iodine?
Iodine is particularly important for infants because they require more iodine per pound of body weight than adults. Iodine is necessary for the development of the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism, growth, and development. Adequate iodine intake is essential for the development of the nervous system and cognitive function in infants.
How Do Babies Get Iodine During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?
Babies get iodine from their mothers during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If a pregnant woman does not have enough iodine, her baby may be at risk of iodine deficiency, which can lead to impaired growth and cognitive development. Breast milk is an excellent source of iodine, and breastfed infants typically get enough iodine from their mothers’ milk. However, if a mother is iodine deficient, her breast milk may not contain enough iodine, and her baby may also become iodine deficient.
What Are Natural Sources of Iodine?
Some natural sources of iodine include seafood, seaweed, dairy products, and eggs. However, the amount of iodine in these foods can vary depending on the iodine content of the soil and water where they are grown or raised. In addition, pregnant and breastfeeding women may need to consume more iodine to meet their needs and the needs of their infants.
Iodine content in Baby Formula
The US, EU and Australia each mandate a minimum level of iodine content in baby formula.
In the US, the FDA requires that all formulas contain a minimum of 6 micrograms of iodine per 100 kilocalories. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all infant formulas contain at least 10-15 micrograms of iodine per 100 kilocalories to ensure that infants get enough of this essential nutrient.
In the EU infant formula must contain a minimum of 10 micrograms of iodine per 100 kilocalories. This requirement was introduced in 2006 as part of the Commission Directive 2006/141/EC on infant formula and follow-on formula.
In Australia, the Australian New Zealand Food Standards Code requires that all infant formula, including follow-on formula and special formula, must contain a minimum of 15 micrograms of iodine per 100 kilocalories.
Iodine-fortified formula has been shown to be effective in preventing iodine deficiency and improving cognitive function in infants.
Conclusion
Iodine is an essential nutrient that is important for the healthy growth and development of infants. Infants get iodine from their mothers during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and all US, EU and Australian infant formulas are fortified with iodine to ensure that infants get enough of this essential nutrient.
