Iodine warning

[atomic sagebrush]

Update 12-22-17

Hey guys, it's been brought to my attention that iodine may be something we want to consider adding to our sway as a prenatal-type vitamin. It ~probably~ doesn't sway either way (and if it does, it likely sways blue) but it is important for fetal brain development. I'm sure you've heard the expression "cretin"; this refers to a type of mental retardation caused by a lack of iodine during pregnancy.

Most people get ample iodine via iodized salt and prepackaged foods, and blue swayers might feel like, gee whiz, I'm eating a ton of salt already, do I really need this? But sea salt is actually low in iodine, eliminating dairy eliminates another source of iodine, soy iso and some other supps may block iodine from working as efficiently, processed foods don't usually use iodized salt, and on the High-Everything diet, you are prob. eating less processed foods anyway. So it's conceivable that you might end up eating less iodine than you would otherwise.

Please note, too much iodine is not good either and thyroid patients should NEVER take supplemental iodine without checking with your doctor first as it may not be appropriate for you to take. Iodine Intake and Effect on Thyroid Problems so doublecheck with your doctor to see if he/she feels an iodine supp is necessary.

If you do choose to take an iodine supp, the RDA during pregnancy/breastfeeding is 220-290 mcg a day, so no need to take any more than that (you may want to take LESS because you're already likely getting some via diet anyway.) Please avoid KELP supplements because they can be contaminated with arsenic and other grossness that would only sway pink (please obviously do not take arsenic for swaying pink!!!!) and be really bad for you anyway!

More info - Iodine | Linus Pauling Institute | Oregon State University

[Zivic-Bubac]

I have iodized sea salt (12-18 mg/kg), so I guess it's like 10000% available in USA as well?

[atomic sagebrush]

Yes as long as you're using iodized salt, you are fine. But for people who are using sea salt exclusively (or just "table salt" which has no iodine) then you might want to take an iodine supp.

[Plum3]

When I was pregnant with my DD's I just used iodised salt as my prenatal didn't contain any iodine. They now make the same prenatal with iodine, yay. I use iodised sea salt now though.

[TTC5]

Ah so that is why elevit now has added iodine!

[Plum3]

Yep! The elevit without the iodine is now reduced and really cheap. I was considering getting it and then just adding iodine from salt but thought I should probably just spend that little bit more and get the newer one!

[TTC5]

I took elevit with dd 3 when ttc and then with dd4 when found out we were preg that was just 4 years ago and it didn't have the iodine then either.

[Kris217]

When i attempted to get pregnant in America last year i went to the chemists to get some but they had no idea what i was talking about. They thought i wanted the wound cleaning solution lol. I bought the new Elevit when it came out so now i don't have to worry about it. I think i read that Australian women have really low levels on iodine.

[Throwaway_panther]

I know this is old, but I don't naturally produce iodine because I don't have a thyroid -- have been taking iodine in my prenatal while pregnant with my daughter.

Should I be concerned about the thyroid/iodine being a factor against me swaying blue?

[atomic sagebrush]

No. Iodine is needed by ALL swayers pink and blue. As long as your doctor signs off on it, then it is fine! IF s/he doesn't, then ask about how you should get iodine for your baby's health.

Even IF (and there is no evidence this is the case) lack of thyroid sways pink or blue, it's not going to matter really - because you can't put it back in.