Iodine supplementation

Background

Recommendations

•  It is recommended that women who are considering becoming pregnant, who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consume 150 micrograms per day through supplements as well as obtaining iodine from a healthy diet National Health and Medical Research Public Statement (2010) Iodine Supplementation for pregnancy and breastfeeding women.
• Women with known thyroid conditions should seek advice from their medical practitioner before taking an iodine supplement Clinical Practice Guidelines: Pregnancy Care, 2018 Edition.
• Most foods in Australia contain only small amounts of iodine. Seafood is an excellent source, but pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit themselves to two serves of cooked seafood per week to avoid the high levels of mercury that are present in some fish. Other sources of iodine in food include bread, eggs, dairy and iodised salt NSW Food Authority - Food safety in pregnancy.           

Resources about Iodine supplementation

• Iodine supplements factsheet for consumers and health professionals
• Iodine supplements poster for health services​
• Consumer resource for women and partners who are planning a pregnancy: Thinking of having a baby
• NSW Health Having a baby, book provides useful information women and partners before and during pregnancy. It is available in 20 languages online.
• NSW Health media statement (August 2017) NSW Health encourages mothers to take iodine for baby brain development.