The Briefing Room
General Category => Science, Technology and Knowledge => Topic started by: EC on May 22, 2013, 09:04:26 am
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Via the Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10072366/Pregnant-women-should-up-iodine-intake-to-increase-childs-IQ.html
A study of more than 1,000 pregnant women found those who consumed lower amounts of iodine, which is absorbed from food and found in milk, dairy products and fish, were more likely to have children with lower IQs and reading abilities.
Iodine is essential for producing hormones made by the thyroid gland, which has a direct effect on the development of the foetal brain.
The study by researchers at Bristol and Surrey universities found two thirds of the 1,040 pregnant women they tested were iodine deficient. These women were more likely to have children with lower IQs, and it was found the lower the iodine the lower the IQ and reading ability.
Professor Margaret Rayman of the University of Surrey, who led the study, said: "Our results clearly show the importance of adequate iodine status during early pregnancy, and emphasise the risk that iodine deficiency can pose to the developing infant, even in a country classified as only mildly iodine deficient."
Researchers have said pregnant women should ensure they get enough iodine by eating dairy products and fish, as well as drinking milk. But they warned against kelp supplements, as they can have ‘excessive levels’ of iodine.
More at link.
I do tend to take these magical studies with a pinch of (Iodized) salt, but it is an interesting read and, being in the Lancet is peer reviewed. It has some anecdotal back up - the cultures who are broadly perceived as "more intelligent" do tend to be the ones who include seaweed in their diet - a rich source of iodine.
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There is a study out a week or so ago stating the government low standards for sodium are causing all sorts of health problems... sometimes it is just best to let the body tell a person what it needs and leave the government out of it.
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...sometimes it is just best to let the body tell a person what it needs and leave the government out of it.
Sounds good to me. My body is telling me it needs chocolate, lots and lots of chocolate.
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Hmmmmm....when I was a little boy, I swear that the iodine bottle had a skull and crossbones on the label. :whistle:
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Hmmmmm....when I was a little boy, I swear that the iodine bottle had a skull and crossbones on the label. :whistle:
different kinds of iodine (technically, different compounds).