Iodine & Pregnancy

Iodine & Pregnancy

Iodine is a key element required by your body for optimal thyroid hormone synthesis, and the regulation of cell growth, development and metabolism. From preconception through to breastfeeding, Iodine is proven to support fetal: brain, thyroid, and nervous system development, and reduce the risk of mental retardation, neurological damage, and hypothyroxinemia – abnormally low levels of thyroxine concentrations in the blood.

Synthesizing thyroid hormones - Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4), is largely dependent upon iodine. Your body has a very sensitive negative feedback loop involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and thyroid gland; commonly referred to as the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis, or HPT Axis.

The hypothalamus secretes Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH), which in turn stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH). TSH triggers the production of T3 and T4 by the thyroid gland; requiring the absorption of iodine from the blood. Once circulating levels of T3 and T4 are adequate, TRH secretion reduces.

Inadequate production and circulation of T3 and T4 due to an iodine deficiency, triggers increased TSH secretion in an attempt to balance circulating levels of thyroid hormones. If increased TSH secretion fails to adequately increase blood concentrations of iodine, TSH secretion remains elevated for prolonged periods. Prolonged secretion of elevated TSH levels may lead to severe metabolic and physiological imbalances.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, iodine requirements increase significantly and deficiencies are commonly experienced due to: maternal thyroid hormone supply to the developing fetus, an increase in maternal T4 production, and an increase in renal iodine clearance. Daily iodine intake based on non-pregnancy requirements may result in iodine deficiencies.

Impaired synthesis and inadequate supply of thyroid hormones during pregnancy and breastfeeding, may compromise the cell growth, development, and metabolism of your developing child. This compromise may result in irreversible fetal brain damage, mental retardation and a significant IQ reduction.

During the 1st trimester of pregnancy, your child is entirely dependent upon maternal thyroid hormone supply. The production of thyroid hormones by your child begins to develop during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy; resulting in a gradual decrease on the dependency on maternal thyroid hormone supply. During all 3 trimesters and throughout breastfeeding, your child requires maternal iodine for the development and functioning of the thyroid gland.

Vertili™ is formulated with 300mcg of iodine (Potassium Iodide) per serving - 136% of the RDI for pregnant women and 103% of the RDI for breastfeeding women; meeting your prenatal iodine requirements before, during, and after pregnancy.

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