Maternal Iodine Studied for Psychomotor Development of Children

Maternal iodine levels were shown in a new study to correlate with development of the child during the first 2 years of life. Iodine is a trace mineral required for the synthesis of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid hormone is essential for normal metabolic activity and is critical for skeletal and central nervous system development in fetuses and infants.

In a moderately iodine deficient area, pregnant women were evaluated for serum free T4 levels during the first trimester of pregnancy. Eighty-six children from the women were evaluated for psychomotor development using the Bayley Scale of Infant Development at 12, 18 and 24 months of age.

The study showed that maternal serum free T4 levels were a major determinant of psychomotor development of the children at 18 and 24 months of age. In the children born to mothers with a serum T4 level in the lowest 25 percent, there was over double the risk of the children having mild-to-severe delay, and alterations in behavior were already found at 12 months of age. Thyroid status of the infant at birth did not influence psychomotor development.

The researchers stated, “This study highlights the need to implement active measures of iodine supplementation periconceptionally and during pregnancy and lactation because the negative effects on development and behavior might be prevented through preemptive action.”

Reference:

Costeira MJ, Oliveira P, Santos NC, Ares S, Saenz-Rico B, Morreale de Escobar G, Palha JA. Psychomotor Development of Children from an Iodine-Deficient Region. J Pediatr. 2011 Apr 12. Published Online Ahead of Print.