In Russia, about 70% of the population is iodine deficient. This element is an important part of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland. With a decrease in its activity, metabolism is disturbed, intelligence and working capacity decrease, and irritability appears. Iodine deficiency is exacerbated at various periods of life: in adolescence, in the elderly, as well as during pregnancy and lactation. Prevention of iodine deficiency during childbearing should be carried out for all 9 months. The lack of this element leads to serious complications, the most dangerous of which are miscarriage, mental retardation of the child. Iodomarin during pregnancy is prescribed to almost all women. It is the most common drug for the prevention of deficient conditions.

In Russia, iodine deficiency is found in all regions, even in Primorye. In this regard, the model of universal prevention of deficiency has been adopted. Pregnant women need this element in even greater quantities than other groups of people, because it is necessary for the normal development of the fetus, in particular, its nervous system.

The daily requirement of pregnant and lactating women for iodine is 200 mcg. At the same time, on average, about 40-60 mcg of it comes with food. It is obvious that one cannot do without preparations containing iodine. Thus, pregnancy can be considered one of the indications for taking Iodomarin. This drug is prescribed to prevent pathologies of fetal development and spontaneous miscarriage.

Contraindications for the appointment of the drug Iodomarin during pregnancy are hyperthyroidism, hypersensitivity to pharmacological doses of iodine, thyroid cancer (or suspicion of it). Also, it should not be used for hypothyroidism, caused not by iodine deficiency, but by other reasons.

Iodomarin and pregnancy: instruction

In the body, iodine ensures the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. It takes part in the production of hormones. If this element is not enough, then the functioning of the nervous system, heart and immunity is disrupted. A person feels constant fatigue, irritability, memory deteriorates, efficiency decreases, sexual desire decreases, headaches and muscle pains appear.

During pregnancy, the need for this trace element increases. Taking Iodomarin avoids health problems not only for the mother, but also for the child.

Iodomarin in the early stages

Iodomarin in the early stages of pregnancy is especially necessary for a woman, since the child does not yet have its own thyroid gland, and its condition is completely determined by the mother's hormones. In the 1st trimester, the laying and formation of all organs and systems takes place. A lack of iodine causes a change in the level of hormones in a woman, which can affect these processes. The formation of the brain in the fetus is most severely disturbed and subsequently serious pathologies develop in the psychomotor sphere (cretinism).

Taking Iodomarin during pregnancy and during its planning reduces the risk of miscarriage and arrest in the development of the fetus. In order for the body to be prepared for bearing a child, it is worth starting to drink pills already six months before the intended conception.

Iodomarin in the later stages

When a doctor prescribes Iodomarin during pregnancy, a woman has a question: how long to take the drug? The need for iodine remains high throughout all 9 months, as well as during breastfeeding.

If this element is not enough in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, then the risk of developing the fetus, malformations, and congenital hypothyroidism is high. In the later stages, active growth and development of the skeleton occurs.

At the bone tissue level, thyroid hormones are involved in two processes:

• in the division of cells from which bones are formed;
• in the deposition of minerals - calcium and phosphorus - in the bone substance.

Thus, the development of bone and cartilage tissue directly depends on the intake of iodine in the body of the unborn child.

Iodomarin is necessary for a woman not only during pregnancy, but also during breastfeeding. Iodine deficiency can cause insufficient milk supply, and in severe cases, a complete cessation of its production.

How to take Iodomarin during pregnancy

Iodomarin 200 during pregnancy is prescribed most often, the instructions for it contain information that it is enough for expectant mothers to take 1 tablet per day. The number "200" in this case means the amount of iodine in 1 pc. (200 mcg).

If the nearest pharmacy has only Iodomarin 100, during pregnancy it will be necessary to take 2 tablets per day. The same dosage is relevant for the period of breastfeeding.

Iodomarin during pregnancy as a means of preventing a deficiency state should be taken 1 time per day, after meals. There is an opinion that the absorption of iodine will occur better if you take the pill with milk, but there is no clinical evidence for this. You can drink the drug with any liquid.

How to drink Iodomarin during pregnancy? The body of each woman is unique, so the doctor will determine the exact dosage of Iodomarin during pregnancy.

Possible side effects

Iodomarin during pregnancy is prescribed by doctors almost without fear, since side effects from taking it are extremely rare. All of them refer to cases of individual intolerance to pharmacological doses of iodine - more than 1000 mcg / day. In other words, adverse reactions can develop with excessive use of the drug. The dose of Iodomarin during pregnancy is 200 mcg / day, it is called physiological and cannot harm either the child or the mother.

If you accidentally drink a large number of tablets, you should immediately seek medical help. Diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, a metallic taste in the mouth, and darkening of the mucous membranes may occur.

During pregnancy, the intake of a sufficient amount of iodine in the body of a woman prevents intrauterine growth retardation, disturbances in the formation of the nervous and skeletal systems of the fetus, and the appearance of hypothyroidism in the newborn. One of the most serious consequences of iodine deficiency are miscarriage, cretinism in a child (mental and physical retardation). Also, this element preserves the health of the expectant mother: normalizes metabolism, serves as a preventive measure for certain diseases of the endocrine, nervous and cardiovascular systems.

It is best to start drinking Iodomarin tablets even at the stage of pregnancy planning, the drug has a positive effect on the quality of the reproductive system. During pregnancy, its constant intake is necessary in doses recommended by the doctor. After the birth of a child, it contributes to the production of a sufficient amount of breast milk. How to take and how much to drink Iodomarin during pregnancy and after childbirth, a specialist will tell the woman.

Useful video about Iodomarin

Lack of iodine during pregnancy can cause serious pathologies in the development of the child. The microelement takes part in the development of the brain, so it is very important to ensure its sufficient intake in the body. How to determine the lack of this substance? What drugs should be taken during pregnancy to replenish iodine balance? About the rules for the prevention of iodine deficiency below in the article.

The effect of iodine during pregnancy

Is iodine necessary during pregnancy? Understanding its functions in the body during the perinatal period will help answer this question:

• iodine is part of the thyroid hormones, is responsible for the proper flow of metabolic processes in the body;
• takes part in the transport of ATP molecules to cells;
• normalizes the functioning of the nervous system and heart.

An insufficient amount of this microelement can provoke serious deviations in the development of the fetus.

Women who get enough iodine during pregnancy feel great throughout its development.

They practically do not experience depression and increased anxiety, weight gain remains within acceptable limits, and they are always in a good mood.

About iodine deficiency during pregnancy

On the territory of Russia, an insufficient amount of iodine in the body is a frequent occurrence in medical practice.

Symptoms of iodine deficiency:

• decreased activity of the immune system;
• constant feeling of fatigue, general weakness of the body, desire to sleep;
• thyroid disease.

The lack of a trace element in the mother's body negatively affects the condition of the child. Against the background of this condition, he may develop:

• dementia;
• pathology of the structure of the brain;
• underdevelopment of the bone apparatus.

Pregnancy against the background of iodine deficiency is always more difficult than in other women. Toxicosis, the threat of miscarriage, miscarriage, insufficient labor activity - this is an incomplete list of possible complications with iodine deficiency.

Therefore, pregnant women need to consult not only a gynecologist, but also an endocrinologist, who will determine whether a woman needs to take additional iodine.

If you make the right menu, you can completely fill the need for iodine without resorting to taking medications. To do this, you need to eat foods that contain a large amount of this element.

These include:

• liver of marine fish, especially cod;
• sea ​​fish;
• shrimps;
• oysters;
• kelp or seaweed;
• feijoa;
• apples;
• persimmon;
• meat;
• spinach.

The iodine molecule is very unstable and easily destroyed by strong external factors.

Thus, products cannot fully meet the body's need for a trace element. Therefore, it is recommended to take special vitamins for pregnant women with iodine.

Rules for the processing and storage of iodine-containing products

The maximum amount of iodine is found in fresh seafood and fish. Improper storage and preparation can significantly reduce the amount of this micronutrient.

Preferred methods are steaming, baking, blanching.

Fresh salmon contains about 200 micrograms of the substance, and after freezing, its concentration drops to 27 micrograms.

In vegetables and fruits, the amount of iodine decreases sharply during mechanical processing.

Exposure to metal devices destroys many useful substances.

iodized salt

One of the options for additional intake of iodine in the body is the use of iodized salt.

The product is obtained by enriching sodium chloride or common table salt with potassium iodate.

Iodized salt is a good prophylactic.

Has a number of contraindications:

• oncological neoplasms in the thyroid gland;
• tuberculosis of the lungs;
• the formation of boils;
• excessive thyroid function;
• kidney pathology.

In the presence of diseases from the listed list, it is better to refuse to use this product.

Currently, iodized salt is successfully used not only in cooking and canning, but also as a cosmetic product.

Products that prevent the absorption of iodine

The abuse of certain foods can lead to a decrease in the amount of iodine in the body. This is due to the fact that they contain substances that destroy the structures of the iodine molecule.

These products include:

• flax-seed;
• soya beans;
• various types of cabbage - white cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower.

In addition to products, some groups of drugs interfere with the absorption of iodine:

• penicillins;
• streptomycins;
• chloramphenicol;
• hormonal drugs;
• acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin;
• bromine-containing drugs.

Pregnant women are advised to carefully approach the preparation of their diet.

Daily iodine intake for pregnant women

The norm of iodine for pregnant women is 250 mcg per day. However, this figure is arbitrary. How much iodine is needed per day will be determined by an endocrinologist or gynecologist who monitors pregnancy. To do this, it is necessary to check the functional activity of the thyroid gland. It is better to do this before conception at the planning stage.

If the dosage is incorrectly calculated, an overdose of iodine during pregnancy may occur. This can also harm the health of not only the expectant mother, but also the baby.

Particular care must be taken when using iodine in early pregnancy. During this period, there is an active formation of all organ systems of the child and it is very easy to harm.

Iodine is an essential trace element in the life of the human body. The need for it increases during the period of bearing a child.

In regions where there is a shortage of this chemical, doctors recommend that women take special iodine preparations for pregnant women. They help to fill the needs of the body of the mother and child in this element.

You can not independently make a decision about the need to take such medicines. Only a doctor can determine the dosage, duration of the course, as well as the method of using iodine during pregnancy.

Interesting video: what products contain a lot of iodine

Iodine is essential for the synthesis of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T₄) and triiodothyronine (T₃). The greatest influence during pregnancy on the body of the mother and fetus is exerted by this microelement, which comes with food. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the mechanism of its metabolism during gestation, to know the sources of its intake, how much iodine is needed and how to eat in order to avoid deficiency.

The exchange of iodine in the body

97% of this trace element contained in food, water or special additives is absorbed by the stomach and duodenum. Almost its only function in the body is the production of thyroid hormones. They, in turn, are responsible for all types of metabolism - protein, fat, energy and others.

The absorption of iodine by the thyroid gland varies depending on its content in the blood. With sufficient intake during pregnancy, it is included in the cells of the gland. This process is regulated by the pituitary thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

As a result of biochemical reactions, T₃ and T₄ are formed in cells. The first of them spends in the blood for about one day, the second for about a week, and then they break down and are excreted (90% of the substance is in the urine). Part of the iodine salts again enters the thyroid gland.

Should I drink iodine during pregnancy?

This largely depends on the initial amount of the trace element and the region of residence, so this issue should be discussed with the doctor individually.

How does pregnancy affect iodine status:

• The gestation period causes a number of major changes in thyroid physiology. The exchange and disintegration of thyroid hormones is rebuilt in such a way that the need for a microelement increases significantly. These processes are affected, for example, by the placenta.
• Another reason for the increased need for iodine during pregnancy is an increase in the rate of urine formation in the glomeruli of the kidneys, which leads to an accelerated excretion of the trace element.
• The fetus cannot independently synthesize thyroid hormones until about the 20th week of the gestational period. Until this time, he receives only maternal T₄, penetrating a small amount through the placenta. After the production of hormones by the fetus's own thyroid gland begins, these substances are synthesized in much larger quantities than in an adult, and the mother's body must support this process with a continuous supply of a sufficient amount of the iodine component.

The increase in thyroid hormone production during pregnancy requires the presence of sufficient iodine. In regions where it is sufficient, pregnancy usually occurs against the background of a full-fledged iodine reserve in the cells of the thyroid gland, equal to 10-20 mg. With continued sufficient intake of food and water, the body is able to meet the increased needs.

Why do I need iodine when planning a pregnancy?

The iodine status reflects the concentration of the trace element in the urine (UIC). In women living in iodine-deficient regions, it is below the norm. This means that small reserves of the microelement during pregnancy will be quickly depleted, and there will be nothing to replenish them. Under such conditions, to enhance the production of thyroid hormones, the synthesis of TSH in the pituitary gland increases. This hormone stimulates the growth of thyroid cells and a goiter develops. To avoid this condition, as well as in case of hypothyroidism, it is recommended to select the required dosage of iodine-containing drugs even at the stage of preconception preparation.

What is dangerous iodine deficiency for a pregnant woman

The degree of severity distinguish between severe deficiency, as well as mild and moderate insufficiency. A doctor should be consulted if a pregnant woman begins to feel the following symptoms:

• compression in the neck, feeling of a coma in the throat;
• dry skin, brittle nails, loss of the outer part of the eyebrows;
• drowsiness, apathy;
• swelling of the face and eyelids;
• excessive weight gain.

In this case, the doctor prescribes an ultrasound of the thyroid gland, blood tests for TSH and T₄, and other studies if necessary.

The consequences of severe iodine deficiency

Severe iodine deficiency can cause complications such as:

• hypothyroidism in both the woman and the fetus;
• risk of prematurity and stillbirth;
• violation of the formation of subcortical structures of the brain;
• increased risk of congenital developmental anomalies, decreased intelligence, strabismus, increased spasticity of skeletal muscles.

Despite global public health efforts, iodine deficiency remains the leading preventable cause of mental retardation in the world. Severe iodine deficiency is also directly related to mental development in childhood in the absence of a clear intellectual lag. Thus, the average IQ of children living in regions with a normal content of this substance in the external environment is 12 points higher than the indicator of children living in endemic (microelement poor) areas.

Sequelae of mild to moderate iodine deficiency

Mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy and its impact on child development are less well understood. However, experts note that with a small or even subclinical iodine deficiency, the following consequences may occur:

• slower psychomotor development before the age of 1 year;
• delay in the formation of coherent, expressive speech;
• IQ 7 - 9-year-old children are about 7 points lower;
• increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Scientists have found that 69% of children diagnosed with hyperactivity have iodine deficiency, and most of them were born to mothers who, even during gestation, experienced a lack of this trace element.

Even with a slight iodine deficiency, the risk of such complications increases:

• anomalies of labor activity;
• feto-placental insufficiency;
• or miscarriage in the 1st trimester;
• premature birth;
• the first half of pregnancy, OPG-gestosis - in its second half;
• weight gain, both mother and unborn child.

The rate of iodine in the body during pregnancy

The World Health Organization has developed a method for determining this trace element in urine. According to her, the norm of iodine during pregnancy in the mother's body is 150-249 mcg / l. For non-pregnant women, this value is 100-199 μg / l, and for breastfeeding women - more than 100 μg / l.

Iodine in the urine during pregnancy must be determined in every woman living in an unfavorable region for iodine deficiency. If it deviates from normal indicators, it is necessary to contact an endocrinologist, take tests for TSH and T₄.

How to get a micronutrient with food

The daily requirement of iodine during pregnancy is 250-290 mcg, the same as for the lactation period. The minimum required intake is 150 mcg per day.

• iodized salt;
• special dairy products and bakery products containing iodine salts;
• seafood, sea fish, cod liver, seaweed.

Before introducing these products into the diet, it is necessary to clarify whether the region of residence of the pregnant woman is on the list of iodine-deficient. About 30% of the population lives in such areas, and the proportion of pregnant women with hidden or obvious deficiency is constantly increasing.

How long in pregnancy should I take iodine?

Usually, its drugs are prescribed during the entire gestational period, as well as during breastfeeding.

Supplements and vitamins

Finding a good iodine supplement for pregnant women can be tricky. Of all prenatal vitamins, only 50% contain this trace element. In those where this substance is present, it can be in the form of either kelp (seaweed) or potassium iodide:

• in supplements with kelp, the daily amount of the trace element varies significantly from tablet to tablet, which makes them an unreliable source;
• if the composition contains potassium iodide at a dose of 150 mcg, then 23% of this mass is potassium, and the average dose of iodide is only 119 mcg, this does not cover the daily need of the body.

Therefore, to select the best prenatal vitamins containing sufficient amounts of iodine, you need to consult a doctor. In addition, you can independently recalculate the dose of pure iodide, based on the above example.

The most popular vitamins for pregnant women "Elevit Pronatal" do not contain iodine compounds at all.

What iodine is better to take?

In addition to iodized salt, it can be Iodomarin or Potassium iodide. Their dosage is determined individually. These iodine preparations are practically safe and do not cause an excess of the trace element in the body. However, self-treatment by them is unacceptable. Such drugs are contraindicated in case of intolerance to iodine preparations, many diseases of the liver and kidneys, as well as hyperthyroidism - increased hormonal activity of the thyroid gland.

Iodine preparations

Consequences of excess iodine

Regarding the upper limit of normal consumption, there is no consensus among doctors. However, it is believed that an excess of iodine does not lead to the development of pathology in the mother, but it can cause hypothyroidism in the fetus. On average, the maximum dosage of iodine according to various recommendations ranges from 500 to 1000 mcg per day.

The benefits of adding this substance to the diet during pregnancy far outweigh the risks of a slight overdose. None of the studies on this topic have found that a slight excess of iodine during pregnancy causes adverse effects on the fetus. On the contrary, scientists are convinced that neuropsychic development in such children proceeds better than with iodine deficiency. However, taking more than 1 mg of a microelement is highly undesirable, as it can irreversibly disrupt the thyroid gland of an unborn child.

The impact of additional intake of iodine preparations on the mother's body

Studies on this issue have yielded different results:

• in pregnant women who received 120-180 micrograms of iodized salt per day, a safe increase in the volume of the thyroid gland was found;
• in pregnant women who did not receive any supplements, not only the volume of the gland increased, but also the level of TSH in the mother, as well as the amount of thyroglobulin in the mother and fetus, while the level of T₃ and T₄ did not change;
• in other studies, the addition of iodide compounds to the diet did not cause changes in gland volume, TSH, thyroglobulin, and T₄ levels in women.

Effects of iodine supplements on child development

With severe iodine deficiency in a woman, a child with cretinism is born in 6% of cases.

With mild and moderate severity of pathology, one-year-old children whose mothers received substitution treatment developed much better than their peers. Moreover, the best data were obtained in the group of women who started taking iodine in the early stages of pregnancy, that is, at 4-6 weeks.

In addition, timely treatment of iodine deficiency improves the course of the gestational period, the condition of the fetus, reduces the risk of complications in childbirth, which can cause serious illnesses in the child in the future.

Conclusion

Recent data on the neonatal effects of iodine supplementation on the child's mental development suggest that adequate intake should begin as soon as the patient knows she is pregnant. Even better if it is included in the pregnancy planning program. Physicians caring for pregnant women are advised to be aware of this important micronutrient and recommend adequate intake throughout pre-conception, pregnancy and lactation.

Every woman should know that for the normal development of pregnancy, the body of the expectant mother must receive a whole range of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. This complex includes a variety of trace elements, among which iodine occupies the most important place.

First you need to figure out why the body iodine.
Everyone knows that the lack of iodine negatively affects the human body. Lack of iodine in the body can cause a number of serious diseases. Iodine is one of the components of the structure of the thyroid gland and at the same time an important part of its hormones. These hormones produce energy in the body and take part in its distribution.

There are some other very important functions that iodine performs during pregnancy. Iodine is important for the development of the fetus and in the first years of a baby's life:
1) the child's body, without receiving a certain amount of iodine, will not be able to generate cells of sufficiently strong bone tissue, which means that the skeleton will not develop properly. This microelement contributes to the deposition of phosphorus minerals and calcium salts in the bones, helps to more rapid formation of bone matter;
2) the development of the baby's brain and nervous system directly depends on the optimal amount of iodine in the body, which, in turn, is part of the thyroid hormones. It has been scientifically proven that it is the activity of thyroid hormones, which contain iodine, that determines the production of energy during the work of the brain.

Since the development of the child's body in the womb during pregnancy depends entirely on how much, what elements and in what quantity are contained in food, whether there is enough iodine in them, a woman during this period needs to especially monitor her diet.

The optimal amount of iodine is important for both the baby and the mother herself. If the pregnancy is normal, then the body needs a more active metabolism. This can only be achieved with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. The development of the mammary glands and the further production of milk for the child also depends on the provision of the body of the pregnant woman with iodine.

Why is iodine deficiency dangerous during pregnancy?

Lack of iodine provokes the development of such a disease as endemic goiter. The thyroid gland increases in size, its functionality decreases. This disease is easy to identify and treat. But there is also the so-called unexpressed iodine deficiency. It's harder to define. But this should be done as early as possible, since it poses a rather great danger to the fetus and the mother's body.
Note that for the baby's body, which is just developing inside the mother's body, iodine deficiency will become a big problem. The adaptation of the child will be very difficult. At the same time, the pregnant woman herself may not feel such an urgent need for this element, since her body is already more adapted. Lack of iodine during pregnancy is fraught with quite serious consequences.- such as mental retardation of the child, deviations in the development of the motor apparatus, etc.
The most terrible consequence of a lack of iodine in the body of a pregnant woman is a frozen pregnancy and miscarriage (that is, intrauterine arrest of the development of the fetus and its death).
It is necessary to ensure that when pregnancy occurs, a woman's body receives more iodine with water and food than usual.

Why is excess iodine dangerous?

An excess of iodine in the body is quite rare, but it is no less dangerous than a lack of iodine. As a rule, iodine is found in excess in the body with hyperthyroidism - a disease of the thyroid gland. The total level of iodine in the body with this disease rises sharply. Because of this, a woman may develop Graves' disease, a goiter will grow, exophthalmos and tachycardia will appear. Other cases of excess iodine are associated with work in production, where you have to deal with iodine.

In both cases, excess iodine threatens miscarriage and serious fetal malformations.

The course of such a pregnancy must be monitored with your doctor and follow his recommendations to reduce the level of iodine in the body. If an excess of iodine in the body of women is detected during the planning period or in the early stages of pregnancy and adequate treatment is started, then the chances of a normal pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby are high.

Should a pregnant woman take iodine supplements?

It is necessary to clearly control the amount of iodine in the body already at the stage of pregnancy planning and make sure that the body of the expectant mother is provided with this element sufficiently throughout the entire period of bearing a child and breastfeeding.

In many regions of Russia, almost 90% of the population has a lack of iodine in the body. For example, these regions include the North-West, Central. Therefore, in such regions, doctors often recommend that all pregnant women take additional iodine - in the form of separate preparations (such as Iodomarin, Iodine-Active and others) or as part of multivitamins for pregnant women. Be sure to check with your doctor about this! Ask if you need to take iodine supplements. If you have any thyroid disease, be sure to tell your doctor. So, with hyperthyroidism, it is impossible to take additional iodine preparations. And with hypothyroidism - on the contrary, they are necessary.

ATTENTION! Alcohol tincture of medical iodine is not intended for ingestion! It is intended only for external use on the skin and mucous membranes! Taking an alcohol tincture of medical iodine threatens you with severe poisoning and abortion! Drink only iodine preparations specially intended for ingestion!