Pregnancy and Iodine: Hey, Can anyone tell me... - Thyroid UK

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Pregnancy and Iodine

Ariemai6 profile image
5 Replies

Hey,

Can anyone tell me whether the British Thyroid Foundation or Thyroid UK currently recommends prenatal vitamins containing iodine for those with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism?

I’m aware that Levothyroxine naturally had iodine but is this enough for pregnancy requirements?

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Ariemai6 profile image
Ariemai6
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5 Replies
miglet54 profile image
miglet54

I understood that iodine was a no no for Hashimoto people.

most people here seem to warn against iodine although I am sat on the fence and wavering toward thinking it does more good than harm. It BTA do not recommend iodine.

Ariemai6 profile image
Ariemai6 in reply to

Hi mandyjane, yes I always thought that iodine was a strict no no but I’ve recently become aware of information that suggests the risks of iodine deficiency are much greater to the foetus than iodine supplementation in prenatal vitamins, even in those with Hashimoto’s. Which is very worrying as I specifically chose a prenatal without iodine to avoid the risk of autoimmune flare up. I just hope the iodine in my levothyroxine and my diet has been enough 😟

MaisieGray profile image
MaisieGray

It would be inadvisable to supplement with iodine without first testing and identifying a deficit, too much iodine as well as too little iodine can lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. In the west it would be unusual to find people with an iodine deficit not least because of iodised salt, but a good diet should easily provide you with the iodine you need. Examples of daily values: 3 oz baked cod - 65%; 1 cup low fat milk - 37%; 2 slices white enriched bread - 30%: one large egg -16%; 1oz cheddar cheese - 8%.

Ariemai6 profile image
Ariemai6 in reply toMaisieGray

Hi MaisieGray, you say it is unusual for individuals in the west to have an iodine deficiency. Does this include the UK where salt is not iodised? And do the values above relate to the American diet? Thanks :)

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