Wednesday May 28, 2014 (foodconsumer.org) -- In the journal Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics issues a policy statement to urge women of reproductive age to have sufficient intake of iodine as iodine deficiency can interfere with normal brain development in their babies and also increase their vulnerability to effects of environmental pollutants such as nitrate, thiocyanate and perchlorate.

According to the statement, salt in processed foods is not iodized and pregnant women and lactating women should take supplements with adequate iodine while only 15% or women take iodine-containing supplements.  Many supplements do not contain adequate iodine or may not be adequately labeled.

The article cites The American Thyroid Association as recommending that "pregnant and lactating women take a supplement with adequate iodide."

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends pregnant and lactating women should avoid exposure to excess nitrate, often found high in contaminated well water, and thiocyanate, found high in cigarette smoke.  Perchlorate is another water pollutant that needs to be regulated.

The statement suggests that "the Environmental Protection Agency should proceed with appropriate regulation, and the Food and Drug Administration should address the mislabeling of the iodine content of prenatal/lactation supplements."

Iodine rich foods include potatoes, seaweed, cod, iodized salt, shrimp, baked turkey breast, dried prune, navy beans, fish sticks, canned tuna, boiled eggs, bananas, strawberries, lobster, cheddar cheese, cranberries, white bread, and green beans.

Multivitamin pills often contain iodine.  Iodine only supplements are also available.  But consumers should make to pay attention to the dosage and make sure enough amount of this element is used daily.

Pregnant women need 220 mcg of iodine per day, 

Infants aged 0 to 6 months need 110 mcg per day, 

Infants aged 7 to 12 months need 130 mcg per day, 

Children aged 1 to 8 years need 90 mcg per day, 

Children aged 9 to 13 years need 120 mcg per day, 

Teens older than 13 and adults need 150 mcg per day, 

Breastfeeding women need 290 mcg per day, 

These are dietary allowances recommended by the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) of the Institute of Medicine in 2001. (David Liu, Ph.D.)