Healthy Eating During Pregnancy: Iodine

A daily amount of 250mcg of iodine recommended for pregnant persons. Iodine is a mineral that works to help the body synthesize thyroid hormone. This hormone helps with muscle contractions and bone development by breaking down fats and stimulating nutrient absorption. 

• Signs of deficiency: 

  • Swelling in the front of the neck, unexpected weight gain, fatigue and weakness, hair loss and dry skin, feeling colder than usual, changes in heart rate, trouble remembering.  

• Foods rich in iodine: 

  • Fish such as cod and tuna, seaweed, shrimp and other seafood 

  • Dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese 

  • Iodized salt- specialty salts such as sea salt, kosher salt, Himalayan salt and fleur de sel are not iodized