In the mother’s womb, a baby/foetus needs a steady supply of iodine for the normal growth and development of its brain and body. Only the mother can provide this. But if the mother is iodine-deficient, the child too becomes iodine deficient. If the woman is deficient in iodine, the child’s brain and body are seriously and permanently damaged and the child can develop mild to severe mental retardation and become a cretin, unable to hear, talk walk or think normally. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy may also result in abortion or stillbirth. The critical period for brain growth is from conception to the first three years of life. Optimum iodine nutrition during this period is essential for normal brain development.
