Yesterday news highlighted that Iodine contents of 2 Japanese-branded infant milk powder are found to be 1/3 lower than the recommendation. According to the Codex, the Iodine content of the infant milk powder should be 10ug/100kcal minimum. Because infants rely solely on milk as their food source for their first 6 months, the nutrient contents of the milk powder are very important.
What is Iodine:
Iodine is an essential element that is needed for the production of thyroid hormones which it is not able to be produced in our body. According to WHO, thyroid hormones are important for growth and development of the brain and central nervous system from the 15th week of gestation to 3 years of age. If iodine deficiency exists during this period and results in a significant degree of thyroid hormone deficiency, the development of the brain and central nervous system might be deranged and such derangements are irreversible.
Iodine deficiency:
Goiter (hypothyroidism) - Without adequate thyroid hormone, our metabolism slows down. You would feel colder and tire easily
Iodine-rich food sources:
Seaweed
Eggs
Iodized salt
Shellfish
Saltwater fish
Written by: Michelle Cheung R.D
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