Costs and benefits of iodine supplementation for pregnant women in a mildly to moderately iodine-deficient population: a modelling analysis

This cost-effectiveness analysis found that iodine supplementation in tablet form for pregnant women with mild to moderate deficiency in the UK is potentially cost saving with a net gain in IQ points.

Results from previous studies show that the cognitive ability of offspring might be irreversibly damaged as a result of their mother's mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy.

However no UK recommendations for iodine supplementation have been issued to pregnant women, and according to a BBC report, Public Health England advises that a varied diet should offer enough iodine for everyone including pregnant women.

The author of a related editorial calls for an urgent need to protect unborn children within the UK. The author’s suggestions include updating UK dietary reference values in line with international standards and recommending iodine supplements in pregnancy and lactation.