IODINE DEFICIENCY AND NEURODEVELOPMENT IN INFANTS: NEGATIVE INFLUENCE AND METHODS OF IODINE PROPHYLAXIS

Iodine deficiency has multiple adverse effects on growth and development in humans. Those are collectively termed the iodine deficiency disorders and are one of the most common human diseases. Pregnant, lactating women and infants are the most susceptible to iodine deficiency disorders. In pregnant iodine deficiency is related to disorders that affect mothers and fetuses: increased miscarriage, intellectual disability, neonatal hypothyroidism, perinatal and infant mortality. During the period of brain development even mild iodine deficiency can cause damage. Experimental studies have shown decline in cognitive, motor and speech development in children born to mothers with gestational hypothyroxinemia. Adequate iodine intake in newborns and toddlers contributes to the maturing of the system of regulation of pituitary-thyroid axis, contributes to brain maturation, the formation of associative connections and myelination of nerve fibers. In order to negative impact on the childs neurodevelopment, high rate prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders in the whole territory of the Russian and WHO recommendations, the use of iodine prophylaxis is reasonable and appropriate, especially in high risk groups (pregnant, lactating mother and infants). The use of iodized salt is effective method of iodine prophylaxis in children and adults, except for pregnant, lactating mothers and infants. These categories need to use the individual iodine supplementation with potassium iodine: 250-300 µg daily for pregnant and lactating mothers or 100 mg in breastfed infants; formula-fed infants receive group iodine prophylaxis. In more 6mo old infants recommended the use of 50 µg potassium iodine depending of received breast milk or the infant formula.