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Iodine and the brain

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 September 2013

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In a nutshell

Iodine is required for thyroid hormone production, which is crucial to brain development. Iodine deficiency is widespread throughout the world, and mild deficiency is surprisingly common in developed countries.

There is some good evidence that even milder deficiencies are associated with cognitive deficit. Public health policy is important (e.g. iodine fortification of salt), but also clinicians should be aware of individual iodine status, especially in pregnant women and children.

Type
Brief Report
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

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References

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