A person's intelligence is not only determined by heredity or craft only. Mother's diet during pregnancy is very affecting. A British study found that pregnant women who consume less iodine at risk of having a child with a low IQ.

 

A study of more than 1,000 pregnant women concludes it. Pregnant women who has lower consumption of iodine get higher risk of having a child with a low IQ. Iodine is essential for the thyroid gland to produce hormones that have an effect directly on the brain development of the fetus.

 

Researchers at the University of Bristol and Surrey found that about two-thirds of 1,040 pregnant women were studied and iodine deficiency. These mothers tend to give birth to children with a lower IQ. The lower levels of iodine is consumed, the lower the IQ and reading ability.

 

"Our results clearly demonstrate the importance of adequate iodine during early pregnancy and emphasizing the risk that iodine deficiency can impair the development of the baby, even in countries which are classified as having a bit of iodine deficiency," said Professor Margaret Rayman of the University of Surrey, who led the research as reported by the Telegraph, Thursday (05/23/2013).

 

To make sure to get enough iodine intake, pregnant women should eat dairy products and fish, and milk. But researchers cautioned seaweed supplements because they contain excessive levels of iodine.

 

The study, published in the journal The Lancet is used a sample of a research project called 'Children of the 90s', namely the long-term research project involving 14,000 pregnant women during 1991 - 1992. Health and development of children of these mothers continue to be monitored since at that time.

 

"Pregnant women and are planning a pregnancy should ensure intake of yodiumnya adequate. Sources of good food is milk, dairy products and fish. Women who avoid such foods should look for alternative sources. Supplements seaweed should be avoided because it has iodine levels are excessive," said Dr. Sarah Bath, a nutritionist.

 

(pah/mer)