Pregnant Women Don't Lack Iodine, Let's Eat This Food

During pregnancy, there are many nutrients that must be met to meet the needs of the mother and the development of the baby in the womb. One of the important nutrients that must be fulfilled by pregnant women is iodine. Iodine is one of the essential minerals that the body needs to convert food into energy. Everyone needs iodine to make the body function properly, including pregnant women.

The Importance of Iodine Intake

Actually iodine is needed by all groups, including infants, children, adolescents and adults. Iodine is useful for the formation of thyroid hormones, which are responsible for regulating the process of energy formation needed by the body. Lack of iodine in the body will cause the body to get tired easily, weak muscles and increase the risk of weight gain. Pregnant women need a higher intake of iodine, to support the growth of the baby in the womb. One of them, is beneficial in the formation of the baby's brain and nervous system. Iodine needs to be fulfilled by pregnant women per day is 220 micrograms or 0.22 milligrams (mg). This need is greater than the need for iodine for adults in general, which is 0.15 mg per day. Beware of iodine deficiency during pregnancy, because it can increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and the baby dies in the womb.

Various Types of Food Sources of Iodine

To meet the needs of iodine, there are several food and beverage sources that pregnant women can consume, namely:

• Salt

Iodized salt does not need to doubt the iodine content. In every one gram of iodized salt contained 0.71 mg of iodine. During pregnancy, try dishes that pregnant women consume using iodized salt.

• Seafood or seafood

Seafood is rich in iodine. For example, 3 ounces of cod contains 0.99 mg of iodine, 3 ounces of tuna contains 0.17 mg of iodine, and 3 ounces of shrimp containing 0.35 mg of iodine. However, when consuming seafood, make sure it is consumed after cooking until cooked. Eating raw seafood is risky for pregnant women, including can cause viral, bacterial or parasitic infections, which will interfere with the health of the mother and the baby in the womb.

• Dried plums

The fruit that is commonly consumed to lose weight and overcome constipation also contains iodine. Every 5 dried plums contains 0.13 mg of iodine.

• Egg

In one egg contained 0.12 mg of iodine. The largest iodine content lies in egg yolks. So, when consuming eggs make pregnant women eat all the parts yes.

• Milk

Benefits of milk for pregnant women not only to meet the needs of calcium, but also meet the needs of iodine needed during pregnancy. Besides milk, yogurt is also a source of iodine. In every 250 ml of yogurt contains 0.75 mg of iodine.

Apart from the food and drinks above, pregnant women can meet the needs of iodine by taking supplements. However, consult a doctor before taking iodine supplements, to find the right dose. Although iodine is good for the body, don't overdo it. This can actually reduce the amount of thyroid hormone, thereby causing excessive weight gain. Pregnant women need to pay attention to iodine intake to maintain their own health, as well as babies in the womb. Source of iodine can be obtained from various food and beverage ingredients, also from supplements through consultation with a doctor.