Because iodine intakes by expectant American mothers have been in steady decline, all prenatal vitamins should include iodine according to an editorial in the December 19 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). One of the three co-authors is Dr. Elizabeth Pearce, ICCIDD deputy regional coordinator.

"'Iodine levels in the US have been decreasing, which has the potential to negatively impact the mother and unborn child,' (lead author) Alex Stagnaro-Green, MD, MHPE,professor of medicine and obstetrics and gynecology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, said in a press release. “'It’s time for all health care professionals to make sure that every pregnant and breast-feeding woman gets supplemental iodine during pregnancy and while they are breast-feeding.'”