The new quarterly IDD Newsletter is now online. The lead article explains the recent global focus on iodine deficiency during pregnancy. Iodine is critical for optimal fetal development. Yet 38 million newborns in developing countries every year remain unprotected from the lifelong consequences of brain damage associated with iodine deficiency.

Other issue highlights include reports from the U.S., Bosnia and Herzegovina, New Zealand, Italy and Serbia.

The article on the U.S. points out that pregnant and reproductive-age women in the United States may be at risk for iodine deficiency, particularly if they do not regularly consume dairy products.