The Australian Thyroid Foundation has sent out information packs to pharmacies around Australia to help them discuss the importance of adequate iodine intake, including supplementation, with their pregnant and breastfeeding customers, Pharmacy News reports.

“As a primary point of care in the community, pharmacies play an important role in educating women around Australia about achieving good thyroid health by taking iodine supplements and consuming foods that are naturally rich in iodine, to reduce the risk of mental deficiency in developing infants,” said ATF president Beverley Garside.

"According to the foundation, more than 50 per cent of Australian women and children are iodine deficient.

“'Iodine plays a critical role in the neuropsychological development of the foetus and in the first two years of life,' said Professor Creswell Eastman, an international expert on iodine deficiency and the Australian Thyroid Foundation’s principal medical advisor."

Dr. Eastman is vice-chair of the ICCIDD and regional coordinator for Australia and the Pacific.