Evidence supporting the use of: Iodine
For the health condition: Birth Defects (prevention)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5

Iodine is scientifically validated as essential for the prevention of certain birth defects, particularly those related to brain development. Iodine is a critical nutrient required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which play a fundamental role in fetal brain and nervous system development. Scientific evidence shows that maternal iodine deficiency during pregnancy increases the risk of cretinism, intellectual disabilities, and other neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring. Severe deficiency can also result in miscarriage, stillbirth, and congenital anomalies such as goiter. Numerous population studies and intervention trials have established that iodine supplementation or fortification (such as iodized salt) in areas with iodine deficiency dramatically reduces the incidence of these birth defects and developmental problems. The World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other major health authorities universally recommend adequate iodine intake before and during pregnancy to prevent these outcomes. Historical data from countries that introduced iodized salt show dramatic reductions in birth defects associated with iodine deficiency. Therefore, the use of iodine for the prevention of certain birth defects is strongly supported by both historical and robust scientific evidence.

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