At the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), we recognize the critical role iodine plays in supporting normal neurocognitive development in fetuses and breastfed infants. Despite the increased daily iodine requirements during pregnancy and lactation, many women in the U.S. still fall short of this essential nutrient. CRN’s recommended guidelines encourage supplement manufacturers to address this nutritional gap to promote better health outcomes for mothers and their children.
Here’s what you need to know:
The Importance of Iodine:
Adequate iodine intake is essential for normal cognitive development, particularly during early pregnancy when the fetal brain is developing rapidly. Authoritative organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Thyroid Association recommend a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement containing 150 mcg of iodine for pregnant and lactating women. However, only about 15–20% of these women in the U.S. currently take a supplement with sufficient iodine.
CRN’s Voluntary Guidelines:
CRN recommends that dietary supplement manufacturers and marketers include at least 150 mcg of iodine per daily serving in all multivitamin/mineral supplements intended for pregnant and lactating women in the U.S. These guidelines align with science-based recommendations and aim to support healthy cognitive development in children. Any safe and suitable iodine-containing ingredient may be used, provided it complies with Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and meets label claims consistently.
These recommendations help supplement manufacturers ensure their products provide pregnant and breastfeeding women with the iodine necessary to support their children’s cognitive health, advancing maternal and infant nutrition.
This guideline is just one example of CRN member’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ethics and integrity in the products you depend on. By choosing products from CRN member companies, you’re selecting brands that prioritize your health and confidence in their offerings.
