What's the Value of Iodine?

Iodine may Improve Cognition in Deficient Children

A new study suggests that iodine supplementation in children with mild iodine deficiency may improve cognition.

The negative effects of severe iodine deficiency on brain development are well documented. The body needs iodine to produce thyroid hormones, which are important for normal brain development and cognition. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy or breastfeeding has been linked to significant neurocognitive deficits in infants.

The authors of the latest study set out to evaluate the effects of iodine supplementation in 184 children (age 10-13) with mild iodine deficiencies. The children were randomly assigned to receive either iodine supplements or placebo daily for 28 weeks. At the beginning and end of the study, the authors collected biochemical, anthropometric, and dietary data. The children also completed cognitive performance tests.

By the end of the study, the authors found that the children in the iodine group had significantly improved their cognitive scores on two out of the four tests. The researchers concluded that "iodine supplementation improved perceptual reasoning in mildly iodine deficient children and suggests that mild iodine deficiency could prevent children from attaining their full intellectual potential."

Several integrative therapies have been suggested as having cognitive-enhancing effects. For instance, strong evidence suggests that sage may improve cognition, particularly memory. Additionally, good evidence supports the use of the Ayurvedic herb bacopa for enhancing brain function.

For more information about iodine, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements database.

References

1.Gordon RC, Rose MC, Skeaff SA, et al. Iodine supplementation improves cognition in mildly iodine-deficient children. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Sep 2. View Abstract

2.Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. http://www.naturalstandard.com/

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