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Iodine‐induced neonatal hypothyroidism secondary to maternal seaweed consumption: A common practice in some Asian cultures to promote breast milk supply
Author(s) -
Emder Phillip John,
Jack Michelle Marion
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2010.01972.x
Subject(s) - medicine , iodine , breastfeeding , breast feeding , pregnancy , famine , consumption (sociology) , iodine deficiency , breast milk , lactation , pediatrics , environmental health , obstetrics , endocrinology , thyroid , social science , biochemistry , chemistry , materials science , sociology , biology , political science , law , metallurgy , genetics
Mild iodine deficiency is a recognised problem in Australia and New Zealand. However, iodine excess can cause hypothyroidism in some infants. We highlight two cases which illustrate the risks of excess dietary iodine intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding. They also describe a cultural practice of consuming seaweed soup to promote breast milk supply. Although most attention recently has been on the inadequacy of iodine in Australian diets, the reverse situation should not be overlooked. Neither feast nor famine is desirable.