Dr. Robert Atlas, OB/GYN, Discusses Iodine's Role in Fetal Cognitive Development
December 15, 2020
According to Robert O. Atlas, M.D., FACOG, Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, MD, pregnant and lactating women need to make sure they are taking in enough iodine in their diet.
It hasn't been a big problem in the United States because people use salt with iodine in it, but lately, people have been switching to sea salt that doesn't contain iodine.
"With more people doing alternative diets, it's something to keep an eye on," Dr Atlas said. "There are foods that are high in iodine -- fish, seafood, seaweed, legumes. dairy products and grains have it as well."
Dr. Atlas said having enough iodine is important for the development of the fetus and child. Children who don't get enough iodine can have lower IQs.
To view Dr. Robert Atlas, OB/GYN’s interview regarding the role of iodine in the cognitive development of the fetus and young child, click here.
About Mercy
Founded in 1874 in Downtown Baltimore by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Medical Center is a 183-licensed bed, acute care, university-affiliated teaching hospital. Mercy has been recognized as a high-performing Maryland hospital (U.S. News & World Report); has achieved an overall 5-Star quality, safety, and patient experience rating (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services); is A-rated for Hospital Safety (Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade); and is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet™ hospital. Mercy Health Services is a not-for-profit health system and the parent company of Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Personal Physicians.
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