Dr. Robert Atlas, OB/GYN, Discusses Iodine's Role in Fetal Cognitive Development

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.