Mineral deficiency exposes 19 million babies a year to brain damage risk

Scientists warn lack of iodine leaves 14% of newborns vulnerable to impaired mental development

• Hannah Summers
• The Guardian

A lack of iodine in pregnancy and early childhood puts nearly 19 million babies around the world at risk of permanent but preventable brain damage every year, a new report has warned.

Insufficient iodine during pregnancy can adversely affect neurological and psychological development, reducing a child’s IQ by eight to 10 points.

More broadly, widespread iodine deficiency can diminish the…

• Mineral deficiency exposes…