New Iodine Guidelines Raise Daily Intake for Infants and Pregnant Women

New guidelines for iodine intake have been released by the German Nutrition Society (DGE). The recommendations now include higher daily amounts for infants, Gen Z, Gen X, pregnant women, and other age groups. These changes aim to prevent long-term health risks linked to iodine deficiency.

The DGE, working with the Austrian Nutrition Society (ÖGE), has updated its iodine reference values. One key change is the doubled recommendation for infants under four months, now set at 80 µg per day. The consultation behind this adjustment remains unspecified in public records.

Pregnant women are now advised to take iodine supplements daily. The suggested dose ranges from 100 µg to 150 µg to support thyroid function during pregnancy. Without sufficient iodine, children may face impaired physical and neurological development. To meet the new guidelines, the DGE recommends practical dietary steps. These include using iodized salt regularly, drinking milk or eating dairy products every day, and consuming seafood or marine products once or twice a week. These measures help maintain adequate iodine levels across all age groups.

The updated guidelines highlight the importance of iodine for thyroid health and early development. By following the DGE’s advice on diet and supplements, individuals can reduce the risk of deficiency-related complications. The recommendations apply to infants, pregnant women, and the general population.