Iodine

Iodine is one of the most important minerals required by a fetus for brain and cognitive development. Iodine content in most foods and beverages is low. 18 million babies are born mentally impaired because of maternal iodine deficiency and 38 million are born at risk of iodine deficiency. Globally it is estimated that 2 billion people have insufficient iodine intake10. Fortification of salt with iodine has been one of the most successful nutrition interventions to date–71% of global households have access to iodized salt. Salt iodization has led to an increase in IQ points and significant decline in the prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders, such as goitres.