Iodine

Iodine is one of the most important minerals required by a fetus for brain and cognitive development. Most foods and beverages contain very little iodine. Each year, an estimated 18 million babies are born with mental impairments caused by maternal iodine deficiency, and another 38 million are born at risk due to insufficient iodine. Globally it is estimated that 2 billion people have insufficient iodine intake. 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.