Search Results for 'Cretinism'

According to the most recent research, pregnant women who are deficient in iodine are more likely to give birth to children with lower IQs and reading abilities. Iodine is necessary for optimal thyroid function. It is an essential element in the production of thyroid hormones, which are needed for normal brain growth and development in the foetus. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy has been associated with increased incidence of miscarriage, stillbirth, and may cause neuro-developmental problems. In extreme cases of iodine deficiency, the congenital condition cretinism can occur, which results in irreversible learning disability.