Iodine key for brain growth of babies

PREGNANT women and those planning to have children should ensure adequate iodine intake, according to a new report.

Lack of iodine, for which good dietary sources are milk, dairy products and fish, can lead to reduced mental development in children, the study found.

Iodine is essential for producing the hormones made by the thyroid gland which have a direct effect on foetal brain development.

A group of researchers from Surrey and Bristol universities, led by Professor Margaret Rayman of the University of Surrey, used samples and data from the Bristol-based Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a project in which more than 14,000 mothers enrolled during pregnancy in 1991 and 1992.

Mrs Rayman said: “Our results clearly show the importance of adequate iodine status during early pregnancy.” A MAN made the most of the spring sunshine yesterday by taking a dip at Gourock Outdoor Pool as the warm May weather continued in Scotland.

The Met Office said temperatures were as high yesterday.

However, fresher weather and some rain is expected over the next two days, with temperatures reaching a high of

as 16C

in Glasgow 13C today and 10C tomorrow. Weather forecasters say temperatures are expected to return to 17C and higher from Sunday. Picture: PA