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Global Micronutrient Deficiencies: An Overlooked Factor in Fertility and Pregnancy Challenges
Micronutrient deficiencies affect billions globally, including women in developed countries. These hidden gaps play a critical role in fertility, pregnancy health and outcomes.
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Omega 3 During Pregnancy: Why Intake Matters
Research increasingly shows that Omega 3 plays a key role in healthy pregnancy outcomes. Learn why adequate DHA and EPA intake matters for both mother and baby.
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Why 3-in-1 Fertility Supplements Fall Short & Why Stage-Specific Support Matters
Preconception, pregnancy and after pregnancy each have distinct nutritional needs. We explore why stage-specific fertility supplements matter.
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Iodine Deficiency in Pregnancy
For Healthcare Professionals OnlyA 2025 study from University College Cork (UCC) has found that 60% of pregnant women had suboptimal iodine status, a concerning figure given iodine’s central role in reproductive and foetal health. The findings, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, assessed urinary iodine concentration (UIC) data from over 1,500 first-time mothers attending Cork University Maternity Hospital.¹ The average UIC was 125 µg/L, falling below the World Health Organization’s recommended threshold of ≥150 µg/L during pregnancy, suggesting iodine insufficiency.² While two-thirds of participants reported using a pregnancy supplement, the majority remained below optimal levels highlighting gaps in dosage, formulation, or dietary intake. The Role of Iodine in Reproductive Health Iodine is a key component of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which regulate metabolism and are essential for reproductive health. Even mild iodine deficiency can impair thyroid function, which has been linked to reduced fertility, irregular menstrual cycles, and a higher risk of miscarriage. Thyroid hormones closely interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which governs ovulation, menstrual regulation, and sex hormone production. When iodine intake is insufficient, thyroid hormone production is compromised, disrupting these delicate hormonal interactions and potentially impairing conception. Critical in Early Pregnancy During the first trimester, the developing foetus relies entirely on maternal thyroid hormones to support the formation of the brain and spinal cord. If the mother is iodine deficient, this demand may not be met, putting early development at risk. By the time pregnancy is confirmed, organogenesis (organ formation) is already well underway, making preconception iodine status critically important. Unlike some nutrients, iodine is not stored in large reserves. It must be consumed regularly via diet or supplementation to maintain adequate levels. Building iodine stores before conception supports ovulatory health, hormonal balance, and the body’s ability to respond to the increased physiological demands of early pregnancy. How Proceive® Supports Iodine Needs Both Proceive® Conception and Pregnancy formulations contain iodine, supporting the production of maternal thyroid hormones and helping to meet the demands of both reproductive health and foetal development. Proceive® also delivers a wide spectrum of high-strength, bioavailable nutrients, tailored for the pre-conception period and each trimester of pregnancy. With no fillers or unnecessary additives, Proceive® offers a considered, high-quality option for women planning or expecting a baby. Conclusion The UCC findings highlight a significant public health gap: iodine deficiency continues to affect a majority of pregnant women, despite supplement use. For healthcare professionals supporting patients through preconception and pregnancy, ensuring adequate iodine intake through diet and supplementation remains a key step in optimising pregnancy outcomes. References UCC News, 2025. 60% of pregnant women show signs of iodine deficiency. https://www.ucc.ie/en/news/2025/60-of-pregnant-women-in-irish-study-show-signs-of-iodine-deficiency-ucc-research-finds.html WHO, 2007. Assessment of Iodine Deficiency Disorders and Monitoring their Elimination. WHO/NHD/01.1 Zimmermann MB. (2009). Iodine deficiency. Endocrine Reviews, 30(4), 376–408. Bath SC et al. (2013). Maternal iodine status and IQ of offspring: a UK cohort study. The Lancet, 382(9889), 331–337. Bath SC et al. (2017). Iodine deficiency in the UK – A growing concern? Nutrition Bulletin, 42, 206–216. Glinoer D. (2001). Pregnancy and iodine. Thyroid, 11(5), 471–481. WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD (2007). Iodine deficiency in pregnancy: public health strategies. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products (2014). Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for Iodine. EFSA Journal 2014;12(10):3660.
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Research: Most Women Are Not Getting the Nutrients They Need for a Healthy Pregnancy
For Healthcare Professionals Only An international study has found that the majority of women are not getting the essential nutrients needed to support a healthy pregnancy and researchers warn the situation could worsen as more people adopt vegetarian or vegan diets. The research, which analysed the vitamin status of 1,729 women in the UK, Singapore and New Zealand, focused on key nutrients typically found in meat and dairy, including vitamins D, B12, B6, folic acid and riboflavin. These nutrients are critical during pregnancy: Folic acid and vitamin B12 help reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida Vitamin D supports the immune system and supports healthy bones, teeth, and muscle function Riboflavin plays a role in the development of bones, muscles, and the nervous system in the growing baby Over 90% of the women studied had low or marginal levels of one or more of these vitamins. Many also showed signs of vitamin B6 deficiency by late pregnancy. Professor Keith Godfrey, lead author and professor of epidemiology at the University of Southampton, commented: “The push to reduce our dependence on meat and dairy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions is likely to further deplete expecting mothers of vital nutrients, which could have lasting effects on unborn children.” The Study: Supplementation and Results Participants were divided into two groups: An intervention group of 870 women A control group of 859 women Both groups received a basic supplement containing: 400mcg folic acid 12mg iron 150mg calcium 150mcg iodine 720mcg beta-carotene However, the control group was given a broader micronutrient formula, including: 1.8mg riboflavin 2.6mg vitamin B6 5.2mcg vitamin B12 10mcg vitamin D 10mg zinc Myo-inositol and probiotics Blood samples were collected at four points: pre-conception, early pregnancy, late pregnancy, and six months postpartum. The results? Supplements that included a wider range of vitamins and minerals substantially reduced the prevalence of deficiencies both before and during pregnancy. The researchers concluded that, in high-income countries, where diets are increasingly plant-based and potentially less nutrient-dense, micronutrient supplementation should be more actively considered as part of routine preconception and pregnancy care. “The findings suggest a need to reappraise dietary recommendations for preconception and pregnancy, and to further explore the role of comprehensive multinutrient supplements,” they added. NHS Guidance and Real-World Gaps Current NHS guidance recommends that women trying to conceive take 400mcg folic acid daily from before pregnancy through to 12 weeks, to help reduce the risk of birth defects. A daily vitamin D supplement is also advised. But this new study highlights a broader issue: even among women in high-income countries, widespread nutrient insufficiency is present before pregnancy even begins. Prof Godfrey added: “Our study shows that almost every woman trying to conceive had insufficient levels of one or more vitamin, and this figure is only going to get worse as the world moves towards plant-based diets. People think nutrient deficiency is only an issue in low-income countries - but it’s clearly affecting the majority of women in wealthier nations too.” The study was published in PLOS Medicine and led by researchers from the University of Southampton, with support from the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, the University of Auckland, National University of Singapore, and Singapore’s Agency for Science, Research and Technology.
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