Iodine is essential for normal brain development and function in the unborn baby and the infant during early life. Too little iodine can result in impaired brain function and impaired growth and development. Pregnant and breastfeeding women have increased iodine requirements and in spite of a good diet and mandatory fortification of bread with iodised salt (introduced late 2009) they remain at risk of inadequate iodine intakes, says Dr Pat Tuohy, Chief Advisor, Child and Youth Health, at the Ministry of Health. From July 2010, these two groups of women will have access to a new iodine-only tablet (NeuroKare), which will enable them to meet their iodine requirements, says Pharmac’s medical director Dr Peter Moodie. NeuroKare contains 150 micrograms of iodine and meets appropriate quality and safety standards - and it is subsidised for pregnant and breastfeeding women, costing them only $3 for a three-month supply. It is estimated 65,000 women a year could benefit from this. “It is for these reasons that NeuroKare is being made available for these two groups of women either on prescription or over-the-counter at pharmacies,” Dr Tuohy says. More on Staying well in pregnancy.