Iodine Requirements During Pregnancy: Timing, Thyroid Hormones, and Fetal Brain Development
The article highlights that only about 20% of UK women know iodine needs rise during pregnancy, despite recommendations increasing from 150 µg to 200‑250 µg daily. Early‑gestation iodine deficiency is linked to measurable drops in child IQ and thyroid hormone deficits, while insufficient maternal intake also compromises breast‑fed infants’ iodine status. Recent cohort studies show the critical window is the first trimester, and lactating mothers must maintain elevated intake to support infant development. Public‑health gaps in iodised‑salt use and vegan diets exacerbate the risk.
Appetite Regulation, Hunger & Satiety: Mechanisms and Implications for Weight Loss
The article outlines how appetite is governed by both homeostatic energy‑balance mechanisms and hedonic reward pathways, distinguishing hunger, satiation and satiety. It highlights research identifying low‑ and high‑satiety phenotypes, showing high‑satiety individuals lose roughly twice as much weight over 12...