Tag: fetal development

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Iodine recommendations for pregnancy and lactation may be too low for mom and baby.

Iodine during the prenatal period is necessary for the mother and infant’s health. Prenatal and lactation needs for iodine are increased and current recommendations and screening may not be sufficient to provide both the baby and mom what they need for optimal health.

Many women may not get the iodine that they need for their own body and the growing fetus or may become depleted during lactation. (1) Each additional pregnancy can leave the woman even lower in iodine. Woman with many pregnancies may have more of a risk for having a child with congenital hypothyroidism at birth. Low iodine prenatally may also add to risk for autism or schizophrenia later in the child’s life. 

Current recommendations for iodine by international agencies may be too low for pregnancy, lactation and for newborns. (1) A review team has recommendations for an increase in iodine supplementation – 250-300 micrograms of iodine daily for pregnancy and lactation and 90 micrograms for newborns. The team also recommends increasing the screening range for urinary iodine considered optimal to 150-230 micrograms of iodine. (1) Less iodine is excreted in the urine when the body is depleted.

A study based in Hong Kong also suggests that urinary iodine levels may not be an accurate test for assessing adequacy of iodine intake by lactating women as an indicator suggesting their breast milk would supply recommended iodine levels for their infants. (3)

“The most recent guidelines issued by the American Thyroid Association (73) suggested that all pregnant women should ingest ~250 μg iodine daily, and women who are planning pregnancy or are currently pregnant, should add to their diet a daily oral supplement that contains 150 μg of iodine.” May 21, 2020 (7)

*This was an unfinished older post, so I wanted to check if the recommendations have been updated.

Pregnancy and the neonatal period are higher risk stages for iodine deficiency t occur because the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine levels are modulated more than in other stages of the lifespan. TSH tends to be elevated more than normal and thyroxine decreased. Checking newborns for elevated TSH would be a biomarker for iodine deficiency. (1) When adequate iodine is provided promptly, the mental retardation associated with congenital hypothyroidism may be preventable. Treating with Synthroid alone would not help enough. All the glands of the body need iodine, not just the thyroid gland. If it is low, it means everything else in the body is even more depleted as the thyroid gets preferential use.

Re pregnant women and neonates: “…their serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine are increased and decreased, respectively, for degrees of ID that do not seem to affect thyroid function in the general population. Systematic neonatal thyroid screening using primary TSH could be the most sensitive indicator to monitor the process of ID control.” (1) *ID = iodine deficiency.

Conclusions from a study based in Thailand included the finding that heel prick blood at three days old was not as accurate as a sample from the umbilical cord sera for screening TSH levels in the newborn. (4)

Women become more depleted in iodine with each pregnancy and lactation stage of their lives. Infants seem to also get preferential use of iodine from the mother’s body stores. A study based in China found lower iodine levels in urban and rural prenatal and lactating women compared to the iodine levels of infants and school aged children living in the regions. The presence of goiter was low in all women (2.0%) but was more common in prenatal women (2.7%) than in lactating women or for all women combined. (2) Mammary glands also can use more iodine from maternal stores for breast milk production due to an increased activity of the iodine symporter/mineral channel. Low intake of iodine will lead to lower levels of iodine in the breast milk. (5)

“In areas of iodine sufficiency breast milk iodine concentration should be in the range of 100-150 microg/dl. Studies from France, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Thailand and Zaire have shown breast milk concentrations of < 100 microg/l. Adequate levels of iodine in breast milk have been reported from Iran, China, USA and some parts of Europe.” (5)

This information about maternal and neonatal preferential uptake of iodine suggests that iodine is VERY IMPORTANT for infant development. ←Noteworthy.

Being iodine deficient can equate to a drop in Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of up to 15 points. Supplementation can improve cognitive ability if started early for neonates or if the low iodine didn’t begin in infancy. (6)

“The intelligence damage of children exposed to severe ID [iodine deficiency] was profound, demonstrated by 12.45 IQ points loss and they recovered 8.7 IQ points with iodine supplementation or IS [iodine sufficiency] before and during pregnancy. Iodine supplementation before and during pregnancy to women living in severe ID areas could prevent their children from intelligence deficit. This effect becomes evident in children born 3.5 years after the iodine supplementation program was introduced.” (6)

Infants who are born low in iodine tend to grow very slowly, in proportion, but tiny. Shorter, narrower, lighter, less muscle mass, than if they had been sufficient in iodine. The appearance has been described as elfin and can be very cute as a child, however what might their full potential have been if mom had had enough iodine? More to point – why are low iodine thyroid conditions only treated with Synthroid and rarely with extra iodine? That is standard for anyone with hypotthyroidism – totally ignore the need for iodine by every other gland in the body.

Buyer be very wary of “health care professionals” – they may just be following standard protocols and seeking more information may be life improving.

Food sources of iodine: Eating adequate seaweed and seafood is the traditional source of iodine in many areas of the world. Seaweed species vary in iodine content, and it can vary within species. Supplements of seaweed for iodine use should be tested batch by batch for iodine content of the seaweed if the company is reputable. Other crops grown near the ocean tend to have higher levels of iodine than crops grown inland, which makes coconut a fairly good iodine source.

Some plants uptake iodine preferentially such as rhubarb, making it a vegetable high in iodine. It also has other medicinal benefits. This person really loved Siberian rhubarb for perimenopause, so I will let her tell you about it: (indigonaturals.net) There may be a product for sale, I am not affiliated. It is a thorough article on the intricacies of estrogen receptors.

green-leafed plant
Young rhubarb stalks. The leaves and stalks can get quite large. Generally the leaves are not eaten, only the colorful stalks. Rhubarb is a tangy celergy like vegetable that can be used in place of celery in soup or is typically sweetened and thickened in the US to serve as a tangy “fruit” pie, possibly prepared with strawberries too. Photo by kaori nohara on Unsplash

The recommendations for iodine intake across the lifespan, may also be too low for everyone, when the competition of halides in the water and food supply is considered. Iodine can be replaced by bromide or fluoride or chloride in thyroid hormone, but the resulting hormone is then dysfunctional. Lab tests would show “normal” levels. Symptoms of hypothyroidism may be present while lab tests show the presence of a normal amount of T3 and T4 that may not have three atoms of iodine or four atoms of iodine. Instead, it might have some atoms of fluoride, bromide or chloride if the body was low in iodine and had plenty of the other halides present.

More information about iodine and selenium food sources, and the issue of halides in hypothyroidism is on page G9. Iodine & Thyroid. (effectivecare.info)

Selenium is also needed for the enzyme that breaks down excess thyroid hormone. Two Brazil nuts per day provides the typical goal used in alternative treatment – 200 micrograms of selenium per day. Selenium is not readily available in many foods and checking your one-a-day or Trace Mineral supplement mix for it would be a good idea as Brazil nuts can be expensive or hard to find.

**Addition, off-topic from iodine – I went back to the perimenopause article, (indigonaturals.net), and have found a biological difference between males and females – females may have – drumroll – more bliss – more of the THC equivalent endocannabinoid: anandamide.

“Despite these differences, FAAH inhibitors retain anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects in ovariectomized female rats [112]. Interestingly, however, anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects produced by estradiol administration are attenuated by CB1R blockade [112], whereas estradiol administration increases AEA levels [113] or AEA signaling [114], possibly via downregulation of FAAH* driven by an estrogen response element on the FAAH gene that suppresses FAAH transcription when bound by estrogen.”

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/a188/3e071695213724c1f9df258910481d6c2ae7.pdf

Goodness, let’s decipher that.

Basically, estradiol exerts its antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects by boosting anandamide. [*FAAH is an enzyme that breaks down cannabinoids.] In fact, they were able to block estradiol’s effect on depression and anxiety by blocking CB (endocannabinoid) receptors!

This means, the key to estradiol’s control of mood is…the endocannabinoid system and anandamide in particular!

By the way, this was a sex dependent effect…only women used this pathway in other experiments: Remarkably, this effect of E2 [estradiol] is sex specific, occurring in females but not in males.  

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0896627312003753

Can we all agree that irritability is the opposite of bliss? (indigonaturals.net)

Yes, I can agree that irritability is the opposite of bliss – PMS history and genetic inability to make anandamide has left me familiar with irritability, also those around me – sorry. I would try to go to my office during PMS week and warn staff that I was having a cranky day – paperwork catch up day.

*In the modern era of trans gender hormone use, it is also interesting because the DNA male body might not be as blissful/peaceful even with estradiol use as someone with a DNA female body because the estrogen receptors would likely still respond as a male. If you paint a barn red, it doesn’t become a fire engine. Self-acceptance is a goal of maturing – we all have flaws and aging adds changes to those old familiar flaws.

Chocolate and Pregnancy – moderation/common sense – it is a nutrient rich food, hold the sugar and bad fats.

Chocolate is the richest commonly used food with some cannabinoid content – but not much for the calorie ratio. Bliss but not in a dose large enough for someone with a gene difference in ability to make endocannabinoids.

Cannabinoids are needed in pregnancy and lactation and chocolate is not that high in caffeine or theobromine that chocolate needs to be avoided (a frequent recommendation for pregnancy that I don’t agree with). Moderation on the calories, use of dark cocoa powder in a low sugar product would provide a variety of phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory benefits.

Disclaimer: Opinions are my own and the information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of fair use. While I am a Registered Dietitian this information is not intended to provide individual health guidance. Please see a health professional for individual health care purposes.

Reference List

  1. Delange F., Iodine requirements during pregnancy, lactation and the neonatal period and indicators of optimal iodine nutrition. Public Health Nutr. 2007 Dec;10(12A):1571-80; discussion 1581-3. doi: 10.1017/S1368980007360941. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18053281
  2. Yan YQ, et al., Attention to the hiding iodine deficiency in pregnant and lactating women and lactating women after universal salt iodization: A multi-community study in China. J Endocrinol Invest. 2005 Jun;28(6):547-53. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16117197
  3. Kung AW., Iodine nutrition of pregnant and lactating women in Hong Kong, where intake is of borderline sufficiency. Public Health Nutr. 2007 Dec;10(12A):1600-1. doi: 10.1017/S1368980007360989. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18053285
  4. Rajatanavin R., Iodine deficiency in pregnant women and neonates in Thailand., Public Health Nutr. 2007 Dec;10(12A):1602-5. doi: 10.1017/S1368980007360990. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18053286
  5. Azizi F1, Smyth P., Breastfeeding and maternal and infant iodine nutrition. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2009 May;70(5):803-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2008.03442.x. Epub 2008 Oct 6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19178515
  6. The effects of iodine on intelligence in children: a meta-analysis of studies conducted in China. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2005;14(1):32-42.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15734706
  7. Toloza FJK, Motahari H, Maraka S, Consequences of Severe Iodine Deficiency in Pregnancy: Evidence in Humans, MINI REVIEW article, Front. Endocrinol., 19 June 2020, Sec. Thyroid Endocrinology, https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2020.00409, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2020.00409/full
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Snake venom like toxin is more exposed on free S1 subunit.

There is a cobra toxin-like gene sequence in the chimeric spike protein of either the SARS-C0V-2 virus, or the CoV injection’s spike sequence. (1) It likely can paralyze the function of nAChR clolinergic receptors, (4), . . . and medical world seems to be ignoring or denying that.

The solution is simple, though controversial – just start nicotine – OOOH, BUT THEN -> ADDICT! True, better off -> dead?

The dysfunction may be involved in the excessive menstrual bleeding or severe colitis like diarrhea. The cholinergic receptors also help modulate immune function to not produce too many inflammatory cytokines.

Chimeric – made of many species. The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and the sequence used for the CoV injections, also have similar genetic sequences to a wasp toxin, and it has genes from HIV and MERS. Chimeric – like the many headed hydra of mythology – they can all bite, and all may need to be dealt with to achieve health.

Summary:

  • Spike protein or the S1 subunit have a snake venom toxin like sequence which can block nAChRs receptors, and it disrupts the function of the nAChRs. (1, 4)
  • Nicotine is protective of the function of nAChR receptors, it is an agonist, an activator. It is addictive, yes, so is health.
  • The alpha 7 nAChRs are involved in preventing cytokine storm over-immune reactions, (2) ;
  • nAChRs are also involved in: menstruation/endometrial tissue (3); regular bowel movements; sperm motility; and functioning nAChRs are critical for prenatal and child development of the retina and eyes, and throughout life for retinal health, (5); nAChRs are needed to be able to send nerve signals from the ears to the brain – ie – to be able to “hear”. (7)

TRP channels are also needed to be able to hear, they are in the inner ear hair cells. (10) They are also throughout the body, needed for fetal development, (11), and magnesium absorption in the intestines, ().

Reports of harm to vision & hearing of children have been reported to VAERS.

VAERS reports of adverse reactions involving CoV injections include reports of children going blind or deaf. (6) That may involve cholinergic dysfunction of the nAChR receptors. (5, 7)

Spontaneous abortion/miscarriage in the first trimester has also been reported for most women who received CoV injections during the first trimester. (ref to add)

Lack of magnesium due to TRP channel dysfunction in the GI tract may be a factor in risk to a fetus if the TRP channels’ function is loss – which resulted in death, in a genetic animal study.

“Genetic inactivation of Trpm7 in mice results in early embryonic death17, 19. Conditional tissue-specific inactivation of Trpm7 in mice showed that TRPM7 plays a critical role in morphogenesis of various internal organs19,20,21.” (12)

Hearing & TRP channels: Hearing loss likely also involves damage to the inner ear hair cells. The TRP channel’s ankyrin repeat domains can be affected by the spike protein. (10) TRP channels with long stretches of ankyrin repeat domains are abundant in inner ear hair cells as they form a coil like area that can sense mechanical pressure and activate the TRP channel if a strong enough force is exerted on it. (8, 9) The open area of the ion channel is usually formed as an empty space between two very large protein subunits – similar building blocks put together in a circular pattern that can leave an open channel in the middle.

Simple solution – soak in magnesium sulfate and it enters the body through hair follicle pores – larger than TRP channels.

Epsom salt soaks are the simple solution to bypass the poor absorption of magnesium in the digestive tract. Both the magnesium and the sulfate are protective to the inner ear hair cells and the rest of the body. The hydrated form of a bath or foot soak may aid in the absorption. Magnesium sulfate was well absorbed from a bath relative, based on change in blood levels of magnesium. There have been less good results seen in topical magnesium chloride studies.

One to two cups of Epsom salt for a half-full bath, soak for 20-40 minutes. One cup or so in a large bucket or bin so more than the feet can soak, and soak for 20-40 minutes. Depending on the severity of magnesium deficiency a soak 1-3 times per week may be needed to help prevent muscle cramps or anxiety/anger. Low magnesium can affect depression risk or psychosis also.

Blocking nAChRs may add to risk of excess cytokines -sepsis; they help prevent an over-active production.

The retina is the area in the back of the eye where light sensing rod and cone cells are located. Activating the alpha7 nAChR type of receptors lead to improved cell survival in a model of glaucoma, (5) possibly aided by the anti-inflammatory role.

“Retinal ganglion cells treated with the α7 nAChR agonist [such as nicotine] alone demonstrated a 28.0% (± 12.8%) increase in cell survival over untreated control.”

The cholinergic nAChR receptors are involved in modulating an inflammatory cytokine response – so that it isn’t excessive and producing an over-active amount of cytokines as seen in sepsis.

“Due to its role in the downregulation of the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, 33–35, it has been suggested that the α7 nAChR may be involved in the hyper-inflammation response that can be caused by SARS-CoV-2. 9, 36” (2)

So the more obvious colitis or excessive menstrual bleeding symptoms experienced from being around recently CoV injected people, may be an indicator that other excessive inflammatory responses are also happening throughout the body – and the solution is the same: nicotine activates the nAChRs and is protecting them, taking up the open spot in the receptor so S1 or Spike protein can not lodge in the spot instead – blocking its immunomodulatory or other functions.

Snake toxin sequence more exposed on the freed S1 subunit portion of the chimeric spike protein.

The chimeric spike protein can split into parts and both parts of the main spike are able to interact with cell receptors, S1 and S2. The gene sequence that is similar to a snake and snail type of toxin becomes more exposed on the separate S1 subunit – meaning it is likely then more interactive with nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors.

“Notably, the exposure of this motif and its close sequential neighbors is further accentuated in the S1 trimer (Fig. 2C) shed after cleavage by the human proteases (TMPRSS2 or furin) to enable the activation of the fusion trimer of S2 subunits.” (1)

The ability to split into parts, at the Furin Cleavage Site (FCS), is unique to the chimeric spike protein. Other coronavirus spike proteins do not have that capability.

Furin Cleavage Site

Chimeric spike protein is unlike any other CoV spike in that it can break into parts, subunits, at the Furin Cleavage Site (FCS), leaving S2 attached to the base part and freeing S1, both elongated halves of the spike: /\_ -> / and \_ .

The full spike can interact with ACE2 and various receptor types – and the S1 and S2 subunits can also, they are elongated. The base parts are smaller. Receptors are like a keyhole, & the spike, S1, & S2 are like a key that can fit in, but jam it -> no function, or dysfunction.

The S2 and base, \_ , stays attached to the human cell membrane if produced by a CoV injected person, (which would never happen in a real viral infection); or it would stay on the viral membrane in an CoV infection.

The S1, / , is freed, loose, floating in extracellular fluid… and the gene sequence that is cobra toxin like, PRRA, is more exposed on the freed S1, than it is in the full spike. The freed S1 could then travel to other areas of the person & block their nAChR receptors, or it might be excreted in sweat or breathed out.

The fact that un-CoV-injected people are getting symptoms after being around CoV-injected people suggests that it is an aerosolized risk. Standard fabric face masks would not be protective but better quality KN95 masks seem helpful.

People getting menstrual bleeding symptoms after being around recently injected people is likely because S1 exposure in a large enough load to be paralyzing the function of nAChR receptors in endometrial tissue (uterus). That link mentioned smokers are less at risk for endometreosis (excess menstrual blood but internal clotting), & that nAChR agonists might be a therapy to consider. (3)

Health Aids for Special Times – foods, phytonutrients and nutrients, and some lifestyle habits that may help protect against chimeric protein issues.

This document includes a lengthy section titled Excessive Menstrual Bleeding with information about nicotine, and colitis related to spike exposure may also be related to nAChR disruption and benefit from nicotine treatment – that is the problem it helped me with. The document also has information on Sleep and Iodine/Thyroid, in addition to chimeric protein related aids. When many types of receptors can be disrupted – they all need to be protected ideally. My website jenniferdepew.com has page Nutrients and page Cofactors with dosing details about a variety of other nutrients not specified in the document.

Disclaimer: This information is being shared for educational purposes within the guidelines of Fair Use. It is not intended to provide individual medical guidance. Please seek a health care provider for that purpose, such as a functional health nutritionist or practitioner.

Reference List

  1. Mary Hongying Cheng, She Zhang, Rebecca A. Porritt, Magali Noval Rivas, Lisa Paschold, Edith Willscher, Mascha Binder, Moshe Arditi, Ivet Bahar. Superantigenic character of an insert unique to SARS-CoV-2 spike supported by skewed TCR repertoire in patients with hyperinflammation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Sep 2020, 202010722; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2010722117 https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2020/09/25/2010722117
  2. Oliveira, A., Ibarra, A. A., Bermudez, I., Casalino, L., Gaieb, Z., Shoemark, D. K., Gallagher, T., Sessions, R. B., Amaro, R. E., & Mulholland, A. J. (2020). Simulations support the interaction of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology, 2020.07.16.206680. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.07.16.206680 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC7386492/
  3. Wu Y, Wang LP, Pan JQ. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists may be a novel therapy for endometriosis. Med Hypotheses. 2011 Nov;77(5):745-7. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2011.07.028. Epub 2011 Aug 10. PMID: 21835554. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21835554/
  4. Farsalinos, K.; Eliopoulos, E.; Leonidas, D.D.; Papadopoulos, G.E.; Tzartos, S.; Poulas, K. Nicotinic Cholinergic System and COVID-19: In Silico Identification of an Interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and Nicotinic Receptors with Potential Therapeutic Targeting Implications. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21, 5807. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21165807 https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/16/5807/htm
  5. Lyons Leah, Neuroprotective Effect of an Α-7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Agonist and a Positive Allosteric Modulator in an In Vitro Model of Glaucoma. (2014) Masters Thesis, http://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/theses/740 https://www.dropbox.com/s/v8jrb56w1iwzs1u/physician_assistant_studies_thesis.pdf?dl=0
  6. Stew Peters Show, CHILD JAB INJURIES – FIRST NUMBERS REPORTED, SERIOUS DANGER! THEY ARE KILLING THE CHILDREN. https://www.bitchute.com/video/HIEsLK1BO1bQ/ via “VAERS reports include children going blind and deaf after Covid-19 v@ccine.” https://twitter.com/awakenindiamvmt/status/1443547600460738568?s=20
  7. Moglie Marcelo J., Marcovich Irina, Corradi Jeremías, et al., Loss of Choline Agonism in the Inner Ear Hair Cell Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Linked to the α10 Subunit. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. 14 (2021) pp 5, DOI=10.3389/fnmol.2021.639720 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnmol.2021.639720/full
  8. Gaudet R. A primer on ankyrin repeat function in TRP channels and beyond. Mol Biosyst. 2008;4(5):372-379. doi:10.1039/b801481g https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3006086/
  9. Phelps CB, Huang RJ, Lishko PV, Wang RR, Gaudet R. Structural analyses of the ankyrin repeat domain of TRPV6 and related TRPV ion channels. Biochemistry. 2008;47(8):2476-2484. doi:10.1021/bi702109w https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3006163/
  10. Halim Maaroufi, Interactions of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels could explain smell, taste, and/or chemesthesis disorders. 15 Jan 2021, https://arxiv.org/abs/2101.06294
  11. TRPM7 channels are needed in embryo development and also have an ankyrin repeat sequence. Jingjing Duan, Zongli Li, Jian Li,  et al., Structure of the mammalian TRPM7, a magnesium channel required during embryonic development. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Aug 2018, 115 (35) E8201-E8210; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1810719115 https://www.pnas.org/content/115/35/E8201
  12. Ferioli, S., Zierler, S., Zaißerer, J., et al. TRPM6 and TRPM7 differentially contribute to the relief of heteromeric TRPM6/7 channels from inhibition by cytosolic Mg 2+ and Mg ATP. Sci Rep 7, 8806 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-08144-1 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-08144-1

Notes related to specific health aids that may protect against epigenetic changes, or in other ways.