International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

What type of iodine should be avoided during breastfeeding?

1. Normal

2. Non-radioactive

3. Radioactive

4. Organic

The correct answer is: Radioactive

During breastfeeding, radioactive iodine should be avoided because it can be harmful to both the mother and the infant. Radioactive iodine is used in certain medical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, particularly for thyroid conditions, but its radioactive properties pose a risk of accumulating in the breast tissue. If a breastfeeding mother undergoes treatment with radioactive iodine, there is a significant concern that the radioactive particles could pass into breast milk and be consumed by the infant, potentially leading to radiation exposure and adverse health effects. In contrast, normal, non-radioactive, and organic forms of iodine do not carry the same risks associated with radioactivity and are generally considered safe in moderate amounts. In some cases, iodine is essential for thyroid function and overall health, and some forms may even be recommended during lactation as long as they are not radioactive. Thus, the emphasis on avoiding radioactive iodine specifically addresses concerns about the safety of the breastfed infant.