Before we talk in-depth about iodine deficiency, we need to know what is iodine and its function in our body.
Iodine is a mineral, which is very important for our body. It is important for the thyroid hormones that regulate the growth, development and metabolism. Our body doesn’t make iodine thus we need to get it from outside. The need for iodine varies depending on age. According to the National Institutes of Health, adults require 150 micrograms of iodine per day and during pregnancy, this need jumps to 220 micrograms per day and 290 when breastfeeding. While iodized salt provides iodine, there are other sources like milk, cheese, eggs and vegetables.
The deficiency of iodine has become rare since the introduction of the iodized salt. But the defeciency can still occur. According to the American Thyroid Association, about 30 per cent of the world population is still at risk. Here are a few symptoms of iodine deficiency
You feel depressed and tired
Iodine is a micronutrient, which is found in every tissue of the body. The function of iodine is in the production of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine triiodothyronine. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid is underactive, where the body cannot make enough of the thyroid hormones to keep the body running efficiently. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, constipation and weight gain.
Dry skin, thin hair and feeling sensitive to cold
Other signs of hypothyroidism include dry skin, hair loss, muscle weakness and feeling sensitive to cold. Women are eight times more at risk of developing hypothyroidism than men, making it primarily a women’s health concern. Women can develop hyperthyroidism at any age, but the chances increase with age especially after menopause.
You have a large lump on your neck
A goitre is the enlargement of the thyroid and is a visible sign of low iodine intake. Goitre appears at the base of the front of the neck. A goitre is the first sign of iodine deficiency. The salt that is added to processed commercial food, does not have iodine. So, people who rely on processed foods are more at risk of developing iodine deficiency.
You feel you are choking when you lie down
A large goitre may give you some hard time in breathing and swallowing. So, when you lie down, you may feel you are choking.
You are having problems during pregnancy
When pregnant, the body needs thyroid hormones. These thyroid hormones make myelin, which surrounds and protects the nerve cells, thus helping them communicate properly. Moms who are deficient in iodine are at risk of miscarriages and stillbirth. Iodine deficiency can affect the growth and development of the fetus as it impairs the neurological development of the fetus. Iodine deficiency in pregnant mom can lead to irreversible brain damage for the baby. Iodine deficiency is one of the major preventable mental retardations in the world.
The iodine deficiency test
Iodine levels are tested through a urine test by checking the urinary iodine concentration. This is because the iodine leaves the body via urine. The test will indicate if you are deficient in iodine.
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