You know that our bodies need different nutrients to function properly, right? There are many things like vitamins and minerals. Some of these we talk about all the time, but there are some that we don't think about as much. But even if it's a small thing, it can be something that is indispensable to the body. Similarly, something that is very important for our body, but sometimes we can miss it, is iodine . Today, we will talk about what kind of problems can occur if this iodine is not properly supplied to the body, that is, if 'iodine deficiency' occurs.
What is iodine deficiency? Let's understand it simply!
Simply put, iodine deficiency is when your thyroid gland doesn't get enough iodine to function properly. Now you're probably wondering what the thyroid gland is.
This is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of our neck. It's like a little engine in our body. It's part of our endocrine system , which is the system that produces hormones. The thyroid gland makes thyroid hormones . These hormones then enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body to do important jobs.
Think about it, these thyroid hormones are what help our body use energy, maintain body temperature, and help other organs function properly. Especially during pregnancy , these thyroid hormones are essential for the development of the baby's bones and brain. So, if iodine is lacking, thyroid hormones are not produced properly. That's when the problems start.
So, what is this iodine? Where do we get it?
Iodine is a naturally occurring mineral found in the earth. Our bodies cannot make iodine on their own. Therefore, we must obtain it from the foods we eat and drink. There are several ways to get iodine:
- Some foods naturally contain iodine: Seawater contains iodine, so seaweed, shrimp, and seafood in general are high in iodine. Some dairy products and other foods also have iodine added.
- Iodine has been added to table salt: In the past, iodine deficiency was a big problem in Sri Lanka and many other countries around the world. As a solution to this, iodine was added to table salt. As a result, iodine deficiency was reduced to a great extent.
- Can be taken as a dietary supplement: Some vitamins, especially those given to pregnant mothers ('Prenatal vitamins'), contain iodine.
Who is most likely to be affected by iodine deficiency?
In Sri Lanka, this situation is very rare because most people now use iodized salt. However, in some parts of the world, especially in mountainous areas far from the sea, people have this problem. Because their environment and soil are low in iodine. Let's see who is more at risk:
- People who use non-iodized salt: It is estimated that more than 10% of the world's population does not receive iodized salt.
- People who live in high altitudes, far from the sea: Because their natural environment is low in iodine, they also get less iodine from food and drink.
- People who don't eat fish or dairy (for example, vegans): Because seafood and dairy are foods that are rich in iodine.
- Pregnant women: A pregnant woman needs about 50% more iodine than the average person. This is because she also needs to meet the needs of the baby in the womb.
What complications can occur due to iodine deficiency?
If you don't get enough iodine, your body won't be able to make thyroid hormones properly. This can lead to a variety of problems. This can be especially serious during pregnancy.
Things that can happen due to iodine deficiency during pregnancy:
- Miscarriage.
- Stillbirth.
- Birth defects.
- Stunted growth.
- Intellectual disabilities.
- Development delays.
Although very rare, severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy can cause a condition called 'cretinism' . This is also called 'congenital iodine deficiency syndrome' . Babies born with this condition can have serious complications. For example:
* Extreme delay in physical and mental development.
* Deaf-mutism .
* Excessive muscle stiffness (Spasticity) .
* Short stature.
This is why it is said to be especially careful about iodine during pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of iodine deficiency? How do we recognize it?
One of the main ways to identify whether you have an iodine deficiency is by looking at changes in the thyroid gland.
One of the first signs of iodine deficiency is an enlarged thyroid gland . This is called a 'goiter' . This enlargement occurs when the thyroid gland is working too hard to produce the thyroid hormones the body needs. If you have a goiter, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Feeling like you're suffocating.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Difficulty breathing.
The main symptom of iodine deficiency is a condition called hypothyroidism . This means that the body's iodine levels are low and the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough thyroid hormones. This is also called an "underactive thyroid." This slows down your metabolism , causing fatigue, weight gain, and an inability to tolerate cold temperatures.
Some other symptoms:
- Infertility.
- The skin looks like it's swollen.
- Hoarseness of voice.
- Confusion.
- Dry, scaly skin.
- Hair becoming coarse and thinning.
Why does this iodine deficiency occur?
The main reason is that we do not get enough iodine from the food we eat. Although this is now decreasing in countries like Sri Lanka, it is still a common problem in many developing countries of the world. Especially in mountainous areas, people who live far from the sea have low iodine intake from seafood and dairy products. Also, in some countries, iodine is not added to salt.
How is iodine deficiency diagnosed?
Your doctor may suspect this when they see an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter). If so, they may order a thyroid ultrasound or thyroid scan to check the size of the thyroid gland and any other abnormalities.
In addition, the doctor may also do a thyroid blood test to check your thyroid hormone levels . If your thyroid hormone levels are low or your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are high, it could be an iodine deficiency.
It's a good idea to have every newborn baby tested for hypothyroidism with a blood test.
How is this treated?
Iodine deficiency is treated with iodine supplements. Sometimes, thyroid hormone medications may also be prescribed.
If your baby is born with iodine deficiency, it can be treated with thyroid hormone supplements. Depending on the severity of the condition, you may need to take thyroid hormones for the rest of your life.
How can we protect ourselves from iodine deficiency? What are the prevention methods?
The best way to protect yourself from iodine deficiency is to include iodine-rich foods in your daily diet. Foods that contain iodine include:
- Some types of fish (e.g., kelawallala, balaya).
- Shrimp, seaweed and other seafood.
- Dairy foods (e.g. milk, yogurt, cheese).
Also, it is very important to use iodized salt . When you cook food, when you add salt to food, remember to use iodized salt.
Most of the time, we don't use iodized salt in the processed foods and canned foods we buy from the store. They use regular salt instead. That's why we don't get iodine from them. Also, other types of salt like sea salt, kosher salt, and Himalayan salt don't contain iodine either.
The amount of iodine you need each day varies by age. An adult needs about 150 micrograms of iodine per day. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should take a prenatal vitamin that contains 250 micrograms of iodine per day. Not all prenatal vitamins contain iodine, so check the label on the bottle. If necessary, ask your doctor about taking a separate iodine supplement.
What to expect if you have an iodine deficiency?
Once you start getting iodine from food or supplements, the effects of iodine deficiency can be reduced. However, if this is not recognized early, it can have serious consequences. Especially during pregnancy, iodine deficiency can cause permanent birth defects. Therefore, to prevent these effects from getting worse, it is very important to get enough iodine from food or supplements.
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
So, iodine is an essential nutrient for our body, especially for making thyroid hormones. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, iodine is extremely important. Although iodine deficiency is now less common in Sri Lanka, it can cause various complications, from metabolic disorders to birth defects.
Therefore, it is very important to eat foods containing iodine and use iodized salt . If you are pregnant, be sure to take a prenatal vitamin or iodine supplement as directed by your doctor.
I hope this information is useful to you. Stay healthy!
` Iodine, iodine deficiency, thyroid, goiter, pregnancy, child health, nutrition
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