How to recognize the lack of iodine in the body and what to do about it
Miscellaneous / / April 04, 2023
Perhaps you are cold and sad not because of the weather outside.
Why does the body need iodine
The thyroid gland needs iodine to produce the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These substances are involved in metabolism and regulate the work of almost the entire body. And during pregnancy, these hormones help form the brain, nerves, and bones of the fetus. So iodine is one of the vital trace elements, and its deficiency leads to serious consequences.
Why iodine deficiency develops
The human body does not produce iodine on its own, only receives from products. The mineral is in sea water, so they rich algae, sea fish and seafood. In coastal areas, it is also found in soil, so it can be found in dairy products and eggs.
In the diet of residents of regions far from the sea, iodine is usually not enough, since livestock do not get it from the soil, and imported seafood is more expensive than local products.
Due to the fact that not everyone can get enough iodine from foods, and it is necessary for life, some states have become
iodize salt, bread and other products. As a result, there are fewer people with iodine deficiency. Iodine is also added to multivitamins.Who is more likely to have iodine deficiency?
Iodine deficiency can develop in anyone, but most often with him face:
- pregnant women;
- nursing;
- unborn children;
- newborns;
- those who do not eat fish and dairy products, such as vegans;
- residents of high mountain regions remote from the sea.
What can iodine deficiency lead to?
In adult women, iodine deficiency can call problems with conceiving and bearing a child: provoke infertility, miscarriages and intrauterine fetal death.
In children, especially during fetal development, lack of iodine leads:
- to brain damage
- severe mental retardation (cretinism);
- growth retardation;
- deafness and deaf-muteness;
- strong tension (spasticity) of the muscles.
In all others, the consequences of deficiency are manifested by unpleasant symptoms. Almost all of them disappear when there is enough iodine.
How to suspect an iodine deficiency in the body
If iodine lacks, then the thyroid hormones will not be produced enough for the body. Therefore, iodine deficiency can be suspected by the symptoms hypothyroidism, such as:
- constant fatigue;
- muscle weakness;
- unexpected weight gain;
- difficulty learning and remembering;
- constipation;
- slow heartbeat;
- dry skin;
- hair loss;
- puffiness of the face;
- chilliness;
- depression.
In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland will enlarge to compensate for the deficiency and produce more hormones. This condition is called goiter. The mass may be visible on the neck and cause difficulty in breathing and swallowing.
How is iodine deficiency diagnosed?
If iodine deficiency is suspected, the therapist appoints analysis for thyroid hormones. If there are deviations in the results, then additional studies may be needed, for example, an ultrasound of the thyroid gland. For this, most likely, a person will be referred to an endocrinologist.
All newborns are tested for hypothyroidism in the hospital when blood is taken from the heel for a screening test.
How is iodine deficiency treated?
iodine deficiency treat endocrinologists with the help of synthetic supplements of this trace element and thyroid hormones. Depending on the severity of the condition, lifelong medication may be required.
How to avoid iodine deficiency
Enough receive it with food or with special supplements that a doctor prescribes. Usually adults need 150 micrograms per day. If you are planning a pregnancy, are already pregnant or breastfeeding, then try to take at least 250 micrograms of iodine per day. It is not worth abusing and drinking more just in case - an excess, as well as a deficiency, can harm the thyroid gland.
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Text worked on: author Polina Zharikova, editor Alina Mashkovtseva, proofreader Natalya Psurtseva