To produce a substance called thyroid hormone, your body needs a specific quantity of iodine. The thyroid hormone controls a number of important body functions, including metabolism. There are additional causes of inadequate thyroid function than insufficient iodine levels. However, a lack of iodine can result in a goitre, an abnormal swelling of the thyroid gland, as well as other thyroid problems.
Iodine cannot be produced by your body naturally, thus you must consume it via your food. Adults typically require 150 micrograms of calcium each day (mcg). The daily need for pregnant or breastfeeding women is 200 mcg. Many different food kinds include iodine. Foods including fish, eggs, nuts, meats, bread, dairy products, seaweed, and iodized table salt have the highest concentrations of it. OnlyMyHealth editorial team spoke to Dr. Ashoka Varshini Panga, Corporate Pathologist, Apollo Diagnostics, to know about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of iodine deficiency.
Worldwide, there are 2 billion individuals who suffer from iodine deficiency. It's more prevalent in poor nations where individuals might not have enough access to wholesome meals. But it may also impact those in industrialised nations who don't eat well or whose systems don't handle iodine properly. More than any other group, pregnant women need more iodine. Because of this, if they don't consciously choose to eat foods high in iodine, they're likely to develop a deficit.
What symptoms indicate an iodine deficiency?
Iodine deficiency symptoms and signs include:
- A goitre, often known as a noticeable lump, can develop on your neck as a result of swelling of the thyroid glands in your neck.
- Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism) - Hypothyroidism frequently results in symptoms such as:
- Increased sensitivity to the cold due to fatigue
- Constipation
- Arid skin
- Muscle weakness and weight gain
- Increased levels of blood cholesterol
- Muscle and joint aches or stiffness
- Sadness, receding hair, and decreased heart rate
- A heavier-than-normal period for women who are menstruation and have a weak memory
- Illnesses that may arise due to Iodine deficiency
Iodine shortage can cause severe hypothyroidism if left untreated. Possible complications include:
- Heart disease and associated conditions, such as heart failure and an enlarged heart
- Peripheral neuropathy, or damage to the body's peripheral nerves, depression, and
- Cognitive decline is an example of mental health problem that might affect fertility in women.
- Pregnant women with low thyroid hormone levels run a higher chance of having children with birth abnormalities. Iodine shortage can result in a number of pregnancy-related problems, including:
- Preterm birth, stillbirth, and miscarriages
- congenital defects in infants
- Iodine shortage has the potential to lead to cretinism in extreme situations.
Iodine insufficiency diagnosis
If your doctor thinks you may be iodine deficient, they will often do one of four tests to determine your iodine levels:
1. Urine test
The easiest and quickest test is a urine test. Results may be obtained in a matter of minutes, although it isn't as precise as some other iodine tests.
Iodine levels in the body may be measured using a blood test, which is quick and reliable. In contrast to a urine test, it takes longer to get results in blood tests.
2. Iodine patch test
The iodine patch test involves applying an iodine patch to your skin and monitoring it for 24 hours. Those who are not iodine deficient notice that the patch disappears after 24 hours. If theirs a deficit, Iodine will get absorbed into the skin faster. However, if there is a deficiency, iodine will likely be absorbed into the skin more quickly. Despite not being the most accurate test available, it is inexpensive and doesn't last long.
3. Loading Tests
Tests that detect iodine excretion in urine over a 24-hour period include iodine loading tests.
Treatment of Iodine Deficiency
The best way to treat an iodine shortage is with a balanced diet. You might want to think about taking an iodine supplement if your diet isn't providing enough iodine on its own. Frequently, vegetarians, vegans and expecting mothers may not be consuming enough iodine through food.
The body can absorb iodine supplements with potassium the fastest. Look for dietary supplements with potassium iodate and potassium iodide. Don't take more than 150 mcg of vitamins each day. An iodine overdose might result from this, which is bad for the thyroid as well. The majority of iodine-deficient individuals may improve their health by modifying their diet and taking supplements.
Iodine deficiency can be entirely restored with little to no negative effects if discovered early. However, many issues — particularly in youngsters — might be irreversible if it is discovered after they have already developed. However, even if issues already exist as a result of iodine shortage, you may stop complications from growing worse by ensuring that you obtain adequate iodine going ahead.