Iodine deficiency is the most common preventable cause of intellectual disabilities in the world. Even mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy, which may be present in some women in the United States, may be associated with low intelligence in children.. Iodine levels can be measured in the blood or the urine. However, these tests are not good at accurately determining how much iodine is in your body and so cannot be used to diagnose iodine deficiency.
When iodine deficiency is seen in an entire population, it is best managed by ensuring that common foods that people eat contain sufficient levels of iodine. Since even mild deficiency during pregnancy can have effects on a pregnancy and the developing baby, all U. As with many diseases, it is better to prevent the problem rather than have to treat it.
Over the last 80 years, worldwide efforts have been made to eliminate iodine deficiency. Iodized salt has been the mainstay of the prevention of iodine deficiency worldwide. In regions where iodized salt is not widely available, or where pregnant women are known to have inadequate iodine intakes, use of a daily iodine-containing supplement may be recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Injections of iodized oil are occasionally used in severely iodine deficient regions of the world where widespread iodized salt use is not possible.
Individuals who add salt to their food regularly during cooking or at the table should use iodized salt. Most U. Taking too much iodine can also cause problems. This is especially true in individuals that already have thyroid problems, such as nodules, hyperthyroidism and autoimmune thyroid disease.
Administration of large amounts of iodine through medications i. The supplement may make your medication less effective and potentially cause harmful interactions. They can review any possible interactions with your current medication list and reconcile any issues for your safety.
Getting more iodine in your diet is the preferred way to prevent deficiency. As mentioned, most Americans are eating more than enough salt. The recommended daily value DV of iodine for adults is mcg. Any foods providing 10 percent or more of iodine are considered good sources of the element. While iodine deficiency is not common in Western countries, you can prevent it by eating a varied diet, including good food sources of iodine, like seafood and yogurt. Other people who are concerned with the amount of iodine in their diet or have thyroid disease caused by an iodine deficiency should talk to their doctor about if a supplement is needed.
According to a report on global iodine status, there are two WHO countries that are considered moderately iodine deficient Morocco and Angola , and 18 that are mildly deficient, such as Madagascar, Sudan, and Vietnam, according to the Iodine Global Network. There may be some racial differences when it comes to iodine levels. One study found that iodine levels were 34 percent lower in non-Hispanic Black adults in the United States compared with non-Hispanic white adults, possibly due to lactose intolerance that prevents this group from eating dairy, which is an important source of iodine in the typical American diet.
Below are some of the most common ones. Enlarged thyroid gland goiter Symptoms of a goiter include swelling of the neck where the thyroid is located; trouble swallowing or breathing; and choking especially while lying down. If iodine deficiency is suspected, you can ask your doctor to run a hour urine iodine test for a proper diagnosis.
Hypothyroidism Symptoms of hypothyroidism include unexpected weight gain, fatigue, feeling cold, dry skin , and even depression. Pregnancy-related problems Iodine deficiency in pregnancy can result in miscarriages, stillbirth, early deliveries, and, in cases of extreme deficiency, congenital defects in babies.
Check your prenatal vitamin, as not all of them have supplemental iodine. Only 60 percent of prenatals in the United States contain iodine. Be sure yours has mcg of iodine. Iodine Global Network. This nonprofit is focused on global, universal salt iodization to prevent iodine deficiency. Check out their public message board and forum for common questions — and to post your own.
American Thyroid Association. World Health Organization. Read a brief history of iodine deficiency and the current critical importance of global iodized salt programs for a broad view of efforts that are underway to address this health issue. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools.
Reviewed: September 15, Medically Reviewed. What Is Iodine? Unfortunately, two billion people around the world are deficient in iodine. What are the symptoms of low iodine? Symptoms of iodine deficiency include an enlarged thyroid gland called a goiter , hypothyroidism low thyroid function , problems getting pregnant, and birth defects in children whose mothers are low in the nutrient.
What foods are high in iodine? You can find iodine in foods such as fish, seafood, and seaweed. In the United States, dairy like milk, yogurt, and cheese and whole grains are main sources in the diet. Fruits and vegetables may contain iodine, depending on the soil quality.
Iodized salt has iodine, but not all salt is iodized. What is the most common cause of iodine deficiency? Pregnancy and breastfeeding put women at risk for iodine deficiency. How is iodine deficiency treated?
Women who are planning on becoming pregnant or are pregnant should take a prenatal vitamin that contains iodine be sure to check the label. You can help correct low iodine levels by adding foods that contain iodine to your diet, such as iodized salt. Iodine deficiency happens when your body does not have enough of this element. That said, topical and oral supplementation of iodine has shown some effectiveness for: Venus leg ulcers topical 20 Iodine deficiency and insufficiency 2 Hypothyroidism only if iodine deficient; too much iodine can also cause hypothyroidism 2 Fibrocystic breast disease 2 Reduction in infection risk with catheters and surgery incisions topical 21 Most supplements come in the form of potassium iodide and sodium iodide, but there are other options available, including kelp a type of seaweed.
Favorite Orgs for Iodine Information Iodine Global Network This nonprofit is focused on global, universal salt iodization to prevent iodine deficiency. World Health Organization Read a brief history of iodine deficiency and the current critical importance of global iodized salt programs for a broad view of efforts that are underway to address this health issue.
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