Iodine deficiency
In order for the thyroid gland to function fully, it needs iodine. Most of the iodine contained in the human body (about 80%) is part of the thyroid hormones. For an adult, the average daily requirement for iodine is about 150 mcg, while in pregnant and lactating women, in children during periods of intensive growth, as well as in the process of recovery after surgery and serious illness, this dose increases. A direct relationship was established between the altitude and iodine deficiency in soil and water.
Among food products, the leaders in iodine content are a variety of seafood, especially seaweed. Iodine, which is contained in drinking water, in order to be able to be assimilated by the body, must be in the form of iodide. Its amount corresponds to the amount of iodide contained in the soil of the corresponding area.
Symptoms of iodine deficiency in the body
Thyroid diseases such as:
- hypothyroidism;
- cretinism;
- endemic goiter
often occur due to iodine deficiency in the human body.
The main symptoms of iodine deficiency are lethargy, drowsiness, impairment of memory and attention, and bad mood. To them are added irritability and forgetfulness, decreased libido, headaches. If iodine deficiency is not diagnosed and eliminated, the process progresses.
Persistent iodine deficiency in the body manifests itself in the form of weakness and various disorders in the work of the cardiovascular system. Arrhythmias and atherosclerosis of blood vessels, swelling of the face and extremities occur, radiculitis of the thoracic and lumbar spine may develop.
Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or cretinism in the baby, and in childhood leads to mental and physical disability. A serious danger is the fact that iodine deficiency can be asymptomatic for a long period of time.
Also, iodine deficiency leads to an increase in the size of the thyroid gland. This is due to the fact that it grows, trying to capture the iodine that is missing for the synthesis of hormones. As a consequence, the level of iodides in the blood and urine decreases, causing endemic goiter.
Obviously, the main reason for iodine deficiency in the body is the lack of this element in water and the human diet. This problem is global in nature. The overwhelming majority of the territories of the globe today are characterized by a lack of iodine, and the population of the Earth is almost everywhere experiencing a shortage of iodine.
Iodine deficiency is determined in a laboratory way based on the results of urine analysis. To assess the size of the thyroid gland, it is necessary to conduct an ultrasound scan, and to assess the quality of its work, measure the level of hormones TSH, T 4 and T 3. The widespread opinion in everyday life about the tarnishing of the iodine network applied to the skin and iodine deficiency in the body has no scientific basis.
Treatment and prevention of iodine deficiency
To prevent iodine deficiency, table salt is often iodized. The use of sea salt to eliminate the lack of iodine in the body is unjustified, since in the process of obtaining it, almost all iodine evaporates. When using iodized salt, iodine overdose is impossible.
For the prevention of iodine deficiency in pregnant women, iodine preparations are used, which are prescribed as a course, as a rule, for several weeks. In the most severe and advanced cases, thyroid hormones are used in tablets.
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The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
