What is Lodine Deficiency? What are the symptoms of Iodine Deficiency?

Do Not Use Iodine Supplement Without Physician's Recommendation

Iodine deficiency, which is necessary for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which have very important functions in the human body since birth, is one of the problems that deeply affects the quality of life. Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Gülden Yürüyen said, "Iodine deficiency is a public health problem that requires diagnostic and corrective action at the social level, not at the individual level." Our expert underlined that a healthy thyroid function is critical for general body health and development, and therefore pointed out the necessity of preventing and treating iodine deficiency.

Iodine Deficiency Deeply Affects Quality of Life

Iodine deficiency is a condition that affects the normal functions of the thyroid gland. Yeditepe University Hospitals Internal Medicine Specialist gave important information about iodine deficiency which is still considered a public health problem worldwide about this condition, which occurs due to a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones and can cause many important problems from goiter to brain development of babies.

Stating that iodine is necessary for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which have very important functions in the human body since birth, the internal medicine specialist said, “Iodine is a chemical element found in nature as Iodide, which must be taken from outside since it is not produced in our body. It is mostly found in nature in oceans and sea water. "If iodine is insufficient, thyroid hormone cannot be produced and thyroid hormone deficiency develops."

Iodine Deficiency is One of the Most Important Causes of Preventable Mental Retardation”

Pointing out that iodine is of critical importance for a healthy thyroid function, general body health and development, and therefore the prevention and treatment of iodine deficiency is necessary, our expert gave the following information: "When thyroid hormone, which has very important functions for health starting from life in the womb, is produced insufficiently, serious health problems can occur." We encounter problems. For example, iodine deficiency during pregnancy can cause problems in the baby, from mental retardation and neurological disorders to stillbirth and miscarriage. One of the most important causes of preventable mental retardation in the world is iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency, which is associated with growth and developmental delay in childhood, enlarges the thyroid gland and develops goiter when experienced in adulthood. "Due to insufficient hormone production by the thyroid gland, it causes many health problems such as dry skin, fatigue, constipation, high cholesterol, weight gain, chills, depression and hair loss."

“Never use iodine supplements without a physician's advice.”

Our expert informs us that very small amounts of iodine are sufficient for the body and that the daily iodine need of a healthy adult is 150 micrograms on average. "The most important source of iodine is iodized refined table salt. Excessive iodine intake as a supplement causes negative health consequences. For this reason, supplementary iodine should never be used without a doctor's recommendation,” she said.

“Consume Refined Iodized Table Salt”

Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Gülden Yürüyen   said that the Turkish Endocrinology and Metabolism Association (TEMD) recommends the consumption of refined iodized table salt throughout the country in its current guide published in 2023 and She listed her suggestions against iodine deficiency as follows: “In case of  your physician didn't say otherwise, we should prefer iodized refined salt in our product selection, while using normal amounts of salt in our kitchens and tables, rather than adding extra iodized salt to meals. Additionally, saltwater fish, shellfish, cow's milk, cheese, yoghurt, soy milk and eggs also help meet our iodine needs when consumed in a balanced manner. "If you have a restriction regarding salt consumption, such as high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, you should consult your doctor about how you should take it, as you cannot get iodine support from table salt."