Today is World Iodine Day. Iodine is an essential micronutrient that cannot be produced by the body. Iodine deficiency is seen as a major health problem in developing countries, and this article looks at iodine. 2023 World Iodine Deficiency Day: Iodine Deficiency Day is observed annually on March 21 to increase public awareness of the value of iodine intake and its effects on health.
Describe iodine
Iodine is a trace mineral. They work wonders in the body with even a small amount. Iodine is required by the body to make thyroid hormones. It can only be acquired from the food we eat because the body is unable to produce it.
110 - 130 micrograms for children under one year of age
For children under 8 years - 90 micrograms, 130 micrograms for children under 13 years of age
150 micrograms per day for adults, 220 micrograms per day for pregnant women
Breastfeeding women need up to 290 micrograms daily.
Seawater naturally contains iodine. They can be found naturally in seafood like seaweed and shrimp. Iodine is also found in dairy products and iodized goods like table salt.
Why does the body require iodine?
Iodine is an essential nutrient for the thyroid gland, which is necessary for bodily processes like heart rate, metabolism, and muscle contractions, despite the fact that it is only needed in very small amounts. Numerous health issues may result from these disorders. The most dangerous times for iodine deficiency are during pregnancy and early childhood. It can result in a child having a miscarriage or stillbirth, as well as learning disabilities and mental retardation.
Iodine is crucial for the synthesis of proteins in the body. Serious medical conditions like goiter and hyperthyroidism can result from its lack. Do not worry, though; iodine deficiency is curable.
Iodine deficiency affects who?
People who do not use iodized salt.
People far from the sea
Dwellers of high mountain regions
Vegetarians
Non-dairy drinkers
Because pregnant women require 50% more of these nutrients than usual, thyroid gland function is also checked as part of routine prenatal exams for pregnant women.
When the body doesn't get enough iodine, it can't make thyroid hormone. A lack of iodine can lead to a variety of issues. It can harm pregnant women and young women even more a lack of iodine during pregnancy Birth defects, intellectual disability, stunted growth, stillbirth, miscarriage, and stillbirth are all possible outcomes. Cretinism is a type of brain damage brought on by low iodine deficiency. There may be significant complications for a newborn in this situation. They might have hearing or hearing loss. Possibly have very stiff muscles. Possible short stature.
How can iodine deficiency be identified?
Goiter. A thyroid disorder brought on by an enlarged thyroid gland. As it tries to meet the body's demand for more thyroid hormone, the thyroid gradually grows larger.
The effects of iodine deficiency on the thyroid can be used to diagnose the condition.
Difficulty swallowing
Trouble breathing
Iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, which causes the metabolism to slow down and cause fatigue, weight gain, and chills.
Confused mood
Dry skin
Coarse hair
Infertility
To avoid iodine, eating only the recommended quantity of salted foods is sufficient. Consuming iodine-rich foods that are found in nature is also safe.
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