Iodine Deficiency Symptoms Causes And Treatment: Whenever it comes to bringing salt from the market, our mother always tells us saying to bring only iodized salt. At the same time, health experts also recommend eating iodized salt. Let us tell you that iodine is a very essential trace mineral for our body, which plays a very important role in many important functions of the body, especially it is very essential for maintaining the function of the thyroid gland. If there is a deficiency of it in the body, then it can have serious adverse effects on health. But nowadays we see that iodine deficiency is increasing very fast in people.

In such a situation, World Iodine Deficiency Day is celebrated every year to spread awareness among people about this serious problem. To know about the effects of iodine deficiency on health, its symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatment, we spoke to Dr. A.K. Gadpayle, Senior Consultant, Department of General Medicine, Sharda Hospital and Sharda Care - Healthcity. In this article, we are telling you about it in detail.

Why is iodine necessary for the body - Why Iodine Is Important For Health

According to Dr. A.K. Gadpayle , iodine deficiency is a condition in which the body does not get enough iodine, due to which the thyroid gland is not able to function properly. The thyroid manages the energy of the body. It ensures the proper functioning of the organs. It helps in the development of the brain and bones of the fetus during pregnancy. If iodine is deficient in the body, it directly affects the production of thyroid hormones and various bodily processes.

Effects of iodine deficiency on health – Iodine Deficiency Affects On Health

Iodine deficiency can be especially dangerous for pregnant women and infants. It can cause many complications in them such as,

• To have miscarriage
• stillbirth
• stunting and reduced mental development in children
• A rare condition is called cretinism in which a child remains intellectually and physically underdeveloped.

Causes of iodine deficiency – Iodine Deficiency Causes

Iodine deficiency is more common in areas of the body where the amount of iodine in the diet is low. There can be many reasons behind iodine deficiency,

• Not consuming foods rich in iodine like milk products, meat and fish, etc.
• Not using iodized salt in food.
• This problem is more common among people who follow vegetarian and vegan diets.
• During pregnancy, women require more iodine than normal.

Iodine Deficiency Symptoms

The first effect of iodine deficiency is on the thyroid gland. Its signs and symptoms can be seen on the body such as,

• Goiter: In this the size of the thyroid gland increases. This can cause difficulty in breathing and swallowing.
• Hypothyroidism: In this condition, the production of thyroid hormone is not enough, which can lead to problems like fatigue, weight gain, intolerance to cold and swollen skin, and a puffy face.
• Hair loss and dryness of the skin
• Severe headache and mental confusion
• Infertility and hoarseness of voice

How to prevent iodine deficiency – How to Prevent Iodine Deficiency

According to Dr. A.K. Gadpayle, iodine deficiency can be prevented if people include iodine-rich foods in their diet and consume iodized salt. In such a situation, you must include some things in your diet such as,

• Iodized salt.
• Fish, shrimp, seaweed, and milk products.
• You can take iodine supplements during pregnancy as per the advice of your doctor.

Iodine deficiency treatment – ​​Iodine Deficiency Treatment

• Iodine supplements: Supplements are given to overcome iodine deficiency.
• Taking thyroid hormone tablets: If iodine deficiency causes hypothyroidism, doctors recommend taking thyroid hormone supplements.
• Thyroid hormone tablets may have to be taken lifelong, so do not stop the medicine midway. From time to time the doctor may change the dosage of the medicine as per the need.
• Treatment of infants: If iodine deficiency is detected in a newborn, it is important to start treatment immediately to prevent future developmental problems.

What doctors recommend

According to Dr. A.K. Gadpayle, iodine deficiency is a serious but preventable problem. People should insist on including iodine-rich food and salt in their diet, especially pregnant women and vegetarians. Its ill effects can be avoided with timely identification and treatment. On the occasion of World Iodine Deficiency Day, we should be aware of this important issue and try to make others aware as well.