Tips To Prevent Iodine Deficiency

Iodine deficiency is a curse that is not adequately being recognized. Iodine is a micronutrient that is extremely important for the well-being of the body but cannot be produced by the body. Therefore, the deficiency of iodine has severe detrimental effects on the neuromuscular and mental development of the body. However, iodine deficiency is both preventable and reversible. Here’s how.

Including Iodine Rich Food in Diet

Consuming food rich in iodine is the best way to prevent iodine deficiency in the body. Dairy such as milk, yoghurt, cottage cheese form excellent sources of iodine. Other sources include seafood such as shrimp, cod, tuna and seaweed. These food sources remain throughout their lifetime and absorb large amounts of iodine in their bodies and become excellent sources of iodine when consumed. Egg yolk is also a good source of iodine in the diet.

Taking Iodine Supplements

Following vegetarian diets, low sodium diets and conditions such as lactose intolerance and high blood pressure significantly limit access to iodine through diet. If you suffer from one or more of these conditions and have low levels of iodine, you should consult a doctor and include iodine supplements in your diet.

Using Iodized Salt in Cooking

Using iodized salt is an effective and inexpensive method of incorporating the required amounts of iodine into the diet. However, over 40 per cent of the population in the world lack access to iodized salt, and more than a third of the population of the world suffers from iodine deficiency. Processed foods do not have iodized salt and too much reliance on processed food increases the vulnerability to develop iodine deficiencies.

Increasing Iodine Intake during Pregnancy and Lactation

The requirement of iodine in the body increases from 150 mcg daily for a regular adult to 220 mcg. Unless this additional requirement is met, new and expecting mothers are likely to suffer from iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency in pregnancy can have devastating effects on the mental health of the baby such as mental retardation, reduced mental capacity, and a congenital condition called cretinism. It can even result in spontaneous abortions and stillbirths.

The 21st of October every year is recognized as the World Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day to spread awareness about the threats of iodine deficiency disorders as well as methods to prevent them. If you show any symptoms of iodine deficiency such as goitre or enlargement of the thyroid gland, dry skin, thinning hair, constant fatigue, and unexplained weight gain, it is advisable to ensure your iodine levels are within acceptable limits.