The body must constantly maintain a balance of microelements, the violation of which leads to serious diseases. The cause of depression, weak immunity and increased fatigue is often iodine deficiency, the symptoms of which are mild at first and increase over time. The lack of this substance especially affects the mental and physical development of children.
This microelement enters the body with food and drinking water. How it is absorbed depends on the state of the gastrointestinal tract and concomitant diseases. The following reasons can lead to iodine deficiency:
- low microelement content in the soil of a particular region;
- unbalanced diet and lack of vitamin A;
- excess calcium in foods;
- lack of synthesis of thyroid hormones;
- disruption of absorption processes in the small intestine.
From environmental conditions important role plays a role in the level of ionizing radiation in the region of residence. Radioactive elements displace iodine from chemical compounds, which leads to a decrease in its content in soil, drinking water and food.
Symptoms of iodine deficiency
A prolonged lack of microelement affects both the general physical condition and the psychological sphere. The following groups of symptoms of iodine deficiency in the body are distinguished:
- gynecological;
- immunodeficient;
- emotional;
- cardiological;
- hematological
Changes in psychological state are among the first to make themselves felt. A patient with iodine deficiency experiences increased fatigue, depression, slowed reactions, decreased attention, memory impairment, and develops irritability.
An immunodeficiency state is expressed in susceptibility to viral and colds and long-term recovery from them. A hematological symptom is a decrease in hemoglobin levels (anemia), which is difficult to treat with iron supplements.
The heart manifests itself as arrhythmia, increased diastolic (lower) pressure, and with prolonged iodine deficiency, atherosclerosis develops. Patients are also characterized by swelling of the limbs, face and eyelids, which cannot be eliminated with the help of diuretics. The skin becomes dry and waxy.
In women, the level of sex hormones decreases. There are interruptions in the menstrual cycle and difficulties with conception, including infertility. In men, iodine deficiency provokes sexual weakness up to the development of impotence.
Manifestations in children
At an early age, the lack of this microelement has especially adverse consequences. Children whose diet lacks iodine cannot fully develop physically and mentally. They may have the following manifestations of deficiency:
- decreased appetite;
- fatigue from physical activity;
- apathy and lethargy;
- poor learning ability;
- growth retardation;
- in severe cases - dwarfism, mental retardation and cretinism.
This microelement is vital for the fetus developing in the womb: it takes part in the formation of bone and cartilage tissue, nervous system fetus, protein synthesis. For the body of a nursing mother, iodine is important for the development of mammary glands and the production of breast milk.
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The lack of this microelement can become severe and provoke endemic goiter - an overgrowth of the thyroid gland, which will be detected in time during regular examinations of a pregnant woman. If the deficiency remains hidden and does not give a clear clinical picture, adverse consequences for the child’s body will still appear. These may be psychomotor retardation of the baby, slow growth, and early developmental defects.
Iodine deficiency in pregnant women can cause profound disruptions in the functioning of the organs and systems of the fetus, which lead to spontaneous miscarriages, fetal death and the development of complications during childbirth. The incidence of hypothyroidism in newborns also increases. If iodine deficiency in a pregnant woman’s body in the last trimester was 25% or more of the norm, then the risk of thyroid disorders in the child increases 5 times.
Methods for determining iodine deficiency
If several symptoms characteristic of this condition appear, you should consult an endocrinologist. How do you know how far the process has progressed in a particular case? To do this, in a clinical setting, laboratory tests are used to determine iodine deficiency:
- Ultrasound of the thyroid gland;
- analysis for thyroid-stimulating hormones.
During a personal examination, the doctor must palpate the thyroid gland and pay attention to accompanying signs - difficulty swallowing, distortion of the timbre of the voice.
How to determine iodine deficiency in the body at home? To do this, you can use a not very accurate, but informative test. On the forearm, using an alcohol solution of iodine, draw 3 parallel lines - the 1st is drawn with 1 application, the 2nd with two, and the 3rd with three. This is done before bedtime. In the morning you can evaluate the result: if only the line applied once has disappeared, there is no iodine deficiency.
If all the applied stripes have turned pale or completely disappeared, there is a lack of microelement and it is necessary to urgently contact an endocrinologist.
How to treat and prevent iodine deficiency?
The treatment for any nutrient deficiency is to replenish it. This can be done in 2 ways - to establish the supply of microelements with food and take iodine-containing medications. The latter should not be selected independently - prescriptions should be made by an endocrinologist, taking into account the patient’s condition and the presence of concomitant diseases.
For prevention and in addition to treatment, a special diet is used. A diet for iodine deficiency may include:
- seafood - kelp, shrimp, squid, cod, pollock and other types of fish;
- beef;
- dairy products;
- mushrooms;
- some vegetables - eggplant, asparagus, beets, tomatoes, radishes, garlic;
- fruits - melons, pineapples, bananas, citrus fruits, persimmons.
Additionally, salt containing iodine compounds is produced. The advantage of the diet is that with its help you can make up for the deficiency without allowing an overdose. The downside is that advanced iodine deficiency cannot be cured with diet. The amount contained in food products will not be able to compensate for a significant deficiency.
Prevention of iodine deficiency in children depends on age. For infants, special milk formulas enriched with microelements are produced. For older children, the diet should include more dairy products, preferably of natural origin. Fresh vegetables and fruits, cereal porridges, fish of all kinds are healthy. Products must be from ecologically clean regions and not be treated with herbicides and pesticides - natural iodine compounds are destroyed by the action of toxins.
For pregnant women, it is better to discuss the prevention of iodine deficiency with a doctor and select the diet or medications individually.
It still seems like it’s not easy to cure your thyroid?
Considering that you are now reading this article, we can conclude that this illness still haunts you.
You've probably also thought about surgery. This is clear, because the thyroid gland is one of the most important organs on which your well-being and health depend. And shortness of breath, constant fatigue, irritability and other symptoms clearly interfere with your enjoyment of life...
But, you see, it is more correct to treat the cause, not the effect. We recommend reading the story of Irina Savenkova about how she managed to cure her thyroid gland...
For the body to function normally, it must constantly maintain a balance of vitamins and minerals. For the smooth functioning of the thyroid gland, iodine plays a key role. Its molecules are contained in the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine (T3 and T4), which are one of the main endocrine regulators of many processes in the body.
About 30% of the world's population faces iodine deficiency to one degree or another. Microelement deficiency is especially acute in the female body. Its consequences affect both a woman’s appearance, the state of her internal organs, and psychological health. It is very important to recognize the problem in time and take the necessary measures to compensate for iodine deficiency.
Functions of iodine in the body
Since iodine is an integral part of thyroid hormones, its role is determined by the functions of these hormones.
The trace element affects most vital processes in the body:
- heat and energy exchange;
- metabolic rate;
- weight normalization;
- work of the cardiovascular system;
- water-salt balance;
- emotional condition;
- normal intrauterine development of the fetus;
- psychomotor and physical development of the child.
Iodine affects the work of phagocytes - cells of the immune system that prevent pathogens from entering the body. It can enter the body in different ways. We get about 4% from air, 5% from water, 60% from animal products, 30% from plant foods. Normally, an adult should receive 120-150 mcg of iodine per day. During pregnancy, women's need increases to 200-250 mcg. 80% of the microelement entering the body accumulates in the thyroid gland.
Causes of microelement deficiency
The most common cause of iodine deficiency in women is an improper diet, in which there is insufficient iodine or no iodine at all. Also, the problem is especially acute in those regions where the soil and water are depleted of iodine. After all, part of it comes not only with food, but also with water and air. In regions far from the sea, soils are leached and iodine is washed out of them. Therefore, products grown on them have a low microelement content. Thus, living in such regions becomes a risk factor for the development of iodine deficiency.
The need for the substance increases especially in pregnant and lactating women. Its deficiency is very dangerous for the fetus and can lead to:
- risk of miscarriage;
- the birth of a deaf and mute child;
- disruption of the central nervous system.
Iodine deficiency leads to the development of the following diseases:
- diffuse and nodular euthyroid;
- thyrotoxic gland adenoma;
Insufficient intake of the substance during embryonic development and in young children leads to the development of cretinism.
Signs and symptoms
When there is a lack of iodine, the thyroid gland receives a signal about hormonal deficiency. To compensate for this deficiency, the organ begins to increase in size. This is one of the first signs of iodine deficiency. It affects the general condition of the body, but more often women do not associate the deterioration of their condition with a lack of microelement. Since iodine deficiency directly affects the level of thyroid hormones, their decrease is characterized by a variety of manifestations.
In addition to an enlarged thyroid gland, iodine deficiency is manifested by characteristic symptoms:
- skin aging, increased dryness and flaking;
- brittle nails and hair loss;
- constant feeling of fatigue;
- instability to stressful situations;
- menstrual irregularities;
- decreased libido;
- frequent headaches;
- unsuccessful attempts to conceive a child for a long time;
- intestinal disorders - constipation appears, which is difficult to eliminate using traditional remedies;
- decreased mental abilities;
- deterioration in concentration;
- weight gain;
- blood pressure surges;
- dyspnea;
- excessive sweating.
Diagnostics
To determine if a woman has a deficiency of a substance, it is necessary to contact her if suspicious symptoms appear. During a physical examination, the doctor may detect an enlargement of the thyroid gland, which indicates its dysfunction. To verify iodine deficiency, laboratory tests are prescribed to determine the level of thyroid hormones, TSH, and a study of iodine excretion in urine. Additionally, they are carried out to identify pathological changes in the organ.
Note! You can determine iodine deficiency yourself. It is necessary to apply an iodine grid to the skin. If after 3 hours there are no traces of iodine left, then there is a deficiency of the microelement. If the mesh lasts 6 hours or more, then the body does not experience a lack of substance.
Ways to replenish iodine deficiency
If element deficiency has already been confirmed, the endocrinologist develops an individual treatment regimen, which includes:
- nutrition correction;
- taking medications.
It is impossible to cure thyroid hypoactivity only by replacing iodine through food and dietary supplements. This can be a preventative measure, but if there are serious problems with the gland, it will not eliminate iodine deficiency.
Medicines and dietary supplements
Most often, with a lack of iodine, diffuse non-toxic goiter develops. In this case, it is recommended to take products containing iodine salts (Iodide). The doctor determines the dosage of the drug individually. The medication must be taken for at least 6 months.
Other dietary supplements with iodine that can be taken if there is a deficiency of the substance:
- Sodium iodide;
- Calcium iodide;
If during this time the size of the thyroid gland does not decrease, additional hormonal medications with thyroid hormones (for example, or) may be prescribed.
Look at the list of 2 types, and also find out the rules for their use.
The causes of impaired glucose tolerance during pregnancy, as well as the treatment of pathology, are written on the page.
egg yolk; beef; legumes; milk; walnuts; vegetables. It is recommended to add iodized salt during cooking. With constant use, it can significantly compensate for iodine deficiency. Iodized salt retains its qualities for 4 months; it should be added to ready-made dishes. It is important to remember that during the heat treatment of foods, up to 60% of iodine is destroyed.
Traditional medicine
Some plants contain quite a lot of iodine. The use of decoctions and infusions, the juice of these crops helps to compensate for iodine deficiency:
- silver cinquefoil;
- lungwort;
- cultural cocklebur;
- dyeing gorse.
Iodine deficiency in women causes disturbances in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, and subsequently - malfunctions in most organs and systems. In addition to the deterioration of general health, it suffers appearance woman, her psycho-emotional state. To enrich the body with iodine, women living in endemic regions are recommended to increase iodine-containing foods, iodized salt in their diet, and take courses of mineral complexes and dietary supplements as prescribed by a doctor.
Iodine is one of the most important trace elements in the body. The main role of iodine is in the synthesis of thyroid hormones of the thyroid gland - substances responsible for most metabolic processes in the body. It is known that thyroid hormones consist of more than 65% iodine. Lack of iodine leads to decreased hormone production and the development of hypothyroidism. Learn more about how to recognize iodine deficiency and how to replenish it in the following video:
Iodine is an important component human body. Despite the fact that its amount is negligible, no more than 20-30 mg, iodine is an indispensable participant in the formation of thyroid hormones (thyroid hormones). Absolutely all organs and systems of the body need these hormones; they also affect protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism and thermoregulation. A sufficient amount of iodine provides a person with energy for both physical and mental activity, promotes growth, development of the body and cell restoration. Without experiencing a lack of iodine, a person feels vigorous, full of vitality, healthy and cheerful. In addition, there is already scientifically proven evidence that iodine has the most direct influence on mental development.
According to statistical services, more than 35% of Russians suffer from iodine deficiency. In some northern regions, such as the Tyumen region, Krasnoyarsk region, the republics of Sakha, Buryatia and Tyva, this percentage reaches 80%. Often, some patients do not even know about it. Hormonal disorders caused by iodine deficiency initially occur unnoticed and do not bother a person in any way. However, even with moderate iodine deficiency, there is an average decrease in intellectual abilities of 10%.
Signs of iodine deficiency
There are several signs of iodine deficiency, which, for ease of perception and memorization, can be combined into groups: emotional, immunodeficiency, edema, gynecological, cardiological and hematological. By monitoring your health and listening to your body, you will be able to identify an emerging problem in time and take urgent measures to stop it.
The group of emotional signs of iodine deficiency includes: irritability unusual for a given person, forgetfulness, deterioration of attention and reaction, prolonged depression, decreased vitality, drowsiness and general lethargy of the body.
The immunodeficiency group includes one main symptom - weakened immunity and, as a result, special susceptibility to infections, colds and the development of chronic diseases.
Edema is also considered one of the harbingers of iodine deficiency. This applies to swelling around the eyes as well as to all others: arms, legs, and so on. At the same time, the use of diuretics to get rid of edema only aggravates the condition, greatly increasing the likelihood of addiction and the formation of dependence on them.
Gynecological signs of the very initial stage of iodine deficiency include such abnormalities as menstrual irregularities, cracked nipples, and in the advanced stage of the disease we can even talk about infertility or the onset of early menopause.
Cardiological group: atherosclerosis, arrhythmia, increased lower pressure. These signs are characterized by the fact that the treatment of the above diseases can proceed without any visible result, since the use of appropriate drugs, against the background of developing iodine deficiency, no longer gives the proper and long-term effect. The same applies to hematological signs (decrease in hemoglobin level), when the medications prescribed by the attending physicians will have minimal effect.
Finally, one of the most obvious signs that a person has iodine deficiency is an enlarged goiter. But this already indicates a progressive disease.
Why is iodine deficiency dangerous?
The danger of iodine deficiency is that all of the above symptoms worsen significantly and, without proper treatment, can become irreversible, and an increasing goiter can begin to put pressure on nearby organs, thereby causing a dry cough, attacks of suffocation and difficulty swallowing food.
There is also evidence that women can develop breast diseases from iodine deficiency and that decreased thyroid function leads to slower bone growth in children and adolescents.
Iodine deficiency is considered very dangerous for pregnant women, as it can affect the proper development of the fetus and, moreover, lead to miscarriage, neonatal cretinism, and even stillbirth.
The consequence of advanced thyroid diseases in children can be: retarded physical and mental development, slow growth, speech disorders, and deaf-muteness.
Iodine deficiency is also dangerous for people of the older generation, due to the fact that only up to a certain age our body is able to independently cope with the problem that has arisen and compensate for the lack of iodine.
Prevention of iodine deficiency. How to deal with iodine deficiency
The World Health Organization (WHO) has established physiological, that is, age-dependent, daily intake standards for the trace element iodine. On average, this norm ranges from 120 to 150 mcg daily.
The main amount of iodine enters our body with food; it is present in the highest concentration in sea fish, seafood, seaweed and fish oil - approximately 800-1000 mg/kg.
In addition, in most countries, including Russia, it is customary to fortify with iodine various products that more often appear on the table of the average citizen, as a rule, salt, bread, baked goods, milk and dairy products, as well as some soft drinks. All such products must be labeled accordingly. According to WHO recommendations in food products added from 10 to 30% daily norm iodine, in particular iodized salt contains iodine in an amount of 40±15 μg/g.
It is believed that the habit of consuming iodized salt may well replenish required amount this trace element in the body. However, it should be remembered that salt must be stored outdoors, be sure to check its expiration date, and add it to already cooked food (in as a last resort, at the end of cooking).
A deficiency of the substance provokes severe endocrine disruptions in the body. How to determine iodine deficiency in the body with your own hands? Look for the answer in our detailed review popular self-diagnosis methods, photos and videos in this article.
In addition to participating in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, iodine performs the following functions in the body:
- “starts” metabolism, helps speed up metabolism;
- has antiseptic properties, destroys microbes that enter the thyroid gland through the bloodstream;
- makes a person more energetic and cheerful, helps fight stress and apathy;
- improves the plasticity of cerebral vessels and cerebral circulation, stimulates the development of mental abilities.
Iodine deficiency and cancer
Iodine is vital for the health of the mammary glands in older women; low intake of the microelement increases the risk of breast cancer.
Women need to monitor the iodine content in the body with the same care as the health of the mammary glands. Among the chemicals and enzymes present in breast tissue, iodine has powerful antioxidant effects comparable to vitamin C.
Tissues experiencing iodine deficiency exhibit:
- increased lipid oxidation, which is the earliest factor in the development of cancer;
- DNA change;
- increase in estrogen receptor proteins.
These biological factors together explain the link between iodine deficiency and thyroid disease. Postmenopausal women are often diagnosed with thyroid and breast cancer.
When the supply of iodine to breast cancer cells increases, they intensively absorb it, which, in turn, suppresses tumor growth and causes the death of cancer cells.
The role of iodine in heart health
A test for iodine deficiency is necessary even in the absence of obvious symptoms; hypothyroidism contributes to heart disease, is a cause of stroke and premature death from these pathologies.
Thyroid dysfunction leads to abnormalities in lipid profiles, promotes the formation of low-density lipoproteins, increases cholesterol and increases the risk of atherosclerosis.
Hypothyroidism weakens the heart muscle and promotes arrhythmia, which becomes noticeable even with moderate physical activity. Hormones should be prescribed cautiously when a physician determines that iodine deficiency is a problem. Treatment promotes the safe and effective modulation of health problems.
How much iodine does the body need?
The average daily dose of a microelement entering the body should be at least 120–150 mcg, and for women preparing to become mothers this amount increases to 200 mcg. Iodine deficiency occurs if over a long period the amount of daily intake of the microelement does not exceed 10 mcg.
Iodine content standards
In the body of an adult normal amount iodine ranges from 15–25 mg, according to some research data it can be up to 50 mg. Exactly half of the element falls on the thyroid gland, which uses it for hormonal activity.
If we examine in detail and accurately the iodine content in human organs, we will see the following:
- The highest concentration in the thyroid gland is 1000–12000 mcg/g;
- Liver tissue contains – 0.2 µg/g;
- The amount in female ovaries and kidneys is 0.07 mcg/g;
- In lymph nodes 0.03 mcg/g;
- In the brain, muscle tissue and male testicles – 0.02 mcg/g.
There is evidence of the accumulation of iodine in the glands (mammary during feeding, salivary) and in the mucous epithelium of the stomach.
Iodine intake into the body
When microelements enter the body, they are absorbed mainly in the upper gastrointestinal tract, and those that enter the intestines are quickly absorbed into the blood. If there is an excess, iodine is excreted in the urine, so the activity of the excretory system and the kidneys in particular is also important in the regulation of iodine.
Since the level of excretion is directly dependent on its consumption, when studying the content, a blood test for iodine and urine is taken to determine the level of consumption of the microelement by the body.
Please note that excessive consumption of natural products containing iodine has no side effects, even if the amount of natural iodine contained in them exceeds the daily norm.
The level of hormonal regulation of the thyroid gland is regulated not only by the activity of the gland itself, but also by the brain, in particular by the pituitary gland and peripheral parts.
Risk factors
Potential causes that increase the likelihood of iodine deficiency:
- lack of selenium;
- pregnancy;
- exposure to radiation;
- increased dietary calcium intake;
- female;
- smoking;
- alcohol;
- oral contraceptive methods;
- elderly age.
Causes of iodine deficiency
Iodine can enter the body in several ways: with food, liquid, and even inhaled air (in the form of vapor), so the main reason for the deficiency of this microelement is its lack in the environment.
Note! Today, there is a clearly visible connection between distance from the sea and the level of iodine in the soil and fresh water sources. The central part of Russia and the Central Asian republics experience a significant deficiency of this microelement. The foothills and high mountain areas are least saturated with it. Residents of these regions need a varied, balanced diet and additional sources of iodine.
Also, among the main causes of iodine deficiency, experts name poor diet and disease gastrointestinal tract accompanied by impaired absorption of nutrients.
Signs of iodine deficiency
According to statistics, about 30% of the world's population suffers from iodine deficiency of varying severity. Among Russians, symptoms of this disease occur in 70% of residents of megacities.
Endemic goiter
Endemic goiter is the most common thyroid disease in Russia. As a rule, iodine deficiency correlates with a deficiency of other microelements, mainly microparticles of copper, selenium and cobalt.
The thyroid gland expands in order to capture more trace elements from the circulating blood, i.e. low iodine content is the root cause of an increase in the anatomical size of the thyroid gland. The disease is called "endemic" because it is common in people living in the same area with low iodine content in the surrounding ecosystem.
Goiter is also called Graves' disease, the main symptoms of which are:
- pathological growth of the thyroid gland;
- lethargy;
- rapid weight gain with an increase in subcutaneous fat.
What slows down or speeds up the absorption of iodine
There are microelements that take part in the absorption of iodine, acting as enzymes in the biochemical hydrolysis reaction, and vice versa, those that interfere with these processes. Such microelements are given in the table.
For example, lithium acts antagonistically on the activity of the gland, as does calcium in large quantities. Without selenium, iodine absorption is simply impossible.
Thus, all microelements are interconnected, and the presence or absence of one of them affects the activity of the thyroid gland.
Many people wonder whether iodine has an expiration date. Since pure iodine is an element of group 7 in the periodic table and belongs to the halogens, it has several oxidation states and easily reacts. Therefore, for example, iodine in iodized salt will evaporate for 3-4 months, but in seaweed it will be in a bound state and will be useful as long as the algae itself is alive.
Thus, consumption of kelp will be extremely useful in treating with iodine a thyroid nodule, goiter and other diseases associated with iodine deficiency. You can buy seaweed salad at the supermarket or make it yourself. It is not only tasty, but also very healthy.
A lack of iodine in the body always has several clinical signs, each of which we will consider in more detail below.
Symptoms of iodine deficiency in adults
We often do not pay attention to the signals that our body sends us, we brush them off, attributing them to fatigue, workload and eternal lack of sleep.
However, iodine deficiency can have many manifestations:
- chronic fatigue, decreased activity;
- fatigue, decreased performance;
- memory impairment, slow reaction;
- depression, tearfulness, decreased resistance to stress;
- weight gain with a unchanged diet;
- chilliness, poor cold tolerance;
- menstrual dysfunction, changes in sex hormone tests are common signs of iodine deficiency in women;
- decreased sexual activity, problems with potency in men.
Drowsiness and chronic fatigue - Signs of iodine deficiency that we often ignore
Subsequently, uncompensated iodine deficiency in the body leads to a decrease in the formation and release of thyroid hormones into the blood, disruption of the thyroid gland and the development of endemic goiter - an increase in the size of the endocrine organ.
Iodine deficiency in childhood: a serious problem of modern health care
Iodine deficiency in children is especially dangerous, since children, like no one else, need a microelement that ensures growth and normal physical and mental development. The main clinical forms of iodine deficiency in the body are presented in the table below.
Table 2: Variants of the clinical course of iodine deficiency in children:
| Disease | Congenital hypothyroidism | Cretinism | Endemic goiter |
| Features of the flow | May be associated with iodine deficiency and insufficient production of thyroid hormones in the mother. It is more severe than acquired hypothyroidism. |
A severe irreversible condition that develops if congenital hypothyroidism has not been diagnosed and treatment is not prescribed. | A disease that develops against the background of iodine deficiency, which is caused by an unbalanced diet and an unfavorable iodine situation in the region. More common in younger children school age and teenagers. |
| Symptoms |
|
|
|
Important! Any signs of iodine deficiency in a child’s body are a reason to immediately consult a doctor. The sooner treatment is started, the higher the likelihood of the baby’s complete recovery without serious and irreversible consequences for the body.
Iodine deficiency in pregnant women
Iodine deficiency in pregnant women is also extremely dangerous.
It may cause:
- spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) in the early stages;
- premature birth;
- intrauterine anomalies and congenital malformations of the fetus;
- premature placental abruption;
- difficult labor caused by heavy fetal weight;
- massive postpartum hemorrhage.
In addition, iodine deficiency in the body of a pregnant woman causes congenital hypothyroidism in the child, the correct formation of the thyroid gland and the functioning of the internal organs of which is carried out under the influence of maternal hormones.
Note! One of common reasons infertility in medical practice is iodine deficiency: symptoms in women include menstrual dysfunction, hormonal imbalance, problems with conception, and the desired pregnancy does not occur. When replenishing the deficiency of this microelement, normalization of the reproductive system is observed.
How to identify iodine deficiency
In addition to a laboratory test for iodine in the blood (its average price in private laboratories is 700 rubles), a deficiency of this microelement can be reliably determined using simple self-diagnosis methods.
So, how to recognize iodine deficiency in the body:
- If you notice one or more of the signs of the disease listed above, be sure to consult a doctor. Listen carefully to the signals your own body gives you.
- The iodine grid test is one of the most popular home methods for determining iodine deficiency. In the evening, apply a small iodine grid to any part of the body (except for the thyroid gland and heart). Inspect it carefully in the morning.
If the mesh has completely disappeared, most likely the body is experiencing a serious iodine deficiency. If there are small marks left on the skin, everything is fine.
- The three line test is considered more accurate. Instructions: in the evening, apply three lines of an alcohol solution of iodine to the skin of the forearm: thin, medium and thick.
- The next morning, evaluate the result: if after 8-10 hours a thin strip has disappeared from the skin, and visible traces remain in place of a medium and thick strip, it means that the level of iodine in the body is within normal limits. The disappearance of a thin and medium strip indicates a possible iodine deficiency, and if the skin of the forearm in the morning has no traces at all, immediately consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases.
Note! Official medicine does not confirm the reliability of such methods for studying iodine deficiency. There is no official data that the rapid absorption and disappearance of the alcohol tincture of the substance from the skin are signs of iodine deficiency in the body. In addition, applying iodine mesh can cause a chemical burn or cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, when answering the question of how to determine iodine deficiency in the body, doctors are often categorical - only with the help laboratory research concentration of this microelement in the blood.
Tests to determine iodine concentration - what official medicine can offer
It is important to note that official medicine is skeptical about the methods for determining iodine deficiency described above. Doctors say that the dependence of iodine absorption into the skin from a lack of this microelement has not been scientifically proven and may be a consequence of human characteristics.
How to check for iodine deficiency in the body “scientifically”? First of all, clinical data allows a specialist to suspect a decrease in the concentration of a microelement.
Note! Iodine deficiency has a particularly serious impact on the health of children who have retarded physical and mental development, as well as gross metabolic disorders.
How to check the amount of iodine in the body using laboratory tests? The table below presents popular methods for determining micronutrients.
Table: Tests to determine the level of iodine in the body:
| Name | Description | Norm | average price |
| I (urine) | The analysis allows you to determine the iodine content that was excreted in the urine. Since this indicator can fluctuate sharply during the day, several tests are usually required, followed by a study of the median iodine excretion | 100-500 µg/l | 1000 rub. |
| I (hair) | Determination of iodine concentration in pre-treated and dissolved cut hair. This method is called atomic emission spectrometry - AES-ISAP | 0.3-10 µg/g dry material (hair) | 300 rub. |
| I (nails) | The obtained samples are also studied on an atomic emission spectrometer using the AES-ISAP method | 0.3-10 µg/g | 300 rub. |
Note! Since iodine does not move through the vascular bed in free form, but as part of various biological compounds, medical instructions do not imply its determination in blood serum. Instead, your doctor may order additional thyroid hormone tests.
Treatment and prevention of iodine deficiency
The basic principles of restoring iodine levels in the body are:
- a diet high in these foods;
- treatment with iodine preparations (Iodomarin, Iodine-active, etc.) in a therapeutic dose of 100-200 mcg per day;
- in case of clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism, hormonal preparations of levothyroxine are additionally prescribed at a dosage of 50-75 mcg with further dynamic observation and dosage adjustment.
In addition to seafood products, there are others that will help cope with the situation:
Prevention of iodine deficiency in children and adults consists of a balanced diet, inclusion of fish, seafood and other sources of iodine in the diet, regular preventive examinations with a doctor and healthy way life.
Excess iodine in the thyroid gland
When there is an excess of iodine, hyperthyroidism develops. In this case, there is no strong enlargement of the thyroid gland, but there is a possibility of developing goiter, Graves' disease, and cardiac dysfunction.
In addition, there is general weakness, sweating, weight loss, and stool disorders. As a result of accelerated metabolism, an increase to subfebrile temperature is observed, skin pigmentation changes, sensitive areas become numb, acne appears, and the accelerated appearance of gray hair due to the loss of melanin.
This shows how closely the thyroid gland and iodine are related to each other. In case of microelement deficiency and for prevention purposes, it is advised to eat natural products containing iodine or use medications.
At home today it is not particularly difficult. The easiest way is to replace regular salt with iodized or sea salt containing iodine, or use seafood for cooking.
Well proven traditional methods treatment of the thyroid gland with iodine. Homeopaths use animal and plant components to replenish iodine deficiency, for example, plants such as walnuts, celandine, etc.
Iodine is one of the most important microelements necessary to maintain the health of our body. First of all, it is necessary for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland, the hormones of which have a direct effect on the functioning of the brain and the immune status of the body. In Russia, more than a third of the population shows signs of iodine deficiency, but they don’t even know about it, because initial stages changes in well-being are very minor.
Causes of iodine deficiency
Pregnant women experience an increased need for iodine, and a deficiency of this microelement is very dangerous for the fetus.A deficiency is not always a consequence of poor nutrition, since food is not the only source of this microelement for our body. We get iodine from water and air, so the problem of iodine deficiency is relevant in areas where the soil and water are poor in this substance (the European part of Russia and European countries). The need for iodine is increased in children, pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Symptoms of iodine deficiency
Iodine deficiency primarily affects the functioning of the body, since iodine is part of the hormones it produces.
A lack of iodine is indicated by the condition of the skin: it becomes dry, loses elasticity, and acquires a waxy tint. Due to metabolic disorders, which also involve thyroid hormones, excess weight appears. There are disturbances in the functioning of the intestines, manifested in the form of constipation. With severe iodine deficiency, the cardiovascular system suffers, blood pressure decreases, and symptoms arise. In women, the menstrual cycle may be disrupted, infertility is often diagnosed, and in men - impotence.
Due to a lack of iodine, the brain also suffers, intelligence and the ability to concentrate decrease, and memory is impaired. A person whose body experiences iodine deficiency complains of fatigue, weakness, becomes lethargic, indifferent to what is happening, and sometimes even depression occurs. Over time, a lack of iodine can cause an enlargement of the thyroid gland (endemic goiter), which begins to put pressure on nearby organs, thereby causing coughing, difficulty swallowing and asthma attacks.
Signs of iodine deficiency in children
In a growing body, the need for iodine increases. Children who are deficient in this microelement often suffer from colds, their appetite is reduced, they quickly get tired from physical activity, and their school performance is poor. Iodine deficiency in children most often occurs hidden. An increase in the size of the thyroid gland and the development of a goiter indicates that children's body I have been experiencing iodine deficiency for a long time. With the development of severe hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency, the child begins to lag behind in physical, mental and mental development, and in the most severe cases, cretinism develops.
If the symptoms described above appear, you should consult a doctor. The first symptoms of iodine deficiency are nonspecific, so it is difficult to independently determine the true cause of deterioration in health.
Treatment
In order to eliminate iodine deficiency in the body, it is necessary to contain this microelement. The most useful foods for iodine deficiency are seafood: seaweed, squid, shrimp, caviar, hake, pollock, cod, etc. Iodine is found in smaller quantities in river fish, eggs, beef, milk, cereals, mushrooms, vegetables (spinach, sorrel , green onions, asparagus, eggplant, beets, tomatoes, radishes, garlic, potatoes). This trace element is present in berries and fruits (bananas, oranges, lemons, melons, pineapples, persimmons). When preparing dishes, it is recommended to use iodized salt. In addition, a number of food products are produced that are additionally fortified with iodine (milk, bread, eggs, mineral water and etc.). Dry milk formulas containing iodine are produced for children.
Prevention of iodine deficiency
Iodized salt should replace regular salt for people living in regions of iodine deficiency. To prevent iodine deficiency in the body, it is necessary to include iodine-rich foods in the diet, as well as periodically take medications containing this microelement in a prophylactic dose.
To prevent iodine deficiency during pregnancy and lactation, doctors recommend that all women take medications containing iodine in a dose of at least 200 mcg/day. Antenatal prophylaxis will help expectant mothers avoid the occurrence of a deficiency of this microelement in the body. At the planning stage of pregnancy, six months before its onset, it is recommended to take iodine preparations in a prophylactic dose. This will help prevent diseases associated with iodine deficiency in a newborn baby.
Which doctor should I contact?
If you experience symptoms similar to those of iodine deficiency, you should consult an endocrinologist. After studying the hormonal background, the doctor will be able to conclude that there is a lack of this microelement. An endocrinologist should tell expectant mothers about the prevention of iodine deficiency. In a child, symptoms of iodine deficiency are usually detected by an observing pediatrician. For questions proper nutrition To prevent this condition, it is useful to consult a nutritionist.
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