Which Diseases Cause Iodine Deficiency?

Iodine, which cannot be produced by the body and taken from outside through food, plays an important role in the development of the baby, especially in the mother's womb. The daily required amount of iodine, which is an indispensable need for health not only for babies in the womb, but also at all stages of life, can vary according to age and metabolic needs. Although seafood is a good source of iodine; Eggs, meat and dairy products are known to be rich in iodine. Professor from Memorial Ataşehir Hospital, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases. Dr. Başak Karbek Bayraktar gave information about iodine before the "Prevention of Iodine Deficiency Diseases, 1-7 June" week.

Iodine balance is vital during pregnancy

Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can have adverse effects on the development and delivery of the baby. Severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy can cause sudden miscarriage or stillbirth, as well as congenital abnormalities such as cretinism, a serious and irreversible type of mental retardation. Iodine, which can be taken through food, is an indispensable nutritional source for health not only during pregnancy but also at all stages of life. Iodine is a key component in the production of thyroid hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid hormones are important for the body to use energy properly, maintain the required temperature, and function properly for the brain, heart, muscles and other organs.

• Hair loss and dry skin can be caused by iodine deficiency
• Swelling in the front of the neck, or goiter, is the most common symptom of iodine deficiency.
• Symptoms such as hair loss and skin dryness can be seen in the deficiency of iodine, which has a key role in the regeneration of hair and skin cells.
• Heavy and irregular menstrual periods can be experienced in iodine deficiency, which also carries out the task of regulating the menstrual cycle in women.

Iodine needs can be different for everyone.

The amount of iodine to be taken daily can vary according to age and need. However, the figures determined by the World Health Organization are as follows;

• Infants 90 μg/day (0-59 months)
• Children: (6-12 years): 120 micrograms/day
• Children: (>12 years): 150 micrograms/day
• Adolescents and adults: 150 micrograms/day
• Pregnant and lactating women: 250 micrograms/day

Include these foods on your table for iodine

Since iodine is an element that cannot be produced by the body, it must be taken from outside. The main source for providing the needed iodine is refined iodized salt. However, seafood is also a good source of iodine. While the iodine content is lower than most seafood, eggs, meat and dairy products are also richer than most plant foods. In order to ensure adequate iodine intake in infants in the period of starting complementary foods, it should be noted that supplementary foods / foods made at home and sold on the market must contain iodine.

Common dietary sources of iodine can be listed as follows;

• Iodized refined table salt
• Cheese
• saltwater fish
• Cow milk
• Seaweed (including kelp, red seagrass, and nori)
• egg
• Shellfish
• frozen yogurt
• Soy milk
• Soy sauce

You can choose iodized salt instead of rock salt.

After the picture that emerged during the scans related to iodine deficiency in Turkey between 1997-1999, necessary legal arrangements were made for the compulsory iodization of all table salt in our country. It is known that the iodine problem, which has been largely resolved in city centers with this practice, continues in rural areas. Iodized salt is recommended instead of salts such as rock salt, gourmet salts, which are unrefined, whose content is not clearly known or other additives are added naturally or artificially. Unless otherwise stated by the doctor, absolute iodized refined salt should be used.