A low dietary intake of iodine can lead to several health problems, primarily due to its essential role in thyroid hormone production. If you don’t get enough iodine, your thyroid gland may enlarge (goiter), and you might develop hypothyroidism, which can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. Here’s a more detailed look:
1. Goiter:
Iodine is crucial for the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.
When iodine is low, the thyroid gland tries to compensate by growing larger to try to absorb more iodine from the blood. This enlargement is called a goiter, which can appear as a visible swelling in the neck.
2. Hypothyroidism:
A severe or chronic iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism, where the thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism can result in a wide range of symptoms, including:
Fatigue and lethargy.
Weight gain.
Cold intolerance.
Dry skin and hair.
Slowed heart rate.
Cognitive difficulties like memory problems or trouble concentrating.
Menstrual irregularities in women.
3. Other potential issues:
Severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy can harm fetal development, leading to stunted growth, intellectual disability, and delayed sexual development. Iodine deficiency can also contribute to autoimmune thyroiditis.
4. Impact on metabolism:
Iodine plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, which is the process of converting food into energy.
An iodine deficiency can slow down metabolism, leading to weight gain as the body stores more fat and burns less energy. 5. Impact on children:
In children, iodine deficiency can lead to irreversible damage, including cretinism, which causes severe intellectual and physical disabilities, according to the NIH.
6. Risk factors for iodine deficiency:
People who live in areas with iodine-poor soil or consume a diet low in iodine-rich foods are at higher risk.
Vegetarian and vegan diets, if not carefully planned, can be low in iodine.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women have increased iodine needs and are at higher risk of deficiency.