10 Signs and Symptoms of Iodine Deficiency (2024)

FAQs

10 Signs and Symptoms of Iodine Deficiency? ›

Consumption of foods that contain goitrogens, substances that interfere with the uptake of iodine in the thyroid, can exacerbate iodine deficiency [2]. Foods high in goitrogens include soy, cassava, and cruciferous vegetables (e.g., cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower).

Consumption of foods that contain goitrogens, substances that interfere with the uptake of iodine in the thyroid, can exacerbate iodine deficiency [2]. Foods high in goitrogens include soy, cassava, and cruciferous vegetables (e.g., cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower).

It results in impaired cognitive and motor development which affects a child's performance at school. In adulthood, it affects productivity and the ability to find a job. Iodine-deficient people may forfeit 15 IQ points, and nearly 50 million people suffer from some degree of iodine deficiency-related brain damage.

Slow heartbeat: If you consume too little or too much iodine, your heart may beat more slowly or quickly than usual. An unusually slow heartbeat may result from a severe iodine deficit. You can feel tired, worn out, dizzy, and even faint.

Without enough iodine, these thyroid hormones do not work properly and can lead to an under-active or overactive thyroid gland, causing the medical conditions of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism with various negative side effects in the body.

Take one tablet a day for 90 days (6-12 mg a day is fine). After three months, if you feel much better you can stay on the supplement. Or you can stop it and see if your problems worsen, a sign that you still need it. (You may find that one bottle is enough to "fill your tank" and correct your deficiency.)

Iodine is mostly concentrated in thyroid gland(2). A healthy adult body contains 15-20 mg of iodine, 70-80% of which is stored in the thyroid gland.

Fruits: Few fruits like Strawberries, Cranberries and Pineapple are an excellent and rich source of iodine.

Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of thyroid disease and, if serious, can cause permanent brain damage and intellectual disability in babies. Iodine is a mineral found naturally in seawater and soil. The body needs iodine to make thyroid hormone in the thyroid gland.

What is the most common cause of iodine deficiency? ›

Iodine deficiency occurs when the soil is poor in iodine, causing a low concentration in food products and insufficient iodine intake in the population.

Iodine deficiency results in hypothyroidism. Symptoms can include fatigue, depression, anxiety, brain fog, headaches, constipation, hair loss, weight gain, and sensitivity to cold temperatures. The thyroid gland may be enlarged causing a bulge in the neck called a goiter.

Iodine is also essential for brain development during specific time windows influencing neurogenesis, neuronal and glial cell differentiation, myelination, neuronal migration, and synaptogenesis.

Studies have indicated that low iodine levels can contribute to mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. The thyroid hormones influenced by iodine play a vital role in brain development and neurotransmitter regulation, which directly affect mood and emotional wellbeing.

Iodine helps make thyroid hormones, which help keep cells and the metabolic rate (the speed at which chemical reactions take place in the body) healthy.

Iodine deficiency during pregnancy is serious for both the mother and the baby. It can lead to high blood pressure during pregnancy for the mother, and mental retardation for the baby. Iodine plays an important role in development of the central nervous system.

Serious kidney damage can be caused by the iodine-containing “dyes” that doctors use to enhance the quality of medical scans. These dyes are called contrast agents, and are usually given intravenously before a CT scan, angiogram or other test.

Blood test: This is a simple and accurate test for iodine levels in the body, but it takes more time to read than a urine test. Iodine patch test: The iodine patch test is a test where doctors paint a patch of iodine on your skin and check how it looks 24 hours later.

You may notice improvements in energy within one month of supplementing with iodine. Consistency is key and our research recommends taking your Feel supplements for at least 3 months to allow your body to adjust and provide the desired benefits.

The best iodine supplement is generally recognized to be potassium iodide. However, getting the necessary amount shouldn't require supplementation unless you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Some “natural” iodine supplements like kelp may deliver erratic and sometimes toxic levels of iodine.

How can I increase my iodine levels quickly? ›

Fish (such as cod and tuna), seaweed, shrimp, and other seafood, which are generally rich in iodine. Dairy products (such as milk, yogurt, and cheese) and eggs, which are also good sources of iodine. Iodized salt, which is readily available in the United States and many other countries*

Iodine deficient soils are most common in inland regions, mountainous areas and areas of frequent flooding, but can also occur in coastal regions (2). This arises from the distant past through glaciation, compounded by the leaching effects of snow, water and heavy rainfall, which removes iodine from the soil.

Hands down, seaweed is the best source of iodine available. A 10 gram serving of dried nori seaweed (the type of seaweed used in sushi) contains up to 232 mcg of iodine, more than 1.5 times the daily required minimum.

Do Bananas Have Iodine? Yes, bananas contain this element (6). Therefore, it is supremely important to calculate how much you can eat in order not to go over your daily iodine limit. One medium banana holds about 2% of the daily iodine value.

The foods highest in iodine include seaweed, dairy, tuna, shrimp and eggs. Additionally, most table salt has been iodized, providing an easy way to add iodine to your meals.

One of the most common results of low iodine is that your thyroid can't make enough thyroid hormone, a condition called hypothyroidism. This might inflame the gland and cause a goiter, but not always. It could also thin your hair, dry your skin, and make you feel cold, tired, constipated, and depressed.

With thyroid fatigue, you may feel like you can't get through a day without a nap. You may sleep more than usual but still feel completely exhausted. You may not even have the energy to exercise. At times, you may fall asleep during the day or very quickly at night.

People with hypothyroidism may also have headaches, including pulsing pain, on both sides of the head. In most cases, the headaches subside after the person receives effective treatment for hypothyroidism.

Does iodine affect memory? ›

Learning or memory problems

Iodine deficiency may cause a lack of these hormones, resulting in problems with memory and learning new things. A 2014 study found that the hippocampus was smaller in people with low levels of thyroid hormones. The hippocampus is the part of the brain that affects memory.

Getting enough iodine is essential for ensuring proper thyroid function. Getting too much, however, can lead to problems as well. Getting too much iodine can lead to iodine toxicity. Symptoms range depending upon how much you take, and they can range from nausea and vomiting to a weak pulse and delirium.

A swollen or tender neck and feeling flushed

Some people may have a feeling of tightness or swelling in their neck for a few days after treatment. This is more common if you still had a large part of your thyroid gland when you have radioactive iodine treatment. Some people also feel flushed.

Anxiety Symptoms to Watch For

If you've been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, anxiety symptoms to monitor yourself for include: Insomnia. Feeling “on edge” a lot. Muscle tension.

Vitamin B deficiency (B1, B6, B7, B12, B complex) can contribute to depression, anxiety, and mood swings. It is associated with a disruption in the nervous system as well as the circulatory system. B12/B9, or folate, is at the forefront of mood management.

Peripheral Neuropathy: Iodine Deficiency can also damage the body's peripheral nerves. In this condition, one can face several issues, such as tingling in the hands or feet, sharp, stabbing pains, numbness in the hands or feet, thinning of the skin, drop in blood pressure and others.

Excess Iodine. For some people with abnormal thyroid glands, excessive iodine can trigger or worsen hypothyroidism. While initially, you may have more energy, high doses can cause an "iodine crash" that leaves you feeling exhausted and achy within a few days.

Low iodine levels may leave you feeling tired, sluggish and weak. This is because your body needs the mineral to make energy.

If the underactive thyroid isn't caused by iodine deficiency, then iodine supplements give no benefit and shouldn't be taken. In fact, for some people with an underactive thyroid, too much iodine can cause or worsen their condition.

Does iodine affect the heart? ›

Excess iodine exposure can cause heart failure due to hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or direct cardiac toxicity. Acute excess iodine exposure results in transient hypothyroidism termed the Wolff-Chaikoff effect and is thought to be mediated by thyroid peroxidase inhibition.

Acute iodine toxicity is rare and is often difficult to recognize. Clinical manifestations may range from nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to delirium, stupor, and shock.

If the underactive thyroid isn't caused by iodine deficiency, then iodine supplements give no benefit and shouldn't be taken. In fact, for some people with an underactive thyroid, too much iodine can cause or worsen their condition.

An essential mineral, iodine is used by the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones that control many functions in the body including growth and development.

Fish (such as cod and tuna), seaweed, shrimp, and other seafood, which are generally rich in iodine. Dairy products (such as milk, yogurt, and cheese) and eggs, which are also good sources of iodine. Iodized salt, which is readily available in the United States and many other countries*