Iodine is a chemical element that is found in certain food and salts and is available as a dietary supplement. 

“What is the most common cause of iodine deficiency?” You can’t produce enough thyroid hormone when lacking enough iodine in your body. Iodine deficiency occurs when iodine levels in the soil are low, resulting in low concentrations in food products and insufficient iodine intake in the population.

Iodine deficiency causes, 

  • Enlargement of the thyroid (goiter)
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Intellectual disabilities in infants and children who were born to iodine-deficient mothers

Before the 1920s, it is quite common in some parts of the US and even around the world, there is a lack of iodine. Prevention of iodine deficiency has been overcome by introducing iodized salts in these areas. However, people belonging to many areas of the world have not added iodine to their diet. There was a risk of iodine deficiency for about 30% of the world population. 

What is the most common cause of iodine deficiency?

The high-risk people who can easily be affected by iodine deficiency are, 

  • Pregnant woman
  • People who follow a vegan diet
  • People who don’t use iodized salt.

Countries that have less iodine such as Australia, New Zealand, South Asia, and European countries. 

Iodine deficiency symptoms

  • Swelling in the neck is the major symptom
  • There will be a sudden increase in the body weight 
  • According to some studies, nearly 80% of people with low thyroid hormone levels, which occur in cases of iodine deficiency, feel tired, sluggish, and weak.
  • Thyroid hormones help to regulate hair follicle growth. Hair follicles may stop regenerating if your thyroid hormone levels are low. This may result in hair loss over time.
  • Thyroid hormones aid in sweat regulation. People with low thyroid hormone levels sweat less than those with normal thyroid hormone levels.
  • Thyroid hormones regulate the metabolism rate. Low thyroid hormone levels can cause it to slow down. A slower metabolism produces less heat, making you feel colder than usual.
  • A lower resting heart rate indicates more efficient heart function and improved cardiovascular fitness. It could be influenced by your iodine levels.
  • Iodine deficiency affects pregnant women who are particularly vulnerable. This is because they must consume enough to meet their own daily needs as well as their growing baby. 
  • Insufficient consumption of iodine during pregnancy and lactation can have negative consequences for both the mother and the baby.

Iodine Deficiency test

  • A urine test is the simplest and fastest form of iodine deficiency test, but it is not accurate as some other tests. 
  • A blood test is the accurate form of an iodine deficiency test. 
  • The iodine loading test determines how much iodine you excrete in your urine over 24 hours. It’s not the quickest or most convenient test. (You must collect all urine samples within 24 hours.) However, it is quite accurate.

Foods that increase iodine level 

The following foods can increase your iodine level, 

  • Seafood such as fish and shellfish
  • Table salt marked “iodized”
  • Dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, milk
  • Eggs
  • Beef liver
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Ashley completed her degree with nutrition as her major. She loves sharing her knowledge with others and playing with words. After struggling for almost a year to find a job that could make her feel lively, she ended up as a freelance writer. Ashley writes health-related blogs and articles. She makes sure that her works always stand unique and are useful for everyone. Ashley is also a YouTuber who shares health-related videos. She knows the value of the right information and how it can be beneficial to others. Therefore, her only motto is to provide accurate information. If Ashley sounds like that neighbor who you can ask for health tips, take a look at her works.