Vegetarians, infants, and children are also at a greater risk of iron deficiency. There may be a cumulative effect on deficiency risk when you are in one or more high-risk categories. But if your iodine intake is already low, the goitrogens may have a compounding effect. Foods high in goitrogens include: 2. Iodine deficiency is typically not diagnosed among individuals, and instead iodine levels in urine are looked at population-wide to determine if a community as a whole is deficient or at an increased risk of deficiency.
But if your doctor suspects that you have iodine deficiency, the condition can be diagnosed on an individual basis with blood tests that measure thyroid hormones, notes the Merck Manual. Eating foods or taking supplements as recommended by your doctor will help bring the iodine levels up in your body. You may also have to be treated if iodine deficiency leads to health problems.
Some research indicates that iodine supplements are effective in bringing levels up to where they should be. One small study on young women found that a mcg daily iodine supplement increased urinary concentrations of the mineral 1. The authors concluded that a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin with iodine taken before conception or in early pregnancy can sufficiently replenish iodine stores in those who are deficient.
If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, you should take a daily prenatal supplement that contains iodine. If you feel you are at risk for a deficiency and you consume noniodized salt, switching to iodized salt can also help. Taking too much iodine can be a problem, however, and it can also lead to problems with your thyroid gland. Most people in the United States do not need to take an iodine supplement, but if you fall in one or more of the high-risk categories, this might be something to consider.
Keep in mind that the tolerable upper limit set by the National Institutes of Health is 1, mcg for adults. Ask your doctor or registered dietitian nutritionist RDN before starting any supplementation, as there may be some interactions with over-the-counter and prescription medications you may be taking. That said, topical and oral supplementation of iodine has shown some effectiveness for:.
Most supplements come in the form of potassium iodide and sodium iodide, but there are other options available, including kelp a type of seaweed. Most multivitamins contain iodine be sure to check the label. Many supplements on the market have iodine amounts well above the tolerable upper limit of 1, mcg per day, so be careful going above this amount without consulting your doctor or pharmacist first.
Oddly enough, getting too much iodine may have the same effects as not getting enough — for example, both effects may lead to goiter, elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone TSH , and hypothyroidism. Therefore, do not treat your symptoms on your own. Get a proper diagnosis first, and then work with your doctor to stabilize your iodine levels. The National Institutes of Health has set upper limits for iodine. By age group, they are as follows: 2. The supplement may make your medication less effective and potentially cause harmful interactions.
They can review any possible interactions with your current medication list and reconcile any issues for your safety. Getting more iodine in your diet is the preferred way to prevent deficiency. As mentioned, most Americans are eating more than enough salt. The recommended daily value DV of iodine for adults is mcg. Any foods providing 10 percent or more of iodine are considered good sources of the element. While iodine deficiency is not common in Western countries, you can prevent it by eating a varied diet, including good food sources of iodine, like seafood and yogurt.
Other people who are concerned with the amount of iodine in their diet or have thyroid disease caused by an iodine deficiency should talk to their doctor about if a supplement is needed. According to a report on global iodine status, there are two WHO countries that are considered moderately iodine deficient Morocco and Angola , and 18 that are mildly deficient, such as Madagascar, Sudan, and Vietnam, according to the Iodine Global Network.
There may be some racial differences when it comes to iodine levels. One study found that iodine levels were 34 percent lower in non-Hispanic Black adults in the United States compared with non-Hispanic white adults, possibly due to lactose intolerance that prevents this group from eating dairy, which is an important source of iodine in the typical American diet.
Below are some of the most common ones. Enlarged thyroid gland goiter Symptoms of a goiter include swelling of the neck where the thyroid is located; trouble swallowing or breathing; and choking especially while lying down.
If iodine deficiency is suspected, you can ask your doctor to run a hour urine iodine test for a proper diagnosis. Hypothyroidism Symptoms of hypothyroidism include unexpected weight gain, fatigue, feeling cold, dry skin , and even depression. Pregnancy-related problems Iodine deficiency in pregnancy can result in miscarriages, stillbirth, early deliveries, and, in cases of extreme deficiency, congenital defects in babies.
Check your prenatal vitamin, as not all of them have supplemental iodine. Only 60 percent of prenatals in the United States contain iodine. Be sure yours has mcg of iodine. Iodine Global Network. This nonprofit is focused on global, universal salt iodization to prevent iodine deficiency. Check out their public message board and forum for common questions — and to post your own.
Go Paperless with Digital. Fiber 2. Get smart. Sign up for our email newsletter. Sign Up. Support science journalism. Knowledge awaits. See Subscription Options Already a subscriber? Iodine is an essential nutrient that can support brain development and reduce your risk for thyroid disease.
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Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. What are the signs of iodine deficiency? Iodine deficiency disorders and complications. When should you call a doctor? How do you test for iodine deficiency? Iodine deficiency treatment.
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