Iodinepoor

Iodinepoor is a term used to describe soils, diets, and populations that provide insufficient iodine to meet physiological needs. In agronomy, iodine-poor soils yield crops with low iodine content, reducing dietary iodine intake from plant foods. In human nutrition, iodine-poor diets can contribute to iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), which range from goiter and hypothyroidism to neurodevelopmental impairment in fetuses and young children.

Causes and geography: Soil iodine content varies; iodine is readily leached from soils by rainfall, especially in humid, mountainous, or inland regions, leading to persistent deficiency in local crops and livestock. Diets that rely on locally produced staples without iodine-rich foods (fish, dairy, eggs) are at higher risk. Public iodine exposure depends on salt fortification policies; universal salt iodization is a common mitigation.

Health implications: IDD can be subclinical or present as goiter; deficiency during pregnancy increases risk of cretinism and impaired neurodevelopment in offspring.

Mitigation: Monitoring urinary iodine concentration, adopting iodized salt programs, iodine-enriched fertilizers, and targeted supplementation for pregnant women and young children. Encouraging dietary diversification to include iodine-rich foods also helps.