iodinedeficiency

Iodine deficiency is a lack of adequate iodine in the diet, which impairs the production of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones are essential for normal growth, development, and metabolic regulation. In pregnancy and early childhood, insufficient iodine can affect brain development and growth, with potentially lasting effects.

Causes and risk factors include low iodine content in soil and locally produced foods, limited availability of iodized salt, and dietary patterns that exclude iodine-rich foods. Regions distant from coastal areas or with restrictive food systems often experience higher rates of deficiency. Pregnant and lactating women, infants, people in rural communities, and populations with limited access to fortified foods are at increased risk.

Clinical manifestations range from mild goiter to hypothyroidism, and in severe or prolonged deficiency, irreversible neurodevelopmental damage. In adults, deficiency can cause fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and impaired fertility. In newborns and young children, maternal iodine deficiency can lead to cretinism or other neurodevelopmental impairments, with reduced intelligence and growth abnormalities.

Diagnosis commonly involves measuring urinary iodine concentration as a quick indicator of recent intake, along with thyroid function tests and clinical assessment for goiter. In population health, urinary iodine surveys in school-age children are used to monitor iodine status.

Prevention relies on iodized salt as a key public health intervention, supplemented by dietary diversity that includes seafood, dairy products, eggs, and other iodine-containing foods. Public health programs may target pregnant women with specific recommendations and monitor for excessive iodine intake to avoid adverse thyroid effects. Treatment involves iodine supplementation to restore adequate iodine status, with medical supervision to manage potential thyroid dysfunction during correction.