jodbrist

Jodbrist, or iodine deficiency, is a medical condition characterized by insufficient iodine intake leading to reduced production of thyroid hormones. Iodine is an essential micronutrient required for normal growth, metabolism, and development, particularly of the brain.

Causes include low dietary intake of iodine, naturally iodine-poor soils, and dietary patterns that limit iodized salt or iodine-rich foods. Certain populations, such as pregnant women, infants, people in landlocked or mountainous regions, and communities relying on crops grown in iodine-poor soil, are at higher risk. Seasonal changes and food fortification policies also influence iodine status.

Health effects vary by age and developmental stage. In adults, iodine deficiency can cause goiter and hypothyroidism, with fatigue, weight changes, and slowed metabolism. In pregnancy and early childhood, it can impair fetal and child brain development, leading to intellectual disability and reduced growth; severe deficiency can cause cretinism.

Diagnosis and monitoring involve checking urinary iodine concentration, thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, and a physical examination for goiter. Population surveys track iodine status and the prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders.

Prevention and treatment focus on iodizing salt and other staple foods. Dietary sources include seafood, seaweed, dairy products, eggs, and iodized salt. Pregnant and lactating women may require higher iodine intake; supplementation should follow medical guidance to avoid excess iodine, which can also harm thyroid function.

Global context: iodine deficiency disorders remain a public health concern in some regions, though universal salt iodization programs have substantially reduced prevalence. International health agencies promote iodine nutrition monitoring and fortification strategies.