World Iodine Deficiency Day 2022

The 21st of October every year marks World Iodine Deficiency Day. This day is otherwise also known as Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day. World Iodine Deficiency Day is celebrated globally to spread awareness about the importance of iodine consumption and its impact on health.

Our body needs various elements for its normal regular functioning. These elements have different functions and play different roles in the body. Iodine is one such element required by the body to produce a hormone called the thyroid. Hence, iodine is an essential element in our daily diet. A deficiency of iodine can give rise to conditions like hypothyroidism or goitre. 

To learn more about iodine deficiency and complications it can cause, please keep reading 

What Is Iodine Deficiency? 

Iodine is an important element that is required for producing thyroid hormones. When the body lacks the iodine element, iodine deficiency occurs. The body cannot make iodine naturally; hence, taking iodine through a daily diet is important. 

Why Is Iodine So Important? 

Iodine is responsible for thyroid hormone production, which in turn is responsible for controlling various important bodily functions like metabolism. Iodine is essential during pregnancy since it is essential for developing the baby’s brain and bones. Lack of iodine during pregnancy can lead to some severe complications. 

Iodine Deficiency Symptoms

There are various symptoms that indicate iodine deficiency. One of the early signs of iodine deficiency includes thyroid enlargement (Goitre). Low thyroid hormone eventually causes hypothyroidism. The various symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Weight gain due to slow metabolism
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Puffiness on the face
• Muscle weakness
• Dry skin
• Increased cold sensitivity
• Abnormal menstrual cycle
• Hair thinning
• Depression
• Increased levels of cholesterol
• Bad memory

Did you know that apart from hypothyroidism and goitre,  iodine deficiency can pose various complications during pregnancy?

Low levels of thyroid hormone during pregnancy put the baby at risk of various birth defects. Iodine deficiency in pregnant women can pose various complications during pregnancy:

• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth
• Preterm birth
• Intellectual disabilities.
• Developmental delay
• Cretinism (rare cases)

Treatment Of Iodine Deficiency

Once diagnosed with iodine deficiency, the treatment plan will be devised by the doctor. Usually, iodine deficiency is treated by following dietary changes and including more iodine-rich foods in the diet or by iodine supplementation. 

In patients having hypothyroidism, the doctor will prescribe thyroid hormone supplements. Depending upon how severe the hypothyroidism is, the patient’s treatment plan will be made. 

Foods To Eat To Prevent/ Treat Iodine Deficiency

There are various foods that are a rich source of iodine and are to be taken in the daily diet. Some of these iodine-rich foods include, 

• Seaweed
• Iodized salt
• Cod fish
• Cottage cheese
• Greek yogurt
• Eggs
• Shrimp
• Tuna
• Prunes

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Iodine might sound like just a normal element. However, it is more than that. As already discussed, iodine is extremely important for various bodily functions and is to be consumed in the daily diet because it cannot be made in the body naturally. And its deficiency can give rise to various health complications. Hence it is important to prevent iodine deficiency by eating foods rich in iodine.

This World Iodine Deficiency Day 2022, spread the word among your near and dear ones about how important iodine is for our bodies. Encourage them to use iodized salt while cooking and to eat foods packed with iodine. This World Iodine Deficiency Day 2022, raise awareness among all mothers about how essential iodine is for their babies.