What Is Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD)?

Iodine deficiency disorders can be characterized as a bunch of disorders caused by levels of the trace element called ‘iodine’, lacking in an individual. Iodine is vital in synthesis of the thyroid hormone. Iodine disorder is a major concern leading to severe health problems such as that of goiter, stagnant development and mental retardation.

The most common found iodine deficiency disorders include endemic goiter, hypothyroidism, cretinism, decreased fertility rate, increased infant mortality, and mental retardation. Top on the list and an issue of grave concern triggered by iodine deficiency is of mental retardation in babies caused by hypothyroidism, which is one of the leading consequences of lack of this trace element.

An approximate of 2 billion people has been documented to be suffering at the hands of iodine deficiency. The disorder is more prevalent in regions that are semi-arid in nature, mountainous and remote inland areas where consumption of marine foods amounts to zero and the soils lack iodine content.

Symptoms of Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD)

Iodine deficiency does not channelize into displaying symptoms in its initial phases. When the body lacks in this trace element, the thyroid reacts by producing more thyroid hormones which ultimately leads to thyroid enlargement.

However, as levels of iodine continue to fall, the metabolism begins to slow down.This is characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, constipation, weakness, dry skin and increases sensitivity to cold. Iodine deficiency disorders such as severe prolonged hypothyroidism can be associated with symptoms of severe depression, thickening of the skin, protrusion of the eye, heart failures, thinning of hair and nails, abnormality in the menstrual cycle in women, coma and declining mental capabilities.

IDD can have certain life threatening symptoms as well. These life threatening Iodine deficiency disorder symptoms include irrational, threatening and suicidal behaviors, chest pain, and palpitations, bleeding during pregnancy, respiratory problemsand unresponsiveness to the surroundings, hallucinations and delirium.

Iodine is highly essential for developmental purposes. Babies who are born to mothers deficient in iodine may suffer from mental retardation, cognitive disabilities, deafness and possible muteness, and growth abnormalities. These however are reversible; given the iodine deficiency is treated on an urgent basis.

Sources of Iodine

The primary source of iodine in regions where iodine is not added to water supplies or food diets meant for humans and domesticated animals, is seaweed, fish and trace amounts in grains.

Research has documented for iodized salt made compulsory in countries such as America and other major powers of the world to have reduced iodine deficiency disorder by manifolds. Other sources which substantially aid iodine deficiency are inclusive of foods grown in iodine rich soils, dairy products and meat, salt-water fish and seaweed, eggs, bread, and vitamin and mineral supplements consistent of iodine.

Here’s a list of food sources that are consistent of substantial amounts of iodine and are highly significant in treating iodine deficiency.

• Cod amounts to 66% of the daily required value
• Low fat, plain yoghurt amounts to a whopping 50% of the daily required intake
• Low fat milk 37%
• Iodized salt 47%
• White enriched bread 30%
• Shrimp 23%
• Boiled macaroni 18%
• Egg 16%