Iodine Deficiency: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Signs and symptoms of mild to moderate iodine deficiency can include:

- Fatigue

- Mental fog

- Forgetfulness

- Weight gain

- Hoarseness

- Dry skin

- Brittle nails

- Heavy or irregular menstrual periods

- Constipation

- Depression

- Muscle cramps

- Difficulty becoming pregnant or having multiple miscarriages

- Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)

- Swelling in the face and limbs

- Increased sensitivity to cold

- Slow heart rate

- Muscle weakness

In cases of severe iodine deficiency, also called cretinism, the following symptoms may occur:

- Mental disabilities

- Stunted physical growth

- Neurological abnormalities such as deafness and strabismus (eyes that do not look in the same direction)