Iodine Deficiency: Link to Hypothyroidism and Impaired Growth
Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis (T4, T3). Deficiency causes:
- Hypothyroidism: Low T4/T3 → elevated TSH → goiter (thyroid enlargement). Symptoms: fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain, constipation, depression.
- Impaired growth and development: In utero and infancy, severe deficiency causes cretinism (irreversible intellectual disability, deafness, spasticity, stunted growth). Milder deficiency lowers IQ by 10–15 points.
- Pregnancy risks: Miscarriage, stillbirth, congenital anomalies, neonatal hypothyroidism.
Prevention: Universal salt iodization (USI). RDA: 150 µg/day adults; 220 µg pregnancy; 290 µg lactation. Sources: iodized salt, seafood, dairy, eggs. Avoid excess (>1100 µg/day) which can trigger autoimmunity or hyperthyroidism.
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