Iodine is a trace element. It is essential for the human body in small amounts, because the body can not produce iodine itself. Iodine is needed for the production of thyroid hormones. These are involved in all metabolic processes in the body and therefore increase energy metabolism. If the thyroid gland produces less thyroid hormones than the body needs, there is an undersupply of thyroid hormones in the organism. This deficiency affects all the organs of the body that are affected by thyroid hormones, such as the heart, circulatory system, nervous system, muscles, and metabolism.
Iodine deficiency: thyroid gland affected
In the foreground are complaints triggered by the lack of function of the affected organs. If the concentration of thyroid hormones in the blood drops, the production of further thyroid hormones is initiated via the brain. Iodine is needed for this. If the iodine supply is not sufficient, the production of thyroid hormones continues to be stimulated. As a result, the thyroid tissue multiplies. The thyroid gland grows. This is how goiter develops: iodine-deficiency goiter is the result.
Consequences of iodine deficiency
Above all for children, adolescents and pregnant women, an adequate iodine supply is essential. In newborns and infants, a deficiency of thyroid hormones leads to impaired brain maturation, growth, maturation of the skeletal system, and respiration. In adolescents, a deficiency of thyroid hormones leads to a disturbance in brain development with learning and concentration problems and a structural change in the thyroid gland. A deficiency of thyroid hormones in pregnant women impairs the development of the growing fetus. Breastfeeding mothers also have an increased iodine requirement, as they have to cover the infant’s iodine needs through their mother’s milk. In adults, metabolism, circulatory regulation, fertility, mental well-being and intellectual performance depend on an adequate iodine supply. The most common cause of thyroid enlargement (goiter) is iodine deficiency (iodine-deficient goiter). Goiter is the term used to describe an enlargement of the thyroid gland independent of thyroid function. It can be associated with hypothyroidism, but also with hyperthyroidism. Often, thyroid function is completely normal in goiter patients (euthyroidism).
Iodine deficiency: treating diseases
About 15 million Germans have an enlarged thyroid gland due to iodine deficiency. Half of all patients suffering from an enlarged thyroid gland developed the goiter during childhood and adolescence. Half of the 13-year-olds in Germany have an enlarged thyroid gland and about one percent of newborns are already born with a goiter. Normally, the thyroid gland is not visible or palpable. In goiter, the thyroid gland is so enlarged that it can cause breathing and swallowing problems. However, many thyroid enlargements are not detected because the affected person has no symptoms and the enlargement is not visible or palpable. An enlarged thyroid gland can be reduced in size by taking iodine in tablet form. If the thyroid gland is already severely enlarged, thyroid hormones must be taken to cause the thyroid tissue to regress. Thyroid tissue regresses because the thyroid gland no longer needs to work.
Avoid iodine deficiency
To compensate for the lack of iodine in the diet, the German Nutrition Society and other associations recommend the use of iodized salt. It contains 15 to 25 milligrams of iodine per kilogram. When buying foodstuffs and food preparations, care should be taken to ensure that iodized salt has been used in their production. However, the required daily amount of 150 to 200 micrograms of iodized salt cannot be achieved by adding salt. The use of iodized salt is also recommended for people suffering from thyroid disorders. Intolerance to the use of iodized salt has not yet been observed. By using iodized salt enriched with fluorine, one can make an additional contribution to the prevention of caries. 80 percent of German households already regularly use iodized salt for cooking. Despite this, they only cover an estimated two-thirds of their iodine requirements.If you eat sea fish twice a week (for example haddock, pollock, plaice), you no longer need to worry about possible iodine deficiency, as sea fish is particularly rich in iodine. Regular stays at the sea are another possibility to improve the iodine supply in case of iodine deficiency. The sea air and sea water have a higher iodine content. Fish is a regular part of the diet of people who live on the coast or near the sea, so iodine deficiency is rarely diagnosed.
