Iodine deficiency: thyroid affected
The focus is on complaints that are triggered by the poor functioning of the affected organs. If the concentrating of thyroid hormones in the blood drops, the brain initiates the production of further thyroid hormones. Iodine is required for this. If the iodine supply is insufficient, the production of thyroid hormones continues to be stimulated. As a result, the thyroid tissue increases. The thyroid gland grows. This is how a goiter develops: iodine deficiency goiter is the result.
Consequences of iodine deficiency
A sufficient iodine supply is essential, especially for children, adolescents and pregnant women. A deficiency in thyroid hormones leads to impaired brain maturation, growth, maturation of the skeletal system and breathing in newborns and young children . In adolescents , a deficiency in thyroid hormones leads to a disruption of brain development with learning and concentrating problems and a structural change in the thyroid gland.
A deficiency in thyroid hormones in pregnant women affects the development of the growing fetus. Also, nursing mothers , since they must cover the iodine requirements of the infant through breast milk with an increased iodine requirement. In adults, metabolism, circulatory regulations, fertility, mental well-being and intellectual performance depend on an adequate iodine supply.
The most common cause of an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) is iodine deficiency (iodine-deficient goiter). Goiter (goiter) is an enlargement of the thyroid gland independent of the thyroid function. It can be associated with an underactive thyroid , but also with an overactive thyroid . The thyroid function in goiter patients is often completely normal
Iodine deficiency: treat illnesses
About 15 million German citizens have an enlarged thyroid due to iodine deficiency. Half of all patients with an enlarged thyroid gland developed goiter during childhood and adolescence. Half of 13-year-olds in Germany have an enlarged thyroid and around one percent of newborns are born with goiter.
Usually the thyroid is not visible or palpable. In goiter, the thyroid gland is so enlarged that it can cause difficulty breathing and swallowing . However, many enlargements of the thyroid gland are not detected because those affected have no symptoms and the enlargement is not visible or palpable.
An enlarged thyroid gland can be made smaller by taking iodine in pill form. If the thyroid is already greatly enlarged, thyroid hormones must be taken so that the thyroid tissue regresses. The thyroid tissue recedes because the thyroid no longer has to work.
Avoid iodine deficiency
To compensate for the lack of iodine in the diet, the German Society for Nutrition and other associations recommend the use of iodized salt . It contains 15 to 25 milligrams of iodine per kilogram. When buying food and food preparations, care should be taken to ensure that iodized salt was used in their manufacture.
However, the necessary 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 who suffer from thyroid disease. Intolerance to the uses of iodized salt has not yet been observed. Using iodized salt enriched with fluorine can also help prevent tooth decay .