Symptoms of Iodine Deficiency
Iodine deficiency is a global health issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates over two billion people may be iodine deficient, with up to 50 million of them suffering from serious symptoms of iodine deficiency, such as brain damage.[1] Once a rare concern in the Western world, this imbalance is on the rise in North America.
This may be related to modern industrial agricultural practices and a lack of minerals in the soil.[2] Environmental pollutants have robbed the soil of nutrients, and this translates into poor iodine content in foods.[3] Iodine is especially necessary for pregnant women, their unborn babies, and young children; a deficiency can lead to developmental issues.[4, 5, 6, 7]
Iodine deficiency symptoms manifest as a result of improper thyroid hormone production.[8] In other words, when the thyroid gland does not receive enough iodine, trouble ensues. The more serious signs and symptoms of iodine deficiency may vary from one person to the next but usually include the following:
- Thyroid enlargement — sometimes called "goiter"
- Mental imbalances such as depression and anxiety
- Developmental issues
- Fetal hypothyroidism (improper functioning of the thyroid in unborn children, which leads to brain damage)
- Autism
Other Symptoms of Iodine Deficiency
Beyond the global issue of iodine deficiency in children, Westerners are also susceptible to a lack of iodine. Many researchers are looking into the correlations between various chronic conditions and a lack of iodine. Let's look at some of the lesser-known symptoms of iodine deficiency.
Reduced Brain Function
Studies have shown the correlation between the shortage of iodine and cognitive function. In fact, one study from 2009 found that iodine supplementation in mildly-deficient children helped improve their perceptual reasoning.[9]
Slowed Metabolism
A lack of iodine can lead to a reduced ability to convert food into usable nutrients.[10] This may lead to a sluggish metabolism, weight gain, and constipation.
Lowered Immunity
The thyroid and immune system are linked, so when the thyroid doesn't get enough iodine, the immune system is weakened. This can cause individuals with symptoms of iodine deficiency to experience more cases of the cold and flu.[11]
Emotional Upset & Anxiety
Due to the relationship between iodine and hormone balance, an iodine deficiency disrupts hormone receptors and communication. This may lead to emotional imbalances, anxiety, and a lack of sexual interest.[12]
Breast Cysts, Soreness & Heaviness
A study reported in the Canadian Journal of Surgery found that 70 percent of patients given iodine supplements showed an improvement in their fibrocystic breast disease.[13] This lead to speculation on if there's a correlation between iodine deficiency and breast cancer, although more research is required. It is known, however, that there is a connection between a lack of iodine in women and breast tenderness that accompanies the menstrual cycle.
Compromised Organ Function
Because of iodine's role in organ health, iodine deficiency may affect the detoxification abilities of organs and even lead to organ failure.
Improper Thyroid Function
The New England Journal of Medicine reported a correlation between iodine intake and thyroid disease. When the thyroid doesn't function properly, it causes a whole host of symptoms.[14] These include fatigue, exhaustion, puffy eyes, digestive upset, muscle pain, depression, weight gain, swelling, memory impairment, dry skin, brittle nails, sensitivity to cold, hair loss, high cholesterol, and low immunity.
Continuing Research
Researchers are looking into potential correlations between iodine deficiency and breast and stomach cancers. Preliminary studies show that iodine deficiency may produce an increased incidence of cancerous malignancies in animals. Similarly, other research shows a possible relationship between iodine levels and gastric forms of cancer. These studies offer hope, as both show a decreased rate of cancer development when the animals are given an iodine-prophylaxis supplement.
If you decide to meet your daily requirements of iodine with a supplement, be advised that not all iodine supplements are the same. I recommend using a nascent form of iodine, such as Detoxadine®.
Everything You Have to Know About Iodine
Length: 61 minutes
References (14)
- Chestnov O. Sustaining the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health World Health Organization.
- Kibblewhite M, et al. Soil health in agricultural systems. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 2008;363(1492):685-701.
- Zimmermann MB. Iodine deficiency in industrialised countries. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. (2010), 69:133-143.
- Delange F. [Disorders due to iodine deficiency]. Acta Clin Belg. 1990;45(6):394-411.
- Sardana D, et al. Thyroid hormones in pregnancy and preeclampsia. Journal of the Turkish German Gynecological Association. 2009;10(3):168-171.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Iodine Fact Sheet for Consumers. Last updated February 17, 2016.
- Hamza RT, et al. Iodine deficiency in Egyptian autistic children and their mothers: relation to disease severity. Arch Med Res. 2013 Oct ;44(7):555-561.
- Eastman CJ, Zimmermann M. The Iodine Deficiency Disorders. [Updated 2014 Feb 12]. In: De Groot LJ, Beck-Peccoz P, Chrousos G, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000.
- Gordon RC, et al. Iodine supplementation improves cognition in mildly iodine-deficient children. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Nov;90(5):1264-1271.
- Medline Plus. Iodine in diet. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Ahad F, Ganie SA. Iodine, Iodine metabolism and Iodine deficiency disorders revisited. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2010;14(1):13-17.
- Obregon MJ, et al. The effects of iodine deficiency on thyroid hormone deiodination. Thyroid. August 2005, 15(8):917-929.
- Ghent WR, et al. Iodine replacement in fibrocystic disease of the breast. Can J Surg. 1993 Oct;36(5):453-460.
- Teng W, et al. Effect of iodine intake on thyroid diseases in China. N Engl J Med. 2006 Jun 29;354(26):2783-2793.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
