Tuesday 12 November 2013

Symptoms of Iodine Deficiency


We all have to consume a number of minerals and vitamins along with all the macronutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates and fats to live an active and energetic life. Minerals are needed in small quantities than macronutrients but they are an important constituent of our daily diet. They play a major role in the mental and physical health of a person. The lacking of the vital chemical element iodine in regular diet is known as iodine deficiency. A number of mental and physical processes in human body are functioning by thyroid hormones. Iodine plays a major role in developing and releasing of thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency leads to following visible symptoms in children and adults:
  • Hypothyroidism:
Thyroid hormones assist in metabolic processes and functions of human brain. The production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4 stimulate by iodine, which affect most of the systems in the body. Hypothyroidism is the particular name of the condition caused by iodine deficiency that leads to fatigue, muscle cramps, dryness, swelling in legs, depression, rising in cholesterol level, aches and pains in the body, constipation and a number of other dysfunctions in the body. Hypothyroidism is mostly common in underdeveloped nations. When people do not get the adequate amount of iodine in their diet then their thyroid gland is unable to produce essential hormones.
  • Goiter:
Goiter is one of the most visible and painful symptoms of iodine deficiency. The swelling of thyroid gland due to the lack of iodine is a painful condition that obstruct in swallowing and breathing as well. Children may develop symptoms of choking because of the enlargement of thyroid gland. This may damage the thyroid gland if left untreated for a longer period of time.
  • Mental Retardation:
Iodine deficiency impairs the proper production of essential hormones that affect mental functions along with the physical tasks. If kids don’t get enough amount of iodine then they fall prey to mental retardation.
  • Congenital Abnormalities:
Infants face various mental and physical health issues if their moms have not consumed adequate amount of iodine in their diets during the pregnancy. Nursing mothers should consume proper amount of iodine to prevent deficiency of the essential nutrients in the kids. Miscarriages, preterm deliveries and still births are other effects of iodine deficiency in mothers’ diets.

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