Signs and symptoms of an iodine deficiency can include neck swelling or goiter, weight gain, fatigue, weakness, hair loss, and more. Iodine deficiency can also cause pregnancy complications.
Iodine is a mineral that is essential for good health. It is present in certain foods and iodized table salt. People can also take it as a supplement.
A deficiency in iodine can lead to goiter, or an enlarged thyroid gland. It can cause symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). It can also lead to pregnancy complications.
Read on to learn more about the possible signs, symptoms, and complications of low iodine levels.
Goiter can happen when the thyroid gland is unable to make enough thyroid hormone. It uses iodine from the blood to produce the hormone, and a deficiency may mean that there is not enough iodine to produce the thyroid hormone.
Iodine deficiency is one of the most common causes of goiter worldwide, though it is rare cause in the United States today.
Iodine deficiency can cause an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) in both adults and children.
Hypothyroidism can develop if the thyroid gland is unable to make enough thyroid hormone.
In addition to goiter, hypothyroidism
- fatigue
- unexplained weight gain
- joint pain
- muscle pain
- dry skin
- thinning hair
- slowed heart rate
- difficulties tolerating cold temperatures
- heavy or irregular periods
- fertility problems
- depresion
Iodine deficiency can cause an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) in both adults and children. It happens when the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone.
Hyperthyroidism
- unexplained weight loss
- fatigue
- irritability
- nervousness
- sleeping problems
- an irregular or rapid heartbeat
- sweating
- problems tolerating hot temperatures
- frequent bowel movements
During pregnancy, an iodine deficiency can lead to pregnancy loss or birth defects.
If there is an iodine deficiency during pregnancy, babies may experience:
- intellectual disability
- short stature
- difficulty walking
- deaf-mutism
- congenital hypothyroidism (cretinism)
It is best to contact a healthcare professional as soon as there are concerns about the symptoms of iodine deficiency. Complications such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can be severe in some cases, and medical treatment may be necessary to address the complications.
It is also essential to contact a healthcare professional to discuss possible iodine deficiency if a person is pregnant. Severe iodine deficiency can result in pregnancy loss and other complications.
A healthcare professional can order a thyroid function test, a type of blood test, to assess iodine levels. If they confirm an iodine deficiency, they may recommend iodine supplements.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.
Iodine deficiency can cause goiter, or an enlarged thyroid gland that can present as neck swelling.
It can also lead to hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, which can cause symptoms such as unexplained weight gain, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, difficulty tolerating the cold, dry skin, and thinning hair.
Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, can also develop due to iodine deficiency. Symptoms can include unexplained weight loss, irritability, nervousness, sweating, sleeping problems, difficulty tolerating the heat, and frequent bowel movements.
Iodine deficiency can lead to pregnancy loss in severe cases. It can also result in birth defects, short stature, intellectual disability, difficulty walking, and deaf-mutism.
Speak with a healthcare professional as soon as there are concerns about iodine deficiency or related complications. They can order a thyroid function test to assess iodine levels and advise on suitable treatments where necessary.