Iodine is a mineral found in select foods and naturally found in ocean waters and earth’s soil that aids the body in making thyroid hormones. This hormone is responsible for regulating the body’s metabolism and ai Containing ds the fetus and baby in bone and brain development during pregnancy and infancy.

Foods Containing Iodine
Iodine can be found in many foods but there are still some that are the best source of iodine for the body. Seafood and vegetable are some of the best sources of iodine. In some classes of food, some are good sources of iodine. Foods such as:

• Seafood (seaweed, shrimp, tuna, cod)

• Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)

• Iodized salt

• Eggs

• Liver

Benefits of Iodine
There are a lot of benefits associated with the presence of iodine in the body. From helping your body to providing the essentials for a fetus, the importance of iodine can’t be over-emphasized. The following benefits are as listed below:

Thyroid regulation: The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck and wrapped around the windpipe. The gland plays a vital role in the growth and development of the body, metabolism, and the regulation of many functions in the body like body temperature and circulation, appetite, heart rate, blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, etc. The thyroid gland affects almost all organs in the body. The thyroid gland makes thyroid hormones by taking up little amounts of iodine. In the absence of iodine, there would be a decrease in thyroid hormones which leads to a condition termed hypothyroidism.

Foetus development: During pregnancy, women will be required to consume more iodine than when they are not pregnant. Studies have shown that iodine is useful for the development of the brain of the fetus. Another study goes on to show that pregnant women who had iodine deficiency gave birth to babies that were likely to grow to exhibit lower IQ. Iodine is also useful for the overall development of a baby. It aids in producing healthy bones which in turn produces a healthy birth weight

Preventing goiter: Iodine in excess or minute amount leads to hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) respectively. Either in the case of an overactive or underactive thyroid gland, the gland becomes enlarged (goiter) affecting the shape of the throat. The most common form of goiter in the world is as a result of an underactive thyroid gland.

Cognitive function for a child: The importance of iodine is as important for a fetus as it is for a child. Keeping up with a healthy brain for a child to reduce the risk of intellectual disability can be attributed to the right amount of iodine supplied through its diet.

Infection treatment: Industrialized iodine is used to treat infections and kill germs that might arise around cuts, scrapes, and breakages in the skin. It is one of the first ointments used in first aid treatment of certain injuries that have to deal with certain skin damages. However, it should not be used for deep cuts, burns, or animal bites.



Iodine Deficiency
Iodine deficiency is a result of an insufficient amount of iodine in the body. It can also be said a person with an underactive thyroid gland has an iodine deficiency.



Symptoms of Iodine Deficiency
The symptoms are numerous and while all may or may not constitute the deficiency of iodine, you should speak to a doctor whenever one or more of the symptoms arises and persists.

1. Swelling in the neck (goiter)

2. Unusual heartbeat

3. Weight gain not planned for

4. Feeling tired easily

5. Loss of hair

6. Inability to comprehend adequately

7. Irregular periods

8. Complications during pregnancy

9. Dry skin

Test for Iodine Deficiency
After consultation with a doctor, a certain test would be prescribed to be conducted for more analysis and understanding.

• Urinalysis

• Iodine patch test

• Iodine loading test

• Thyroid function test

Iodine Deficiency Prevention and Treatment
There are iodine supplements that are prescribed for the treatment of iodine deficiency. For a pregnant woman, discussing the best plan to increase the iodine level to the optimal level with a doctor will aid in the proper development of the fetus and reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.

The best form of treatment will always be prevention. Hence is advisable to consume foods containing iodine. Consuming at the right amount is the key for balance as anything below or above the body’s required amount can lead to unpleasing medical conditions.
Consult with our Doctor, if you have noticed symptoms of iodine deficiency or just in the early weeks of pregnancy.

Reference:

11 uses for iodine: Do benefits outweigh the risk?
Everything you need to know about hypothyroidism