Iodine is an important mineral that the body needs to make thyroid hormones. To maintain this important hormone level, make sure your daily iodine intake is met. If not, there are various effects of iodine deficiency that will lurk you.
Iodine is needed to produce thyroid hormone, but the body cannot produce iodine on its own. Therefore, iodine intake from food is needed.
Thyroid hormone is a very important hormone, because this hormone plays a role in controlling metabolism and various other bodily functions. Lack of iodine to form this hormone will have a wide impact on health.
Benefits of Iodine for the Body
Adequate intake of iodine can affect the production of thyroid hormone in the body. In addition to controlling the body's metabolism, thyroid hormones also play a role in stabilizing heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature; and regulating the amount and type of food that is converted into energy sources.
Thyroid hormone is also important in supporting growth and development. This hormone encourages the growth of baby's bones and brain. Since there are various important roles of thyroid hormone in the body, make sure your daily iodine needs are met so that the amount of thyroid hormone produced is sufficient.
The following are recommended daily iodine intake based on age and gender:
- Infants less than 1 year old: 90-120 micrograms / day.
- Children aged 1-11 years: 120 micrograms / day.
- Adults and teens: 150 micrograms / day.
- Pregnant women: 220 micrograms / day.
- Nursing mothers: 250 micrograms / day.
Food Sources of Iodine
To meet the daily needs of iodine, you can eat foods that contain iodine. Some types of iodine-rich foods are:
- Iodized Salt.
- Seafood, such as seaweed, jelly, shrimp, sea fish and shellfish.
- Milk and processed products, such as cheese and yogurt.
- Egg.
- Nuts and seeds, such as wheat and soybeans.
Impact of iodine deficiency
If iodine intake is not met, the body will experience iodine deficiency. This condition can cause:
1. Mumps
Lack of iodine intake can make the thyroid hormone work harder than usual, so the thyroid gland can experience enlargement. This condition is known as mumps. Other symptoms that can appear are difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
2. Hypothyroidism
Lack of iodine intake can cause hypothyroidism. This is a condition in which the thyroid gland becomes less active, so it is unable to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone.
Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are weight gain without apparent cause, can't stand cold temperatures, difficulty concentrating, dry skin, constipation, weakness, muscle aches, and swelling in some parts of the body.
In women, hypothyroidism can cause additional symptoms, namely irregular menstrual cycles and difficulty getting pregnant.
3. Brain disorders in the fetus
Lack of iodine in pregnant women can cause impaired brain growth in the fetus it contains. This can make the baby's growth and development hampered, and interfere with cognitive development (thinking ability) and motor skills.
4. Babies are born with a low weight
Apart from causing brain damage, lack of iodine intake in pregnant women can cause babies born with low weight or born prematurely.
5. Thyroid cancer
Iodine deficiency is associated with autoimmune diseases that attack the thyroid gland. This condition is one of the risk factors for thyroid cancer.
This is reinforced by the results of a study that shows that thyroid cancer is more commonly found in people who lack iodine intake in the long run.
Not only is iodine deficiency dangerous, excess iodine can also cause health problems, namely hyperthyroidism. Therefore, make sure your daily iodine intake is sufficient, not less but also not excessive.
If you have certain diseases or take drugs that can affect iodine absorption and thyroid hormone levels, consult your doctor to determine how much iodine intake you need to consume.
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