Do I Have Iodine Deficiency?

Do you have a swelling at the base of your neck that may be particularly obvious when you shave or put on makeup (goiter)?

Do you have an unexpected weight gain?

Do you feel extremely tired and weak?

Do you have a hair loss?

Do you have dry or flaky skin?

Have you notice that you sweat less than usual?

Are you more sensitive to cold temperatures that usual?

Do you have slow heart beats and you often feel dizzy?

Do you have memory problems such as learning and remembering?

If you are a woman, do you have heavy or irregular periods?

If you are a woman have you ever had a miscarriage?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have an iodine deficiency. Iodine is a mineral that your body needs to produce thyroid hormones that help your body to stay warm, use energy and keep your organs working properly. Your body cannot make iodine, so it is important your diet contains iodine. In nature, iodine is present in soil and seawater. You can have adequate iodine intake by using iodized table salt, and eating food high in iodine such as saltwater fish, seaweed, shellfish, meat, eggs, cheese, cow’s and soy milk, soy sauce, yogurt, or dried prunes. Adult men and women need 150mg of iodine per day.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have an iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency is a health problem that refers to an insufficient amount of iodine in your body. Iodine is an important element for the proper functioning of your thyroid gland. Your body cannot produce iodine, so you must eat food rich in iodine to meet your daily requirements. People should use iodized salt during cooking, as well as at the table. In the United States, one teaspoon of iodized salt contains about 250 mg of iodine. Diagnosing iodine deficiency includes medical examination and measuring the amounts of iodine in a sample of your urine.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have an iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency means that you do not have enough of iodine in your body. The thyroid gland uses iodine to produce thyroid hormones that control the metabolism and proper function of your organs, including the brain, heart and muscles. Iodine deficiency can be corrected by including iodized salt in your diet. In pregnant women, even a mild iodine deficiency can negatively affect pregnancy and the developing baby. All pregnant or breastfeeding women should take a multivitamin containing 150 mg of iodine per day.