What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Signs & Symptoms of Iodine Deficiency in Children
Iodine is a chemical element necessary for proper body and brain functioning. Specifically, iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormone. The body does not make iodine, therefore it is necessary for children and pregnant mothers to consume iodine in their diets to prevent the development of conditions like hypothyroidism, goiter and pregnancy-related illnesses.
Causes
Children who are iodine deficient to not consume enough iodine in their diets. Most food products in the United States do not label the amount of iodine on the package, thus making it difficult to assess how much iodine a child is consuming. Children can maintain an adequate amount of iodine by using iodized table salt in their diets. Other common sources of dietary iodine include:
- breads
- cheese
- saltwater fish
- cow's milk
- eggs
- shellfish
- soy milk
- ice cream
- soy sauce
- yogurt
The Institute of Medicine recommends an intake of between 110 and 130 mcg for infants up to 12 months old, 90 mcg for children between the ages of 1 and 8 years old and 120 mcg for children between the ages of 9 and 13.
- Children who are iodine deficient to not consume enough iodine in their diets.
- Children can maintain an adequate amount of iodine by using iodized table salt in their diets.
Goiter
Low Iodine Levels & Panic Attacks
Learn More
Goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid gland as a result of iodine deficiency 2. The goiter continues to enlarge in an attempt to compensate for the large demand of thyroid hormone. Goiter appears a growth in the neck region and may contain nodules. Children with goiter may develop symptoms of choking or experience trouble swallowing and breathing.
- Goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid gland as a result of iodine deficiency 2.
- Goiter appears a growth in the neck region and may contain nodules.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition defined by the thyroid gland's inability to produce essential hormones. Iodine is necessary to produce thyroid hormones, therefore an iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism 2. Hypothyroidism rarely causes symptoms in the early stages, but if left untreated it can cause a number of potentially serious health conditions.
Pregnancy Related Illness
How to Get More Iodine in the Diet
Learn More
Pregnant or nursing mothers who do not get enough iodine in their diets may experience miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm delivery and congenital abnormalities in their babies. Children may later develop severe developmental problems such as mental retardation and problems with growth, hearing and speech. According to The American Thyroid Association, even a mild iodine deficiency in pregnant mothers may be associated with lowered intelligence in their children 2.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Iodine deficiency is measured as a median urinary iodine concentration of less than 50 mcg per liter in a population. There are no tests to determine if individual children have enough iodine in their bodies. Iodine deficiency is treated by incorporating sources of iodine into the child's diet or by taking multivitamins which contain iodine.
Related Articles
References
- Reuters.com; Treatimg Mild Iodine Deficiency Boosts Brain Power
- American Thyroid Association; Iodine Deficiency
- MayoClinic.com; Hypothyroidism; June 2010
- American Thyroid Association. Iodine Deficiency. 2020.
- Eastman CJ, Zimmermann MB. The iodine deficiency disorders. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., editors. Endotext. South Dartmouth, MA: MDText.com, Inc. Updated February 6, 2018.
- Ahad F, Ganie SA. Iodine, Iodine metabolism and Iodine deficiency disorders revisited. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2010;14(1):13-17.
- Kostoglou-athanassiou I, Ntalles K. Hypothyroidism - new aspects of an old disease. Hippokratia. 2010;14(2):82-87.
- American Thyroid Association. Hypothyroidism in Children and Adolescents. 2020.
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Iodine. Updated July 9, 2019.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. Congenital hypothyroidism. Updated February 11, 2020.
- Johnson LE. Iodine. Merck Manual Professional Version. Updated October 2018.
- Murthy MB, Krishnamurthy B. Severe irritant contact dermatitis induced by povidone iodine solution. Indian J Pharmacol. 2009;41(4):199-200. doi:10.4103/0253-7613.56069
- Puchalski AR, Chopra IJ. Radioiodine treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer despite history of 'iodine allergy'. Endocrinol Diabetes Metab Case Rep. 2014;2014:130084. doi:10.1530/EDM-13-0084
- Schabelman E, Witting M. The relationship of radiocontrast, iodine, and seafood allergies: a medical myth exposed. J Emerg Med. 2010;39(5):701-707. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2009.10.014
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Iodine. Updated July 9, 2019.
- American Cancer Society. Radioactive Iodine (Radioiodine) Therapy for Thyroid Cancer. Updated March 14, 2019.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Potassium iodide (KI). Updated April 4, 2018.
- Kalra S, Unnikrishnan AG, Sahay R. The hypoglycemic side of hypothyroidism. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2014;18(1):1-3.doi:+10.4103/2230-8210.126517
Writer Bio
Based in Los Angeles, Calif., Kiki Michelle has been writing health-related articles since 2007. Her work has appeared in "Environmental Science and Technology Magazine." Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts in human biology from Stanford University.