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| Iodine is vital for good thyroid function, which in turn is essential for good health. Causes & Development Some otherwise healthful foods contain goitrogens - substances which can interfere with iodine uptake or hormone release from the thyroid gland. These foods are generally only a concern if iodine intake is low. Soybeans, raw flaxseed, cassava (used in tapioca), sweet potatoes, lima beans, maize and millet also increase the requirements for iodine. This is a dangerous practice. Diagnosis & Tests An iodine intake of less than 20mcg per day is considered severe deficiency; 20-50mcg per day is considered moderate deficiency and 50-100mcg per day is considered mild deficiency. Treatment & Prevention In the US, iodised salt is widely used and some other foods are fortified with iodine. In Canada all table salt is iodised. The UK has no iodine fortification strategy for plant foods or salt. Complications Iodine deficiency during pregnancy and early infancy can result in cretinism (irreversible mental retardation and severe motor impairments). |
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