Cause 9: Aging
Aging is a natural process that brings along a set of unique challenges, one of which can be a greater susceptibility to iodine deficiency. The human body’s capacity to absorb and utilize nutrients effectively can decrease with age, and iodine is no exception. As such, even with an adequate diet, older individuals might not extract iodine as efficiently, potentially leading to a deficiency.
The process of aging also coincides with changes in dietary habits and nutritional needs. For instance, as individuals grow older, they may experience changes in taste or appetite, a reduction in caloric needs, and an increased need for certain nutrients due to the body’s decreased absorption capacity. These factors combined can create a perfect storm for iodine deficiency if not effectively managed.
Aging is also accompanied by an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and various gastrointestinal conditions. Many of these diseases, as well as some of their treatment methods, can impair the body’s ability to absorb and use iodine effectively. For example, certain medications used for heart disease or diabetes can interfere with iodine absorption, exacerbating the problem of iodine deficiency in older adults. (9)
