Fact 5: The Hypothyroidism and Iodine Deficiency Connection
While hypothyroidism can arise from various causes, iodine deficiency remains one of the primary culprits. The body needs iodine to produce thyroid hormones. Therefore, if there’s insufficient iodine, it’s impossible for your body to make enough thyroid hormones, leading to hypothyroidism.
Iodine is primarily obtained through our diet, in foods like fish, dairy products, and iodized salt. However, despite the body’s desperate need for iodine, it cannot create it. This reliance on dietary intake means that individuals who don’t get enough iodine are at risk of developing iodine deficiency and, subsequently, hypothyroidism.
Furthermore, iodine deficiency doesn’t just affect thyroid hormone production. Over time, a persistent lack of iodine can cause the thyroid gland to work overtime, leading to an enlargement known as a goiter. While goiter can sometimes be a cosmetic concern, it can also cause more severe symptoms like difficulty swallowing or breathing.
On a broader scale, the public health implications of iodine deficiency and hypothyroidism are significant. Iodine deficiency remains a common cause of preventable intellectual disabilities in children worldwide. Similarly, hypothyroidism, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications. (5)
