Fact 8: Iodine Supplementation: An Effective Strategy for Prevention
For areas of the world where iodine deficiency is common, iodine supplementation has proven to be an effective strategy for preventing iodine deficiency disorders, including hypothyroidism. Iodized salt is one of the most common and effective ways to increase iodine intake at the population level.
Iodine supplementation is not just crucial in areas with widespread deficiency. Even in countries with overall adequate iodine intake, certain groups may still be at risk. These include pregnant women, who require more iodine than usual to support fetal development.
However, it’s important to note that while iodine supplementation can be part of the strategy to combat iodine deficiency disorders, it’s not a treatment for hypothyroidism once it has developed. People with established hypothyroidism typically need thyroid hormone replacement therapy. (8)
