Fact 4. Iodine and Energy: How Iodine Deficiency Can Lead to Fatigue
A lesser-known symptom of iodine deficiency is chronic fatigue or a consistent feeling of tiredness. As iodine is crucial for the production of thyroid hormones, its deficiency can lead to lower levels of these hormones, affecting various bodily functions, including energy metabolism.
Thyroid hormones play a key role in regulating the body’s metabolic rate – the speed at which it converts food into energy. When these hormone levels fall due to iodine deficiency, it can lead to a slower metabolism, resulting in less energy production and an overall feeling of fatigue.
Furthermore, the body responds to iodine deficiency by slowing down all its functions as a way to conserve energy. This state, known as myxedema, can lead to an even greater feeling of tiredness and lack of energy. It can affect an individual’s daily life, reducing physical and mental productivity.
Moreover, the fatigue caused by iodine deficiency can also be accompanied by other symptoms like muscle weakness, slow reflexes, and poor concentration. These additional symptoms can further worsen the feeling of tiredness, affecting an individual’s quality of life. (4)
