Iodine is necessary for health, particularly for optimal growth and brain development. For a balanced diet, it is important to have an adequate amount of iodine without being excessive or deficient.

Iodine deficiency is a condition in which the body is unable to receive an adequate amount of iodine. This condition frequently manifests when the soil is deficient in iodine, resulting in the absence of iodine in dietary products. Those who live in areas that are remote from the ocean or use salt without iodine may also experience this.

Symptoms of iodine deficiency

Iodine deficiency is asymptomatic in many people. Iodine deficiency is asymptomatic in many people. But low iodine levels can be an indication of hypothyroidism in some people, which includes:

• Severe fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Weight gain 
• Depression
• Facial puffines 
• Lack of focus
• Weak and slow heart rate
• Dry skin
• Hair loss
• Feeling cold frequently
• Constipation
• Enlarged thyroid gland or goiter

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Risks and complications due to iodine deficiency

Iodine deficiency can lead to a number of severe consequences, particularly when it occurs during pregnancy. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can lead to several complications, such as:

• Increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth
• Birth defects such as heart defects or abnormalities in the nervous system
• Inhibits fetal growth, resulting in low birth weight or size
• Child intellectual and cognitive disabilities after birth
• Mental and physical growth delays
• In cretinism, babies are born with physical and mental impairments, including deafness, an inability to speak, muscle spasms, and short stature.

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How to prevent iodine deficiency

Iodine deficiency is preventable. The following are the recommended measures to prevent iodine deficiency:

• Consume foods that are rich in iodine, particularly sea fish such as cod, tuna, crustaceans, seaweed, and dairy products
• eating or cooking with iodized salt 
• Avoid non-iodized salt, including Himalayan salt
• Be cautious of canned foods that do not contain iodized salt
• Be cautious of the labels on prenatal vitamins, as they may not contain iodine

It may also be beneficial to consult with a doctor or nutritionist, particularly in special conditions such as pregnancy or lactation, where iodine requirements will be higher. Your doctor or nutritionist may recommend the appropriate dietary menu and iodine supplements based on your dosage and requirements.

By consulting a doctor or nutritionist, you can ensure that your iodine intake is appropriate to your specific needs and conditions. If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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