Iodine was previously added to salt in the United States in an effort to control the presence of goiters, which are irregular growths of the thyroid gland visible on the neck.
Since then, the problem of goiters hasn’t gone away entirely — they are “relatively common” according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, as about about 5% of people in the United States still have them at any given time.
Goiters are just one indicator that a person may be iodine deficient.
The signs are many, and the following are five of the most crucial potential indicators.
Top Five Potential Signs of Iodine Deficiency
The top five most unmistakable signs of potential iodine deficiency include the following:
- Fatigue and Weakness-
Studies have shown that nearly 80% of people with low thyroid hormone levels feel tired, sluggish and weak.
Iodine deficiency has been linked to low thyroid hormone levels.
- Hair Loss-
Hair follicles stop regenerating when thyroid hormone levels are low.
Research published in PudMedshows that people with iodine deficiency may also have hair loss.
One study of 700 found that 30% of people with low thyroid hormone levels had hair loss.
The study added that dairy products and iodized salt are two quality dietary sources of iodine.
Co-factor nutrients including selenium, zinc, iron and vitamin A may help to improve iodine absorption and reduce iodine deficiency.
- Unexpected Weight Gain-
When iodine levels are low, your metabolism may slow as a result and food may be stored as fat rather than burned as energy, Healthline stated citing recent research on the topic.
Thyroid hormones control the speed of your metabolism as part of the process your body uses to convert food into energy and heat. When hormone levels are low, your body burns less calories in a resting state.
- Swelling in the Neck-
This symptom may be the first indicator that a goiter could appear next.
It typically happens in the front of the neck whenever an iodine deficiency is present.
A swollen neck is typically a sign that the thyroid is working overtime to compensate for a lack of iodine, as it is unable to make enough thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) without enough iodine.
- Problems Learning and Remembering-
A study of 1,000 adults found that those with lower thyroid hormone levels performed worse on learning and memory tests.
Thyroid hormones help your brain to grow and develop, but development of the human brain may be reduced due to an iodine deficiency and the resulting lack of thyroid hormones.
Studies have also shown that development of the hippocampus, associated with long-term memory, is negatively impacted due to a lack of iodine.