iodine deficiency
Release time : 04/20/2025 09:30:01
During pregnancy, pregnant women place great importance on iodine supplementation for the fetus. However, it is also crucial to ensure that the baby receives adequate iodine after birth.
Iodine, also known as the "smart element", is an indispensable nutrient for baby growth.
If the baby is deficient in iodine, it will affect the baby's intellectual development, turn into dementia, and even cause the baby to suffer from cretinism.
Mothers must pay attention to replenishing iodine for their babies. Moms. com has collected several best foods for mothers to supplement iodine for their babies. Come and learn! Causes of iodine deficiency What are the causes of iodine deficiency in babies? In general, the causes of iodine deficiency in babies include environmental factors, water factors, iodine deficiency during pregnancy during pregnant women, dietary iodine deficiency, drug factors, etc. Let's take a look in detail: 1. Environmental factors The reason for iodine deficiency in babies is iodine deficiency in soil in most parts of the world, especially in glacier-washed areas and flooded plains.
The destruction of soil by human activities, indiscriminate logging, and soil erosion have also caused iodine deficiency in the environment.
There are many literature reports on iodine deficiency in mountainous areas.
Endemic goiter in my country is also mostly distributed in mountainous areas, mainly due to the large slopes of mountainous areas, rainwater erosion, and the loss of iodine from the soil.
Iodine deficiency in the Sanjiang Plain of Heilongjiang in Northeast China may be caused by frequent floods in history and active groundwater movement.
2. Water source factors The iodine content in water in some areas is low, which is related to the incidence of iodine deficiency disorders.
In my country's Xi'an, Baoji, Shiquan and Lantian areas, the iodine content in drinking water is low and the incidence of goiter is also high.
3. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy If pregnant women lack enough iodine intake during pregnancy, the concentration of inorganic iodine ions in plasma decreases, the thyroid produces less T3 and T4, and the blood decreases, so that the T3 and T4 decrease through the placenta cannot meet the needs of the fetus. A series of obstacles appear in the growth and development of the fetus, and symptoms first appear in the central nervous system.
4. Dietary factors Dietary factors can also aggravate iodine deficiency.
(1) About 60% of the iodine supply in the diet comes from plant foods. For example, iodine deficiency in soil can lead to insufficient iodine content in plant foods.
(2) Low protein affects the absorption and utilization of iodine. Low protein and low energy can reduce serum T3, T4, and plasma protein-bound iodine (PBI), and increase serum thyrotropin (TSH).
Low protein, high carbohydrates can affect the thyroid's absorption and utilization of iodine.
(3) Glucosinolates and Phaseollin Inhibit the Organic Formation of Iodine Regarding dietary factors associated with iodine deficiency, research has primarily focused on glucosinolates and phaseollin, which are components of cassava. These compounds also occur in vegetables such as cabbage, kale, broccoli, and mustard greens, where they are hydrolyzed into their water-soluble products that can inhibit the organic formation of iodine.
(4) Inhibition of Thyroid Iodide Absorption. It is generally believed that in corn, millet, sweet potato, sorghum and various beans, iodides can be released into the intestinal tract and metabolized to thiocyanate, which can inhibit the thyroid from taking up iodine.
(5) High content of Calcium and Phosphorus. Foods high in calcium and phosphorus can hinder the absorption of iodine, inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormones, and accelerate the excretion of iodine.
Various dietary factors above can lead to iodine deficiency in the human body, failing to meet the minimum requirement for thyroid hormone synthesis by children, resulting in stunted growth and development.
If iodine deficiency persists for an extended period, thyroid hormone levels decrease, pituitary gland secretes TSH increased, thyroid volume enlarges, then diffuse thyroid hypertrophy occurs.
5. Drug Factors: If the baby is taking thiourea antithyroid drugs, tetracycline, sulfonamides, or imidazoles, these medications can interfere with the iodination process of tyrosine and may also contribute to the development of thyroid enlargement.
The three reasons for iodine deficiency in babies: the harm caused by iodine deficiency. Here, the "& gt;>" is typically used to indicate emphasis or to guide readers to the next section of content. It is used here to highlight that the next part is about "the three reasons for iodine deficiency in babies." Next, it explains the harm caused by iodine deficiency. Here, "Iodine is one of the essential trace elements in the human body and plays an important role in the body," is a simple description of the importance and function of iodine. Then, the text continues to explain the main physiological functions of iodine: "It mainly participates in the synthesis of thyroid hormones." This is a specific explanation of the physiological functions mentioned in the previous sentence about "the physiological functions of iodine." Next, the text mentions another physiological function of iodine: "The physiological function of iodine is also completed through the action of thyroid hormones." This further explains how iodine affects the human body. Finally, the text summarizes the physiological functions of iodine: "Thyroid hormones participate ina series of physiological activities in the human body, which can promote the metabolism of substances, energy conversion, maintain and regulate body temperature, and maintain normal life activities." This summarizes the importance of iodine to human health.
During the growth period, the height, weight, muscles and bones of children are all involved in thyroid hormone. It can promote the development of brain and nervous system, and ensure normal function of pituitary gland.
Iodine deficiency can cause various degrees of damage to the human body. Due to the degree, duration, age at which iodine deficiency occurs, and individual responses to iodine deficiency, different manifestations may appear. For example, in fetal development, it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, congenital malformations, cretinism, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), and other conditions.
During the neonatal period, symptoms such as thyroid enlargement, hypothyroidism, and kernicterus can be observed.
In children and adolescents, symptoms include hypothyroidism, goiter, and intellectual and physical developmental disabilities. Adults may experience goiter, hypothyroidism, and intellectual impairments.
The greatest hazard of iodine deficiency is the cerebral and intellectual developmental disorders in the next generation.
How to detect iodine deficiency in babies early? As a mother, you should pay close attention to the baby's body, daily habits and movements.
Particularly in areas where endemic goiter occurs, that is, where "thick necks" are prevalent, special attention should be paid to newborns.
If you notice that your baby's crying is weak, their voice is hoarse, there is abdominal distension, they refuse to feed or struggle to suckle, frequently experience constipation, the forehead is larger than usual, the skin feels cold and swollen, as well as persistent yellowing without resolution. Also, if your baby wakes up with few or slow movements, or even months after birth, they won't be able to sit up, turn over, or crawl, it's crucial not to dismiss these signs as indifference, non-demanding, or non-challenging behavior. Instead, take them seriously as potential indicators of a thyroid deficiency, which should prompt an early hospital visit for proper diagnosis.
Because of iodine deficiency, thyroid hypothyroidism children have the characteristics of "being honest". Often adults put him where he is, and he stays there quietly for hours without moving.
Sometimes, if the adult doesn't feed or eat in time, he won't cry because of hunger.
If a mother notices anything unusual with her baby, she should take them to the doctor as soon as possible.
The golden period for baby's iodine supplementation, iodine is an important element in the human body. If it is deficient, it will harm to the health of the body and easy to cause diseases.
For babies, the consequences of iodine deficiency are even more severe as it can affect brain development and cause lifelong damage.
So, what is the golden period for supplementing iodine in infants? From the fetal stage to 2 years of age, this period is considered the golden period for baby iodine supplementation.
This is because the development of the human brain is essentially completed in fetuses, newborns, and infants. Iodine deficiency can affect a baby's intellectual development.
Iodine and thyroid hormones have a decisive role in the development and proliferation of brain cells.
Iodine is an essential ingredient for thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones and a crucial nutrient for brain tissue development.
Under iodine deficiency, it is certain that brain tissue development will be affected, whether it is mild or severe iodine deficiency, there is damage to brain development.
It is important to pay attention to iodine supplementation during the period from before birth until 2 years of age after birth.
If a fetus or infant is deficient in iodine, it can easily develop cretinism, characterized by intellectual disability and stunted growth.
If a child's brain is affected during development, it will never return to normal levels.
In other words, brain dysplasia caused by iodine deficiency during critical periods is permanent and irreversible.
Recommendations for iodine supplementation for babies Finally, mothers come together to learn several iodine supplementation foods suitable for babies: 1. Ingredients for seaweed tofu soup: 40 grams of seaweed (dry), 300 grams of tofu, 100 grams of tomatoes, 2 grams of salt, and 10 grams of millet flour Practice: Bake the seaweed in a white pan where no oil is needed, then wash it clean, soak it with water, boil it for a while, wipe it dry, and cut it into thick strips.
Cut tofu into small cubes and set aside.
Cut the tomatoes into small pieces, heat the pan, add about 2 tablespoons of oil, add the tomatoes and stir-fry them slightly, add 9/4 bowl of water, leave to boil, then add the tofu cubes and seaweed strips to boil.
Mix 1 tablespoon of millet flour with half a bowl of water, add boiling seaweed soup and season with salt, then turn off the heat and eat.
Features: This dish contains a large amount of calcium, which helps with bone growth. Tofu contains abundant calcium, and seaweed such as kelp contains a rich iodine content. Iodine is the basic element for thyroid hormones, which are essential for growth and metabolism.
2. Seaweed and Egg Soup Ingredients: 10 grams of seaweed, 1 egg, and appropriate amounts of shrimp skin and cilantro.
10 grams of peanut oil, a little bit of refined salt, chopped green onion and ginger, and a few drops of sesame oil.
Ingredients: Wash the dried shrimp, rinse the kelp and tear it into small pieces, beat the egg in a bowl, wash the chives and cut them into small segments.
Heat the wok over high heat and add oil. Add minced ginger and stir-fry briefly, then add shrimp flaked and stir-fry for a moment. Add water (200ml), bring to a boil, then pour in egg whites. Add dried seaweed, chopped green onions, salt, and chopped green coriander.
Features: Seaweed foods such as seaweed contain abundant iodine, which is beneficial for calcium supplementation and iodine supplementation in infants and toddlers.
3. Kelp and Pork Ribs Soup Ingredients: 400g pork ribs, 150g kelp, chopped green onions, slices of ginger, appropriate amount of salt, cooking wine, and a little oil.
Method: soak the kelp in water for about half an hour, then put it into a basket and steam over low heat for about half an hour. Remove from the basket and soak in clean water for another four hours to get rid of all the sand and grit. Drain well and cut into long strips.
Clean the ribs, cut them along the bone with a knife, and chop them into segments about 4 cm long. Boil them in boiling water for a moment, then rinse them with warm water to clean them.
In a clean pot, add 1000 grams of water and put in pork ribs, green onions, ginger slices, yellow wine. Boil over high heat, ski off foam, then simmer on medium heat for about 20 minutes. Add seaweed chunks, boil over high heat for another 10 minutes. Remove ginger and green onion, season with salt, drizzle with sesame oil.
Characteristics: Seaweed is highly nutritious, rich in proteins, fats, carbohydrates and many trace elements.
This soup has tender meat, bones fall off easily, and the kelp is soft to the point of being slippery.
The dish is deliciously prepared, with a rich and savory broth.
4. Seaweed and Tofu Soup Ingredients: One block of tofu, half a pound of dried seaweed, and a bowl of clear soup.
Salt, green onion, ginger and sesame oil in appropriate amounts.
Preparation: Sea pollution, and kelp will also contain toxic metal - arsenic.
Therefore, before eating, it should be rinsed with clean water and then soaked not more than 6 hours (to avoid the loss of soluble nutrients), and the water should be changed frequently. Then you can safely eat.
Place the tofu in a pot, add water and bring to a boil. Drain and cool, then cut into small cubes.
Heat oil in a pan, add minced ginger and green onions to sauté.
Add kelp and tofu, then add clear soup, boil over high heat for half an hour, season it and then you can serve it.
Characteristics: Tofu is rich in calcium, and kelp has high nutritional value. It is rich in protein, fat, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin and various trace elements such as iodine.
5. Seaweed Wrappers Ingredients: 1 piece of nori seaweed, 100 grams of pork lean meat filling, 2 eggs (using the egg white only), 25 grams of minced green onion, a suitable amount of vegetable oil, chopped green onions, minced ginger, water starch, salt, cooking wine, and sesame oil in appropriate amounts. Instructions: Mix the pork lean meat filling, salt, 1 egg white, water starch, cooking wine, sesame oil, minced green onions, chopped green onions, and minced ginger until well combined, creating the pork and green onion filling.
Mix the egg yolk, water starch, and salt in another bowl.
Cook the pan until hot but not hot, rub with a little oil, spread the egg liquid into a round egg skin, and place it flat on the clean chopping board.
Spread the pork and leek filling on the egg skin, add a piece of seaweed, and then add a layer of pork and leek filling to smooth out.
Fold both sides inward to make a small edge, then roll it up from both ends to the middle, close it in the middle, tie it with clean gauze to make an egg roll, put it in a steamer and steam over water for about 30 minutes until cooked.
Cut the seaweed omelet into small pieces and serve on a plate.
Features: Kelp contains a high amount of iodine and essential minerals that are indispensable for the human body, making it an excellent food source for supplementing iodine in babies.
Pork and leeks are very rich in nutrients, providing the necessary nutrients for the development of infants.
*The medical content involved in this text is for reference only.
In cases of discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately. The diagnosis and treatment should be based on a face-to-face consultation at a medical facility.