What are iodine deficiency disorders including
Release time : 04/21/2025 09:30:01
It is widely known that maintaining good health and ensuring stable functioning of all bodily systems require the proper balance of trace elements in the body. Different trace elements play distinct roles, and deficiency of any one can lead to various health issues. For example, iodine deficiency can cause a variety of diseases. So, what are iodine deficiencies? Let's take a look together.
Iodine deficiency disorders include: Nowadays, both adults and children pay close attention to calcium supplementation. However, it is often overlooked that iodine deficiency can occur. Iodine is a crucial trace element in the human body. Once this essential nutrient is absent, various diseases can ensue. So, what are iodine deficiency disorders? Today, let's discuss this topic for you.
First of all, the most common iodine deficiency disorder is goiter, which has a less pleasant name: "big neck." If severe iodine deficiency occurs in children during the first three to four months, the thyroid will respond and there will be a continuous enlargement.
Secondly, iodine deficiency also includes cretinism, or the so-called idiot's disease. If severe iodine deficiency occurs in children and is not treated promptly, it can lead to the development of cretinism over time.
Female patients with pregnant body can cause this disease if they are deficient in iodine.
Finally, pregnant women should pay special attention to iodine deficiency disorders. If the body is deficient in iodine throughout pregnancy, it can easily lead to premature birth, and in severe cases, women may experience miscarriage symptoms or even cause fetal death.
Iodine deficiency disease is a global problem, with data showing that about 1.6 billion people in 110 countries suffer from varying degrees of iodine deficiency. This figure is frighteningly high, highlighting the alarming incidence rate of iodine deficiency disease.
Today, I'll summarize the harms of iodine deficiency specifically for everyone to draw attention to its importance.
1. We have already discussed that if a pregnant woman is deficient in iodine, she will easily suffer from miscarriage or premature birth, and in severe cases, the fetus may be born with congenital malformations or even die.
2. Iodine is particularly important for children, as deficiency can severely affect the brain development of growing babies and cause intellectual disabilities. Mild iodine deficiency may lead to a child's learning difficulties and result in feelings of inferiority.
3. The greatest danger of iodine deficiency is damage to the thyroid, which can lead to enlargement of the gland. Severe iodine deficiency can cause deafness in children, stupor, and even speechlessness.
Causes of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) are particularly high in our country, especially among small infants and pregnant women.
Therefore, the Ministry of Health of our country has designated May 15th as the Day for Prevention and Treatment of Iodine Deficiency Disorders. So what are the specific causes of iodine deficiency disorders? Let's follow the editor to look further.
First, iodine deficiency may be related to geographical factors. That is, if people live in areas with soils that are low in iodine, then the iodine content in plants and crops grown in these soils will also be low. If people consume these foods over a long period of time, they will suffer from severe iodine deficiency.
Secondly, we all know that most animals that humans can eat plants. If these animals regularly eat these plants with relatively little iodine, then animals will also suffer from serious iodine deficiency.
Once people eat the meat of these animals, iodine deficiency disorders can also occur.
Finally, part of the reason for iodine deficiency disorders is that long-term consumption of grains and meat with relatively little iodine will cause iodine deficiency in the body, which will cause iodine deficiency disorders.
How to treat iodine deficiency? Whether it is adults or children, iodine deficiency in the body can cause various diseases, especially babies. The lack of iodine has a serious impact on the baby's growth and development, and some even affect the child's brain.
So how to treat iodine deficiency? Xiaobian summarized the following points, hoping to help patients with iodine deficiency disorders. 1. ** Iodized salt supplementation **: This is the most direct and effective method. During the cooking process, the use of iodized salt can effectively replenish the iodine needed by the human body. 2. ** Balanced diet **: In addition to iodized salt, you should also ensure the intake of other iodine-rich foods, such as sea products, kelp, etc. 3. ** Regular check-ups **: For people with long-term iodine deficiency disorders, it is recommended to conduct regular blood tests to ensure that the level of iodine in the blood is within the normal range. 4. ** Avoid excessive iodine **: Although iodine is an essential trace element for the human body, excessive intake may also have adverse effects on the body. Therefore, when using iodized salt or other iodine-containing products, attention should be paid to controlling intake. 5. ** Concerns of special groups **: Due to the special nature of their physical functions, special groups such as pregnant women, infants and the elderly may have higher or lower needs for iodine, so appropriate supplements should be made under the guidance of doctors. 6. ** Avoid contact with iodine-containing substances **: Certain industrial products, drugs, etc. may contain iodine. Long-term contact may lead to too much or too little iodine in the body, so contact with these substances should be avoided as much as possible. Through the above points, we can effectively prevent and treat iodine deficiency disorders. At the same time, it is also very important to maintain good living habits and eating habits.
First of all, for some patients with early iodine deficiency disorders, those with mild symptoms can take some drugs to replenish their bodies with iodine. If the thyroid gland has become swollen, you can consult your doctor and change the dose of the drug to gradually subside the thyroid gland.
In addition, for patients with goiter caused by iodine deficiency, depending on the degree of the disease, severe cases can be treated with surgery.
Iodine deficiency disorders can also be treated through some traditional Chinese medicine methods to achieve the purpose of replenishing iodine to the body.
Of course, various treatment methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Patients can choose the method that suits them best based on their condition. In the earliest stages of iodine deficiency disease, it can be completely cured. Do not delay treatment, as this could lead to delayed consequences.
How to Prevent Iodine Deficiency Diseases After understanding that iodine deficiency diseases can cause serious physical harm, in addition to some effective methods for treating iodine deficiency diseases, there are also some precautions and dietary therapy that can effectively prevent the occurrence of iodine deficiency diseases. So, how can we prevent iodine deficiency diseases? The specific methods are as follows.
First and foremost, the most effective method for preventing iodine deficiency disorders is to consistently consume iodized salt. Currently, all household salt is iodized, which not only is inexpensive but also convenient to use. By consuming iodized salt on a daily basis, one can effectively prevent symptoms of iodine deficiency in the body.
Secondly, consuming iodine-rich foods in the diet can also replenish the iodine element in the body. Friends can frequently eat seafood, such as kelp, sea and shellfish, etc.
Iodine can be supplemented to the body based on the pattern of iodine in food. Organic foods contain higher iodine levels, so it is advisable to consume more of them regularly.
Finally, some special geographical locations cause iodine deficiency in the population, which can be supplemented with iodized oil through the authorization of relevant departments.
Patients with severe iodine deficiency can still receive iodine supplementation through the administration of iodized oil to achieve iodine replenishment.
The medical content in this article is for reference only.
If you experience discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately. The diagnosis and treatment are based on clinical examinations conducted by doctors on the ground.