Pharma gyan Pandit

Iodine

Iodine is a mineral found in some foods. The body needs iodine to make thyroid hormones. These hormones control the body’s metabolism and many other important functions. The body also needs thyroid hormones for proper bone and brain development during pregnancy and infancy. Getting enough iodine is important for everyone, especially infants and women who are pregnant. Iodine is an essential trace element in the diet responsible for the production thyroid hormones.

Natural source of Iodine: Iodized table salt, Cow’s milk, Cheese, Eggs, Salt water fish, Seaweed, Soy milk / sauce, Yogurt

Deficiency Symptoms: 

Hypothyrodism, Goitre, Mental retardation (in infants and children whose mothers were iodine deficient during pregnancy)

Diagnosis: The iodine concentration  is generally not measured in individual patients, but only in case of population-based studies. Indirect diagnosis is made based on its effect on thyroid function. Clinical observation of any enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter) is indicative of iodine deficiency. A definitive diagnosis of hypothyroidism can be made by laboratory tests that measure the levels of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

Treatment: Regular use of iodized table salt. Administration of multivitamin tablets containing at least 250 µg of iodine to pregnant women. In case of hypothyroidism, Thyroxin daily oral administration.