In the body, iodine (I) is involved primarily in the synthesis of 2 thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
Iodine occurs in the environment and in the diet primarily as iodide. In adults, about 80% of the iodide absorbed is trapped by the thyroid gland. Most environmental iodine occurs in seawater as iodide; a small amount enters the atmosphere and, through rain, enters ground water and soil near the sea. Thus, people living far from the sea and at higher altitudes are at particular risk of iodine deficiency.
Fortifying table salt with iodide (typically 70 mcg/g) helps ensure adequate intake (150 mcg/day). Requirements are higher for pregnant (220 mcg/day) and lactating (290 mcg/day) women.
Iodine deficiency is rare in areas where iodized salt is used but common worldwide. Iodine deficiency develops when iodide intake is < 20 mcg/day.
(See also Overview of Mineral Deficiency and Toxicity.)
Symptoms and Signs of Iodine Deficiency
In mild or moderate iodine deficiency, the thyroid gland, influenced by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), hypertrophies to concentrate iodide in itself, resulting in colloid goiter. Usually, patients remain euthyroid; however, severe iodine deficiency in adults may cause hypothyroidism (endemic myxedema). It can decrease fertility and increase risk of stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, and prenatal and infant mortality.
Severe maternal iodine deficiency retards fetal growth and brain development, sometimes resulting in birth defects, and, in infants, causes congenital hypothyroidism, which may include intellectual disability, deaf-mutism, difficulty walking, short stature, and sometimes hypothyroidism (cretinism).
Diagnosis of Iodine Deficiency
Assessment of thyroid structure and function
Diagnosis of iodine deficiency in adults and children is usually based on thyroid function tests, examination for goiter, and imaging tests identifying abnormalities in thyroid function and structure. All neonates should be screened for hypothyroidism by measuring the TSH level.
Treatment of Iodine Deficiency
Iodide with or without levothyroxine
Infants with iodine deficiency are given levothyroxine 3 mcg/kg orally once a day for a week plus iodide 50 to 90 mcg orally once a day for several weeks to quickly restore a euthyroid state.
Children are treated with iodide 90 to 120 mcg once a day and are given levothyroxine until able to synthesize T4.
Adults are given iodide 150 mcg once a day. Iodine deficiency can also be treated by giving levothyroxine.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should ingest iodide 250 mcg once a day.
Serum TSH levels are monitored in all patients until the levels are normal (ie, < 5 mcIU/mL).
