Iodine Deficiency

Iodine is an essential trace element (a chemical element that is needed in small quantities for proper growth, development and physiology aka micronutrient). When there is little iodine in our diet, iodine deficiency gives rise to goiter (swelling in the neck - below) and cretinism (severely stunted physical and mental growth) resulting in developmental delays and health problems.

Mild iodine deficiency has been reported to reduce intelligence quotients (I.Q.) by 10%-15% and cause increased rates of stillbirths and infant mortality


So where does the iodine in our diet come from?
Although the element is quite rare, certain plants have the ability to concentrate it from seawater, thus introducing iodine into the food chain.

Iodine is widely available in:

• Cod
• Sea bass
• Haddock
• Perch
• Kelp
• Dairy products
• Plants grown in iodine-rich soil

In areas where little or no marine food is eaten, the people will suffer from iodine deficiency. To combat this, iodine deficiency is combatted by the additions of iodine to small amounts of table salt, known as iodized salt, and other foodstuffs such as flour.


Did you know?
Approximately two billion people are affected by iodine deficiency in this world, particularly in India, with 500 million suffering from deficiency.

Here are the recommended intakes for iodine:

• Infants - 40 to 50 micrograms
• Children (1 to 3 YO) - 60 micrograms
• Children (4 to 6 YO) - 90 micrograms
• Children (7 to 10 YO) - 120 micrograms
• Children (11 years and above) - 150 micrograms
• Pregnant women - 175 micrograms
• Adult men and women - 100 to 200 micrograms