View source for Iodine Deficiency

== What Does It Mean? ==
Iodine deficiency occurs when the body does not receive sufficient iodine, a trace mineral essential for thyroid hormone production. The thyroid gland uses iodine to synthesize triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which regulate metabolism, energy production, and overall endocrine function. Deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism, goiter, and impaired cognitive function if left unaddressed.

== How Did We Get There? ==

=== Common Causes & Risk Factors: ===

* Low Dietary Intake: Insufficient consumption of iodine-rich foods (e.g., seafood, seaweed, dairy, iodized salt).
* Excessive Goitrogen Consumption: Foods such as cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale) can interfere with iodine absorption when consumed in large amounts.
* Poor Gastrointestinal Absorption: Conditions like leaky gut, SIBO, or chronic gut inflammation may impair iodine uptake.
* Increased Iodine Excretion: High stress levels and chronic kidney disease can lead to iodine loss.
* Environmental Factors: Exposure to halogens (fluoride, chlorine, bromine) competes with iodine uptake in the thyroid.

=== Signs & Symptoms: ===
A patient presenting with iodine deficiency may exhibit the following:

* Metabolic & Endocrine Symptoms:
** Weight gain despite no change in diet
** Cold intolerance (feeling cold frequently)
** Low energy and chronic fatigue
* Neurological Symptoms:
** Brain fog, memory issues, difficulty concentrating
** Depression, mood disturbances
* Dermatological Symptoms:
** Dry, flaky skin
** Brittle nails and hair loss
* Thyroid-Specific Symptoms:
** Goiter (thyroid gland enlargement)
** Hoarseness or difficulty swallowing (due to thyroid swelling)
** Slow heart rate (bradycardia)

=== Lab Test Findings ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Lab Test'''
|'''Expected Change'''
|'''Optimal  Range'''
|-
|Iodine Serum / Plasma
|Decreased
|52.00-80.00 µg/L
|}

== How Do We Treat It? ==

=== Supplement Protocol ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Supplement'''
|'''Function''' 
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''
|-
|Vita-Thyro
|Provides essential thyroid-supporting nutrients, including iodine, selenium, and tyrosine, to optimize hormone balance and thyroid function.
|2 capsules with or without food, daily
|}

=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ===

* Increase Iodine-Rich Foods:
** Best Sources: Seaweed (kelp, nori), fish (cod, tuna), dairy, eggs, and iodized salt.
** Moderate Cruciferous Vegetables: If consumed in high amounts, ensure they are cooked to reduce goitrogenic effects.
* Reduce Halogen Exposure:
** Avoid excessive fluoride and chlorine (found in tap water and toothpaste).
** Use a water filter to minimize halogen intake.
* Support Thyroid Health with Key Nutrients:
** Selenium & Zinc: Aid in thyroid hormone conversion and reduce oxidative stress.
** Tyrosine: An amino acid precursor required for thyroid hormone synthesis.
* Manage Stress & Inflammation:
** Chronic stress increases cortisol, which can inhibit thyroid function.
** Implement stress-reducing techniques (meditation, yoga, breathwork).