Difficulty swallowing or hoarseness can be signs of an iodine deficiency.
A sensitive throat can also be another clear warning sign of this disorder, e.g. if you feel as though scarves and turtleneck jumpers are constricting, says Prof Dr Markus Essler, a specialist at the Professional Association of German Nuclear Medicine Specialists (BDN).
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Iodine is a vital trace element.
The thyroid gland urgently needs iodine to produce hormones.
Thyroid hormones regulate energy metabolism, body temperature, the immune system and processes in the brain, amongst other things, the BDN says.
As the body cannot produce iodine itself, it must obtain this trace element from food.
If the body is chronically deficient in iodine, this can lead to a decline in performance.
Furthermore, the thyroid gland may enlarge, forming nodules or even a goitre, Prof Essler says.
“However, an iodine deficiency is particularly dangerous for unborn babies and young children,” says the Bonn University Hospital Clinic and Polyclinic for Nuclear Medicine director.
If there is an insufficient supply during this phase, this could increase “the risk of later impairments in intellectual abilities and fine motor skills”.
Milk and dairy products, eggs, sea fish and seafood are important sources of iodine.
Sea fish with a high iodine content include cod and pollock, while seafood like mussels and prawns are also good sources.
Plant-based foods such as cereals, vegetables, fruit and pulses, on the other hand, are generally low in iodine, says the German Nutrition Society (DGE).
Bear in mind that while seaweed often has a high iodine content – kombu in particular is considered to be especially rich in iodine – the Bavarian Consumer Advice Centre and others advise against using it as a source of iodine, as the iodine content is not usually stated and can vary greatly.
“Consuming certain seaweed products carries the risk of excessive iodine intake, and thus, a significant health risk,” the centre says.
Anyone following a vegan diet and avoiding foods with a high iodine content should take particular care to ensure they consume sufficient iodine, says the BDN.
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Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children over the age of 13 are also well advised to take 150µg of iodine per day, in addition to a balanced diet.
This is particularly important as the natural iodine content of local foods is generally insufficient to meet requirements.
To prevent a deficiency, the BDN recommends consistently using iodised table salt every day.
Alternatively, take potassium iodide tablets or add iodine drops to vegan products, ideally after consulting a doctor.
Anyone wishing to follow the recommended reference values can find the following information from the German Nutrition Society:
- 80µg of iodine per day for infants under 12 months
- 90µg of iodine per day for children under seven years of age
- 120µg of iodine per day for children under 13 years of age
- 150µg of iodine per day for adolescents and adults.
As pregnant and breastfeeding women have an increased need for iodine, the reference values here are 220µg of iodine per day, and for breastfeeding women, 230µg of iodine per day. – dpa
