{"id":4404,"date":"2026-03-13T08:32:03","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T08:32:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thyroidaware.azinova.uk\/impact-of-iodine-deficiency\/"},"modified":"2026-06-08T12:24:08","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T12:24:08","slug":"impact-of-iodine-deficiency","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thyroidaware.azinova.uk\/ng\/impact-of-iodine-deficiency\/","title":{"rendered":"Impact of iodine deficiency"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The thyroid.<\/p>\n

Impact of iodine deficiency<\/h1> <\/div>\n
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Thyroid disorders are some of the most frequent diseases in the world, with about 1.6 billion people worldwide at risk.\u00b9 Iodine is an integral part of thyroid hormones and is therefore an important factor in the development of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).\u00b9 Without sufficient iodine, hypothyroidism, cretinism and other iodine deficiency disorders can develop. Conversely, excessive iodine intake can lead to hyperthyroidism.\u00b9<\/p> <\/div>\n \n

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Why is iodine important?<\/h3>\n

Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production, for fetal and infant development, and it is a crucial nutrient for proper health at all stages of life.\u00b2 As our bodies cannot produce iodine, it should be supplied regularly through a healthy diet.\u00b2 Iodine deficiency exists in about 54 countries around the world, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO).\u00b3<\/p>\n

Iodine is the key component in the production of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).\u2074 Thyroid hormones help the body to optimally use energy, stay warm, and keep the brain, heart, muscles and other organs working as they should.\u2075 Thyroid hormones and therefore iodine are essential for fetal growth, bone maturation and brain development.\u00b2 Iodine deficiency is the world\u2019s most prevalent, yet easily preventable, cause of brain damage.<\/p>\n

A global campaign to iodize the salt supply in almost all countries has led to an estimated 68% of households now using iodized salt.\u2076 Prior to this campaign, an estimated 2 billion people showed iodine deficiency by way of having a goiter in 2005 whereas the actual number was 700 million, sparing 1.3 billion people from this disorder.\u2076 Despite this, approximately 40% of the global population remains at risk for iodine deficiency.\u2077<\/p>\n

How much iodine do you need?<\/h3>\n

A teaspoon of iodine is all you need in your lifetime; however, as the thyroid gland cannot store iodine for long periods, tiny amounts are needed regularly.\u00b2 Most people can tolerate large amounts of iodine without adverse effects. An intake of more than 1,000 micrograms per day may be harmful.\u00b2<\/p>\n

The daily iodine requirement changes over a person\u2019s life:\u2074<\/p>\n