Guide To Iodine Deficiency Symptoms

Swelling In The Neck

Swelling in the neck is perhaps the most common symptom of iodine deficiency. When individuals do not consume enough iodine, the thyroid gland has to work harder to do its job to produce the appropriate hormones for the body. As it works harder, it becomes enlarged as it tries to pull more iodine from other areas. This swelling of the thyroid gland is often referred to as goiter. The good news is once patients begin to eat foods rich in iodine, the swelling should go away without further complications.

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Hair Loss

A certain amount of hair loss is normal because the body sheds hair for new growth to occur. However, hair follicles require thyroid hormones to keep regenerating new hair. When iodine levels are low, new hair growth does not occur because the hair follicles can no longer regenerate once the old hair has fallen from the follicle. As other hair is shed and new growth does not occur, patients may notice thinning or loss of hair. Some studies have shown hair loss is more likely to occur from an iodine deficiency in individuals who have a genetic predisposition for hair loss in general.

Understand the next symptom of an iodine deficiency now.