Iodine deficiency in children: a tiny problem with catastrophic consequences. Replenishing iodine deficiency in children's bodies

13.06.2014

Iodine deficiency in children: causes and consequences

Iodine is part of the main hormones thyroid gland, so it plays important role for the normal development of the child. It affects the contractility of the heart muscle, regulates cholesterol in the blood, and also has important for normal operation nervous system And mental development child.

But iodine is an element that is not produced human body, it can only be obtained from environment. If a child lives in an iodine-deficient region, he or she may become chronically deficient. of this element, which affects the condition of many organs of the baby.

Statistics say that in countries with iodine deficiency, the percentage of IQ decline in children is about 10%, and this figure, unfortunately, increases every year. But in Japan, where there is no shortage, children have high intelligence and have virtually no problems with the functioning of the thyroid gland. Doctors are confident that this feature of Japanese babies is observed due to the consumption of fish, seaweed and other seafood rich in iodine.

What happens if a child’s body receives little iodine?

When iodine is regularly and in sufficient quantity enters the body, the thyroid gland begins to produce the hormone thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones are used by other glands to normal functioning, and the body continues to develop harmoniously and be in good shape.

Iodine helps children and adults digest food, cope with mental and physical stress, and fight infections. When there is enough iodine, small child feels cheerful, active and healthy.

If it is not enough, the baby becomes lethargic, looks tired, and lethargic. His mental and physical abilities significantly decrease, problems with the functioning of the heart, stomach, and thyroid gland appear. Significant iodine deficiency at an early age can lead to severe mental disability and serious illnesses thyroid gland. The lack of this substance most affects children in the first years of life, as well as pregnant women and their babies.

Test to check iodine deficiency in children

At home, you can conduct a test that will show whether there is a lack of iodine in the child’s body. For the test you will need a cotton swab and regular iodine tincture. You need to take a stick, dip it in the tincture and apply iodine grid on inner side hands. After a couple of hours, check the mesh; if the iodine strips disappear without a trace, then there may be problems with the iodine content in the body. This is a signal for parents and a reason to visit an endocrinologist.

Signs of iodine deficiency in children

Often, parents do not realize for a long time that a child has iodine deficiency in the body. Deficiency does not have pronounced symptoms, but still attentive parents should be alert to the following phenomena:

Decreased immunity;

Sudden weight gain or loss;

Nervousness, drowsiness;

Swelling of the limbs, eyes;

Arrhythmia, low blood pressure

Decreased hemoglobin levels.

What is the prevention of iodine deficiency in children?

Every parent should know the iodine intake standards for children. So, how much iodine should a baby consume per day? Children under one year - 50 mcg, from two to six years - 90 mcg, from seven to twelve - 120 mcg

Since people get iodine mainly from food, it is necessary to include foods rich in iodine in the child’s diet: seaweed, sea fish, fish oil.

Iodine deficiency in children and adults can be eliminated with medicines, however, this issue must be resolved together with a pediatrician, since an overdose of this substance is no less harmful than its deficiency.

Children need iodine, it is integral part thyroid hormones. And these hormones are involved in almost all processes in the body. They influence the growth and development of the body as a whole, and the growth and division of individual tissues. Accelerate metabolic processes in the body, increase oxygen consumption by tissues, increase blood pressure, heart rate, blood glucose concentration and body temperature affect memory and intelligence.

Iodine enters our body with food and water. Children and adults need iodine in very small quantities.

Babies under one year old require 50 mcg of iodine per day,
preschoolers - 90 mcg,
schoolchildren under 12 years old - 120 mcg,
adolescents under 16 years of age 140 mcg,
adults - 150 mcg,
pregnant and lactating women - 200 mcg,
elderly people over 60 years old - 100 mcg.

A lack of iodine in food leads to a lack of thyroid hormones in the body, which cannot be synthesized without the participation of iodine. And a deficiency of thyroid hormones is very dangerous, especially for children.
If there is a deficiency of these hormones during pregnancy, the mother and early childhood the child may develop cretinism (gross and irreversible damage intellectual development).
That's why in maternity hospitals, on the 4th day after birth, all children are tested for thyroid hormone levels.
If there is a slight deficiency of thyroid hormones or if this deficiency occurs in more late age The child may develop mental retardation due to other symptoms of hypothyroidism. You can read more about hypothyroidism in children.
In adults, with a lack of thyroid hormones, lethargy, drowsiness, decreased body temperature, chilliness, decreased heart rate, swelling of the hands, weight gain, deterioration of memory and attention occur.

Foods richest in iodine

The champion in iodine content is the fruit of feijoa, a southern evergreen shrub. All other foods rich in iodine are seafood: seaweed, cod liver, squid, sea fish. Those who live by the sea and whose diet largely consists of seafood are not at risk of iodine deficiency. What about those who live far from the sea?

Iodine prophylaxis

Mass iodine prophylaxis

There is mass iodine prophylaxis - on the scale of an entire region or even a state. This is iodization of food products.

Salt iodization

The simplest method of mass iodine prophylaxis is iodization table salt. Potassium iodate is added to table salt. Many countries (about 70 countries: Austria, Denmark, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, China, Kazakhstan and others) have even adopted a law on mandatory salt iodization. In such countries, all salt is iodized, and salt without iodine can only be purchased at a pharmacy with a doctor's prescription.

In our country, at the moment, such a law has not been adopted, mainly due to misunderstanding of the population (our population believes that iodized salt unsuitable for canning, although official sources iodized salt is suitable for canning).

Iodized salt has a shelf life of 2 years and should be stored in a tightly sealed container to prevent the iodine from evaporating. After two years, such salt can be eaten, but it will no longer be considered iodized. In our country, people have the right to choose: what salt to salt their food with, iodized or not.

Iodization of infant formula

Another option for mass iodine prophylaxis is the addition of iodine to children's adapted milk formulas. Iodine must be added to all children's adapted milk formulas in accordance with the daily needs of babies up to one year old. There are no objections to such prevention among the population of our country. Thus, for all children under one year of age who are artificially fed, a lack of iodine in food is excluded.

Individual iodine prophylaxis

Prescribed by a doctor to people who are most likely to have iodine deficiency in food or during periods when such deficiency is most dangerous.

First of all, these are pregnant and lactating women - iodine is part of vitamin and mineral complexes for pregnant and lactating women.
Iodine-based medications can be prescribed to people traveling to work in goiter-endemic areas (areas where a significant portion of the population suffers from endemic goiter - a lesion of the thyroid gland caused by a lack of iodine in the diet).

This iodine prophylaxis has its advantages: the dose of iodine used is known exactly. But there are also disadvantages - you need to take iodine every day, like medicine, and you can forget about it.

Healthy adults living in countries without mandatory iodization laws table salt have the right to choose what to use for themselves as a preventive measure for iodine deficiency: iodine preparations from the pharmacy, vitamin and mineral complexes with iodine, or iodized table salt.

Iodine preparations

Potassium iodide

Tablets containing iodine 100 and 200 mcg. To prevent iodine deficiency, they are prescribed in accordance with the daily age requirement (children under 12 years old - ½ - 1 tablet of 100 mcg - 1 day / day, adolescents over 12 years old and adults - 1 tablet of 100 or 200 mcg 1 day / day). Prevention is carried out over several years and even throughout life.

Potassium iodide is available under different names trade names: Antistrumin, Iodine Vitrum, Iodbalance, Yodostin, Microiod and others.

Iodomarin

The same potassium iodide. It is produced in tablets containing 100 and 200 mcg of iodine. It is used to prevent iodine deficiency in the same doses as potassium iodide.

Iodine active

Dietary supplement Contains fat-free dry goat milk and iodocasein. Produced in tablets containing 50 mcg of iodine.
Used only for the prevention of iodine deficiency.
To absorb iodine from this compound, special liver enzymes are required, which are produced only under conditions of iodine deficiency. If there is enough iodine in the diet, iodine is not released from iodocasein, but is excreted from the body naturally.
Used in adolescents over 14 years of age and adults, 1-2 tablets. 1 r/d

Iodine for children with thyroid diseases

For diseases of the thyroid gland, treatment should be prescribed by an endocrinologist.

When thyroid function decreases, iodine preparations can be effective only in some cases; thyroid hormones are more often prescribed. With hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, nodular goiter, tumors and other diseases of the thyroid gland, iodine preparations may be completely contraindicated.

Iodine for coughs for children

Potassium iodide in the form of a 1-3% solution of 1 tsp/l - 2 tbsp/l 3-4 times per day (according to age) for a course of 7-10 days is used as a thinning agent and promotes the removal of sputum.

Iodine for children for lubricating and gargling

For lubricating and gargling, Lugol's solution, Iodinol, Yox, Betadine are used. Remember that you cannot use iodine preparations to treat children on your own; they have side effects. Read about iodine preparations for the treatment of throat diseases.

Iodine for children externally

When applied externally, iodine has an antiseptic, irritating and distracting effect. For external use, use a 5% alcohol solution of iodine, also called iodine tincture.
When applied externally, iodine partially penetrates the skin and is used mainly for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. This effect of iodine when applied externally is considered a side effect.
In children, iodine is absorbed through the skin much more actively than in adults, because the skin of children is thinner and its blood supply is much richer. In small children (up to 5 years old), regular use of alcoholic iodine tincture on a large surface of the skin is not recommended due to the danger of the iodine contained in it affecting the function of the thyroid gland.

Iodine tincture

A 5% alcohol solution of iodine is used primarily as disinfectant for treating wound edges. On the very wound surface not applied, because it prolongs the wound healing time. Apply exclusively to the edges of the wound.

This drug is used internally very rarely and only in adults with atherosclerosis and tertiary syphilis.

Ringworm treatment with iodine

For the treatment of trichophytosis or ringworm a 5% alcohol solution of iodine is also used. The affected area is treated with iodine 1 time per day for 1-2 weeks until the symptoms disappear and another week after to prevent relapse.

Molluscum contagiosum treatment with iodine

Alcohol tincture of iodine can be used for treatment molluscum contagiosum in children. You can read more about this.

Iodine mesh

A fairly well-known and common method of treatment. Iodine is applied to intact skin in the form of a mesh (longitudinal and transverse stripes) with a cell size of approximately 1 square centimeter.
Iodine mesh is applied to the buttock area, in case of compaction at the injection site, to the area of pain with myositis or osteochondrosis, per area chest, with the exception of the heart area, when coughing.
When treating with an iodine mesh, the irritating and distracting properties of iodine are used. Antiseptic effect it does not matter when used in this way, since microbes die only on the surface of the skin at the site of its application. Iodine mesh causes vasodilation of the skin and stimulates blood circulation at the site of its application, which causes blood to flow out and reduce swelling and pain in the affected area.

It is recommended to apply the iodine mesh no more than once every 3 days,
It is not recommended to cover the area where it is applied with plastic film, oilcloth, thick airtight fabric, or a wide band-aid - this can cause skin burns.
It is not recommended to use iodine mesh in children under 3 years of age, because their skin is thin and sensitive and iodine can cause burns; in addition, iodine actively penetrates the skin and can disrupt the functions of the thyroid gland.
In children from 3 to 5 years old, iodine mesh can only be used on the recommendation of a doctor. It is recommended to dilute 5% iodine tincture by half with 50º alcohol to obtain a 2.5% iodine concentration.

Iodine orally is contraindicated for children

Allergy to iodine

It can occur with both internal and external use of iodine.

For internal use

More common pseudoallergic reaction to iodine. Iodine is a histamine liberator and causes allergic reactions without the participation of immunoglobulins.
The intensity of pseudoallergic manifestations depends on the dose of iodine used. The higher the dose, the brighter the manifestations. In small doses, iodine is tolerated normally and does not cause pseudo-allergies.

True allergy for iodine is rare, but it happens, manifested by swelling, rash, itching. Manifestations of true allergies do not depend on the dose of iodine preparation.

True and pseudo-allergy is treated by discontinuing iodine-containing medications and prescribing oral antihistamines.

Allergy to iodine when applied externally

It occurs at the site of application of iodine tincture and is manifested by swelling, redness, itching, and blisters at the site of application.

Treatment

Stop local use iodine tincture,
Try to remove remaining iodine using running water and apply a neutralizing mixture (as for a burn), see below,
Take orally antihistamines(only on doctor's recommendation).

Iodine overdose

Symptoms of overdose or iodism occur when long-term use large doses iodine: metallic taste in the mouth, burning sensation in the mouth, increased salivation, swelling of the eyelids, nasal mucosa, fever, joint pain, dermatitis. They disappear after stopping taking iodine-containing medications.

Iodine is poisonous in a dose of 3 g or more and instantly deadly.

The child drank iodine

If the child swallowed several tablets of potassium iodide or iodine active once- it will not be very dangerous for the child. But it wouldn’t hurt to call a doctor, and before he arrives, start flushing the child’s stomach.

But poisoning with iodine tincture can be very dangerous, especially if the child drank a whole bottle of iodine tincture. 25 ml of a 5% solution contains 1.25 g of iodine.

If this happens you need

The first thing to do is call an ambulance.
Before the ambulance arrives, the child must have his stomach emptied.
Antidotes for iodine are starch and sodium thiosulfate.
To lavage the stomach, it is advisable to use a starch solution in slightly warm water(36°C) or 1-2% sodium thiosulfate solution. The child is given half a glass of liquid, then they try to induce vomiting by inserting 2 fingers into his mouth.
Washing is done 3-4 times, after washing, an antidote is injected into the stomach.
You should not refuse hospitalization, even if the child is feeling well, since some symptoms of iodine poisoning occur 1-2 days after poisoning.

Iodine burn

Iodine burns can occur

If the wound is treated incorrectly, when applied, very large quantity iodine on the wound itself and around it, especially if the wound is immediately tightly covered with an airtight cloth or plaster.
When applying a large amount of iodine to intact skin, for example, when applying an iodine mesh incorrectly. Especially if the child is then wrapped in thick, airtight clothing.

As a rule, iodine burns are not detected immediately, but after some time (more than 30 minutes from the moment of application). Therefore, it is difficult to remove iodine residues from the skin. Iodine burns manifest themselves as swelling and redness of the skin, and less commonly, the appearance of blisters.

Place the affected area under lukewarm running water for 30 minutes to remove any remaining iodine from the skin.
Then a neutralizing agent is applied to the skin: chalk powder or 20% sugar solution.
Next, a spray or ointment based on panthenol is applied to the skin.

It's all about iodine for children. I wish you good health!

A deficiency of the substance provokes severe endocrine disruptions in the body. How to determine iodine deficiency in the body with your own hands? Look for the answer in our detailed review popular self-diagnosis methods, photos and videos in this article.

In addition to participating in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, iodine performs the following functions in the body:

“starts” metabolism, helps speed up metabolism;
has antiseptic properties, destroys microbes that enter the thyroid gland through the bloodstream;
makes a person more energetic and cheerful, helps fight stress and apathy;
improves plasticity cerebral vessels And cerebral circulation, stimulates the development of mental abilities.

Iodine deficiency and cancer

Iodine is vital for the health of the mammary glands in older women; low intake of the microelement increases the risk of breast cancer.

Women need to monitor the iodine content in the body with the same care as the health of the mammary glands. Among those present chemicals and enzymes in breast tissue, iodine has a powerful antioxidant effect comparable to vitamin C.

Tissues experiencing iodine deficiency exhibit:

increased lipid oxidation, which is the most early factor cancer development;
DNA change;
increase in estrogen receptor proteins.

These biological factors together explain the link between iodine deficiency and thyroid disease. Postmenopausal women are often diagnosed with thyroid and breast cancer.

With an increase in iodine intake to cancer cells breasts, they intensively absorb it, it, in turn, suppresses tumor growth and causes the death of cancer cells.

The role of iodine in heart health

A test for iodine deficiency is necessary even in the absence obvious symptoms, hypothyroidism contributes to heart disease, is a cause of stroke and premature death from these pathologies.

Dysfunction of the thyroid gland leads to disturbances in lipid profiles, promotes the formation of low-density lipoproteins, increases cholesterol and increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Hypothyroidism weakens the heart muscle, promotes arrhythmia, which becomes noticeable even with moderate physical activity. Hormones should be prescribed cautiously when a physician determines that iodine deficiency is a problem. Treatment promotes the safe and effective modulation of health problems.

How much iodine does the body need?

The average daily dose of a microelement entering the body should be at least 120–150 mcg, and for women preparing to become mothers, this amount increases to 200 mcg. Iodine deficiency occurs if, over the course of long period the amount of daily incoming microelement does not exceed 10 mcg.

Iodine content standards

In the body of an adult normal amount iodine ranges from 15–25 mg, according to some research data it can be up to 50 mg. Exactly half of the element falls on the thyroid gland, which uses it for hormonal activity.

If we examine in detail and accurately the iodine content in human organs, we will see the following:

The highest concentration in thyroid gland– 1000–12000 µg/g;
Liver tissue contains – 0.2 µg/g;
Quantity in female ovaries and kidneys – 0.07 mcg/g;
IN lymph nodes 0.03 µg/g;
In the brain muscle tissue and male testicles – 0.02 mcg/g.

There is evidence of the accumulation of iodine in the glands (mammary during feeding, salivary) and in the mucous epithelium of the stomach.

Iodine intake into the body

When microelements enter the body, they are absorbed mainly in upper sections Gastrointestinal tract, and those that enter the intestines are quickly absorbed into the blood. In case of excess, iodine is excreted in the urine, so activity is also important in the regulation of iodine excretory system and the kidneys in particular.

Since the level of excretion is directly dependent on its consumption, when studying the content, a blood test for iodine and urine is taken to determine the level of consumption of the microelement by the body.

note that excessive consumption does not have natural products containing iodine side effects, even if the amount of natural iodine contained in them exceeds the daily norm.

Level hormonal regulation The thyroid gland is regulated not only by the activity of the gland itself, but also by the brain, in particular by the pituitary gland and peripheral parts.

Risk factors

Potential causes that increase the likelihood of iodine deficiency:

lack of selenium;
pregnancy;
exposure to radiation;
increased dietary calcium intake;
female gender;
smoking;
alcohol;
oral contraceptive methods;
old age.

Causes of iodine deficiency

Iodine can enter the body in several ways: with food, liquid, and even inhaled air (in the form of vapor), so the main reason for the deficiency of this trace element is its lack in the environment.

Pay attention! Today, there is a clearly visible connection between distance from the sea and the level of iodine in soil and sources fresh water. Central part Russia and the republic Central Asia experience a significant deficiency of this microelement. The foothills and high mountain areas are least saturated with it. Residents of these regions need a variety of balanced diet and in additional sources of iodine.

Also, among the main causes of iodine deficiency, experts name poor diet and disease gastrointestinal tract accompanied by malabsorption nutrients.

Signs of iodine deficiency

According to statistics, about 30% of the world's population suffers from iodine deficiency varying degrees expressiveness. Among Russians, symptoms of this disease occur in 70% of residents of megacities.

Endemic goiter

Endemic goiter is the most common thyroid disease in Russia. As a rule, iodine deficiency correlates with a deficiency of other microelements, mainly microparticles of copper, selenium and cobalt.

The thyroid gland expands to take over more microelement from the circulating blood, i.e. low iodine content is the root cause of an increase in the anatomical size of the thyroid gland. The disease is called “endemic” because it is common among people living in the same area as low content iodine in the surrounding ecosystem.

Goiter is also called Graves' disease, the main features of which are:

pathological growth of the thyroid gland;
lethargy;
rapid weight gain with an increase in subcutaneous fat.

What slows down or speeds up the absorption of iodine

There are microelements that take part in the absorption of iodine, acting as enzymes in biochemical reaction hydrolysis, and vice versa those that interfere with these processes. Such microelements are given in the table.

For example, lithium acts antagonistically on the activity of the gland, as does calcium in large quantities. Without selenium, iodine absorption is simply impossible.

Thus, all trace elements are interconnected, and the presence or absence of one of them affects the activity of the thyroid gland.

Many people wonder whether iodine has an expiration date. Since pure iodine is an element of group 7 in the periodic table and belongs to the halogens, it has several oxidation states and easily reacts. Therefore, for example, the iodine in iodized salt will evaporate within 3-4 months, in seaweed he will be in bound state and will be useful as long as the algae itself is alive.

Thus, consumption of kelp will be extremely useful in treating with iodine a thyroid nodule, goiter and other diseases associated with iodine deficiency. You can buy seaweed salad at the supermarket or make it yourself. It is not only tasty, but also very healthy.

A deficiency of iodine in the body always has several clinical signs, each of which we will consider in more detail below.

Symptoms of iodine deficiency in adults

We often do not pay attention to the signals that our body sends us, we brush them off, attributing them to fatigue, workload and eternal lack of sleep.

However, iodine deficiency can have many manifestations:

chronic fatigue, decreased activity;
fatigue, decreased performance;
memory impairment, slow reaction;
depression, tearfulness, decreased resistance to stress;
weight gain with a unchanged diet;
chilliness, poor cold tolerance;
violation menstrual function, changes in sex hormone tests – common signs iodine deficiency in women;
decline sexual activity, problems with potency in men.

Drowsiness and chronic fatigue - Signs of iodine deficiency that we often ignore

Subsequently, uncompensated iodine deficiency in the body leads to a decrease in the formation and release of thyroid hormones into the blood, disruption of the thyroid gland and the development of endemic goiter - an increase in the size of the endocrine organ.

Iodine deficiency in childhood: a serious problem of modern health care

Iodine deficiency in children is especially dangerous, since children, like no one else, need a microelement that ensures growth and normal physical and mental development. Basic clinical forms iodine deficiency in the body is presented in the table below.

Table 2: Options clinical course iodine deficiency in children:

Disease	Congenital hypothyroidism	Cretinism	Endemic goiter
Features of the flow	May be associated with iodine deficiency and insufficient production of thyroid hormones in the mother. It is more severe than acquired hypothyroidism.	A severe irreversible condition that develops if congenital hypothyroidism has not been diagnosed and treatment is not prescribed.	A disease that develops against the background of iodine deficiency, which is caused by unbalanced diet, unfavorable iodine situation in the region. More common in younger children school age and teenagers.
Symptoms	large baby weight at birth; signs of immaturity at birth despite full term; long-term (a month or more) jaundice in the newborn period; long healing of the umbilical wound; decline physical activity and late acquisition of skills before the age of one year (the baby sat up late, crawled and walked independently); lethargy, drowsiness, low physical and motor activity; late teething; prolonged non-closure of the fontanel; the voice is hoarse, rough, “bassy”; swelling, puffiness of the skin of the face, feet and hands; large tongue.	severe retardation in physical and mental development; possible dwarfism; problems with coordination of movements (children have difficulty sitting or walking); pathological structure of the skeleton: short upper and lower limbs with a large head; hearing loss; chronic constipation; lethargy, apathy, reluctance to take initiative; the face is puffy, with a characteristic dull expression: the eyes are wide apart, half-closed, breathing is through the mouth due to swelling of the nasopharynx, the tongue is protruding.	lethargy, fatigue, decreased performance at school; impaired memory and concentration; drowsiness, lethargy; appearance overweight bodies; menstrual dysfunction in girls; enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can be noticed with visual inspection, palpation of the neck, ultrasound examination.

Important! Any signs of iodine deficiency in a child’s body are a reason to immediately consult a doctor. The sooner treatment is started, the higher the likelihood full recovery baby without serious and irreversible consequences for the body.

Iodine deficiency in pregnant women

Iodine deficiency in pregnant women is also extremely dangerous.

It may cause:

spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) in the early stages;
premature birth;
intrauterine anomalies and birth defects fetal development;
premature placental abruption;
difficult labor caused by heavy fetal weight;
massive postpartum hemorrhage.

In addition, iodine deficiency in the body of a pregnant woman causes congenital hypothyroidism in a child, correct formation thyroid gland and functioning internal organs which is carried out under the influence of maternal hormones.

Pay attention! One of common reasons infertility in medical practice is iodine deficiency: symptoms in women include menstrual dysfunction, hormonal imbalance, problems with conception, and the desired pregnancy does not occur. When replenishing the deficiency of this microelement, normalization of the reproductive system is observed.

How to identify iodine deficiency

Besides laboratory test for iodine in the blood (its average price in private laboratories is 700 rubles), the lack of this microelement can be reliably determined simple methods self-diagnosis.

So, how to determine iodine deficiency in the body:

If you notice one or more of the signs of the disease listed above, be sure to consult a doctor. Listen carefully to the signals your own body gives you.
The iodine grid test is one of the most popular home methods for determining iodine deficiency. In the evening, apply a small iodine grid to any part of the body (except for the thyroid gland and heart). Inspect it carefully in the morning.

If the mesh has completely disappeared, most likely the body is experiencing a serious iodine deficiency. If there are small marks left on the skin, everything is fine.

The three line test is considered more accurate. Instructions: in the evening, apply three lines to the skin of the forearm alcohol solution iodine: thin, medium and thick.
The next morning, evaluate the result: if after 8-10 hours a thin strip has disappeared from the skin, and visible traces remain in place of a medium and thick strip, it means that the level of iodine in the body is within normal limits. The disappearance of a thin and medium strip indicates a possible iodine deficiency, and if the skin of the forearm in the morning has no traces at all, immediately consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases.

Pay attention! Official medicine does not confirm the authenticity similar methods research on iodine deficiency. Official data that fast absorption and disappearance alcohol tincture substances from the skin are signs of iodine deficiency in the body, no. In addition, applying an iodine grid may cause chemical burn or cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, when answering the question of how to determine iodine deficiency in the body, doctors are often categorical - only with the help laboratory research concentration of this microelement in the blood.

Tests to determine iodine concentration - what official medicine can offer

It's important to note that official medicine is skeptical about the methods for determining iodine deficiency described above. Doctors say that the dependence of iodine absorption into the skin from a lack of this microelement has not been scientifically proven and may be a consequence of human characteristics.

How to check for iodine deficiency in the body “scientifically”? First of all, clinical data allows a specialist to suspect a decrease in the concentration of a microelement.

Pay attention! Iodine deficiency has a particularly serious impact on the health of children who have retarded physical and mental development, as well as severe metabolic disorders.

How to check the amount of iodine in the body using laboratory tests? The table below presents popular methods for determining microelements.

Table: Tests to determine the level of iodine in the body:

Name	Description	Norm	Average price
I (urine)	The analysis allows you to determine the iodine content that was excreted in the urine. Since this indicator can fluctuate sharply during the day, several tests are usually required, followed by a study of the median iodine excretion	100-500 µg/l	1000 rub.
I (hair)	Determination of iodine concentration in pre-treated and dissolved cut hair. This method is called atomic emission spectrometry - AES-ISAP	0.3-10 µg/g dry material (hair)	300 rub.
I (nails)	The obtained samples are also studied on an atomic emission spectrometer using the AES-ISAP method	0.3-10 µg/g	300 rub.

Pay attention! Since according to vascular bed iodine does not move in free form, and as part of various biological compounds, medical instructions does not imply its determination in blood serum. Instead, your doctor may order additional thyroid hormone tests.

Treatment and prevention of iodine deficiency

The basic principles of restoring iodine levels in the body are:

diet with increased content these products;
treatment with iodine preparations (Iodomarin, Iodine-active, etc.) in therapeutic dose 100-200 mcg per day;
at clinical manifestations hypothyroidism are additionally prescribed hormonal drugs levothyroxine at a dosage of 50-75 mcg with further dynamic observation and dosage adjustment.

Except seafood products, there are also others that will help cope with the situation:

Prevention of iodine deficiency in children and adults consists of a balanced diet, inclusion of fish, seafood and other sources of iodine in the diet, regular preventive examinations at the doctor and healthy way life.

Excess iodine in the thyroid gland

When there is an excess of iodine, hyperthyroidism develops. This does not happen strong magnification thyroid gland, but there is a possibility of developing goiter, Graves' disease, and cardiac dysfunction.

In addition, it is observed general weakness, sweating, weight loss, stool disorders. As a result accelerated exchange substances there is an increase to low-grade fever, skin pigmentation changes, sensitive areas go numb, acne, And accelerated emergence gray hair due to loss of melanin.

This shows how closely the thyroid gland and iodine are related to each other. In case of microelement deficiency and for prevention purposes, it is advised to eat natural products containing iodine or use medications.

At home today it is not difficult. The easiest way is to replace regular salt, but iodized or sea salt containing iodine, or use seafood for cooking.

Well proven traditional methods treatment of the thyroid gland with iodine. Homeopaths use animals and herbal ingredients to replenish iodine deficiency, for example, plants such as walnut, celandine, etc.

How does a lack of iodine in the body affect a child’s development? How to replenish it?

Experts are sounding the alarm: we are still experiencing a deficiency of a very important microelement for health - iodine. According to research, human intellectual development decreases by more than 10 percent. A person needs 100-200 micrograms of iodine per day (a microgram is a millionth of a gram). The average Russian resident actually consumes 40-80 micrograms per day.

In addition to the expressed forms mental retardation, iodine deficiency influences the reduction intellectual potential children living in the zone of iodine deficiency. Not only the child’s brain suffers from this, but also his hearing, visual memory, speech, it affects his work vitally important organs and leads to delayed physical development.

A prerequisite for health is . Using iodized table salt is most effective. Iodized salt can give positive result provided that it contains the required amount of iodine. If we take into account the norm daily consumption salt per person, which is approximately 5-6 grams, then this amount will be quite enough. To preserve a valuable microelement, you need to salt soups or porridge not at the beginning, but at the end of cooking. Or cook everything under-salted, and add more salt on the plate - as you like.

Doctors advise that when purchasing such salt, carefully examine the label. It is desirable that the product not only indicate “iodized salt”, but exactly how much iodine it contains. If the percentage of this microelement is indicated, then you can safely buy salt.

There are many special iodized products, such as bread, confectionery, meat products, milk and kefir. Sea foods are especially rich in iodine. The leader in iodine content in nature is seaweed. In second place are sea fish and seafood. There is a lot of iodine in fish oil.

Children, adolescents, pregnant women who are the most susceptible to iodine deficiency diseases, it is advisable to take special medications.

When preparing food for the child, the mother should try to preserve iodine in it as much as possible. For example, when cutting fish, you need to preserve the juice, it contains a lot valuable microelement. When cooking vegetables or fish, you do not need to bring them to a high boil. Vegetable decoctions should not be poured out: they also contain iodine, so your child should cook with these decoctions healthy soups. By the way, when milk is boiled for a long time, it can lose half of the iodine it contains. Therefore, you need to remove it from the heat as soon as foam appears.

You need to be afraid not only of lack, but also excess iodine in the body. Toxic dose - 2000 mcg. An overdose of iodine may cause symptoms such as nervousness, sweating, toxicosis, rapid heartbeat. In general, metabolism accelerates, as a result of which the body burns out faster.

By the way

Children under 6 years of age should receive 90 mcg of iodine daily. Up to 12 years -120. From 12 years old and all adults -150. Pregnant and lactating women - 200.

The role of iodine in the body of an adult and a child

Without iodine, normal functioning of the body is impossible. Main biological role This element is the synthesis of the hormones T3 and T4 - triiodothyronine and thyroxine. They are necessary for work endocrine system and normal metabolism. Thyroxine is responsible for normal development child and the course of pregnancy in women.

The role of iodine in the life of an adult and a child:

The substance is responsible for maintaining a stable metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and salts.
Essential for physical and mental development.
Needed for the functioning of the endocrine system, especially the genitals and pituitary gland.
Regulates the functioning of the central nervous system.
Necessary for the normal functioning of most internal organs.
Iodine increases oxygen consumption by cells and tissues.
Necessary for mental work.
Improves the condition of hair and nails.

Important! If the body does not receive enough iodine-containing substances, the synthesis of hormones slows down or stops, most metabolic processes

Standards and natural sources of iodine

Daily iodine intake for children:

During pregnancy and lactation, the body's need for iodine increases to 250-290 mcg. The microelement is necessary both for the fetus and for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland in conditions hormonal changes. Maximum permissible daily norm for adolescents and adults – 500 mcg.

Natural sources Yoda:

Product	Where is iodine found?
Fish and seafood	fish oil, sea fish (cod, blue whiting, hake, sea bass); shrimp, squid, anchovies, etc.; Seaweed contains the most iodine: 100 g of product can cover daily requirement body in iodine
Dairy products	milk, kefir, sour cream; cream, hard and soft cheese
Meat	veal, beef, pork; by-products contain less iodine
Vegetables	spinach, mushrooms, beets, potatoes; lettuce, legumes, sorrel, radishes; eggplant, green and onions
Fruits and berries	strawberries, black currants, grapes; feijoa, apples (with seeds), persimmon
Other products	rye bran, eggs; iodine-bromine and iodide mineral waters

You need to know that with long-term storage or cooking, the iodine content in foods decreases. The amount of iodine in plants depends on the type of soil. If the area in which they grow is located near the sea, then the plants will contain a lot of the element. Vegetables and fruits growing in the mountains and on large plains will be low in iodine.

Causes and signs of iodine deficiency

The body experiences a lack of iodine in the following cases:

Unbalanced diet.
Lack of iodine prophylaxis.
Working in enterprises with heavy metals, living in areas with high background radiation.
Taking certain medications (for example, lithium carbonate).
Metabolic disorder.
Increased sensitivity to allergens.

The concentration of iodine in the blood may be subject to seasonality. Increase in spring and decrease in autumn and winter. However, the thyroid gland constantly requires this mineral. Over the past 15 years, the concentration of iodine in the soil has decreased threefold, so many children are at risk of iodine deficiency.

Highlight following symptoms lack of iodine:

Decreased performance, impaired concentration.
Weakened vision, hearing, memory.
Weakness, moodiness, mood swings.
Frequent sweating.
The child may develop swelling and increase body weight.
The heartbeat slows down and blood pressure drops.
Violation of thermoregulation, constant feeling of cold.
Hair loss, skin becomes dry.
Disorders are observed in teenage girls menstrual cycle, in boys – late puberty.

Iodine deficiency can have catastrophic consequences for newborns. These are skeletal deformation, deaf-muteness, cretinism, paralysis. For older children, hypothyroidism is dangerous due to thyroid pathologies: endemic goiter, nodules, even cancer.

Patients with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), which impair the absorption of nutrients.
Children living in regions where the soil and water contain little iodine.
With diseases of the thyroid gland or with a hereditary predisposition.

Conventionally, preparations with iodine can be divided into 3 large groups:

Mono - they contain predominantly molecular iodine or potassium iodide.
Oligocomponent. Consists of 1 or more groups active substances.
Multivitamins. Complexes can be enriched with various minerals and plant extracts.

The most famous vitamins for children:

Vitamin	Name and active substance
Monovitamins	Potassium iodide, Iodomarin, Iodine-active, Microiodide, Iodine balance. The composition includes molecular iodine or potassium iodide. Comes in a dosage of 100-250 mcg
Oligocomponent	The most famous is Doppelhertz active Iodine + Iron. The composition includes iodine, vitamin B12, B9, ferrous fumarate. This is an excellent prevention of anemia and maintains iodine levels in the body.
Multivitamins	Iodine is included in most complexes. It is best absorbed if supplemented with zinc, selenium, copper, vitamins E and. The most popular names for children are Alphabet Baby, Schoolboy and Teenager, Vitrum Kids and Junior, Vitamishki, Complivit Active, Jungle Kids, Pikovit, Multi-tabs. Iodine dosage varies from 20 to 150 mcg depending on age

Features of use and contraindications

You must follow the dosage recommended by your doctor. For prevention, this is 100-200 mcg per day. Daily diet enrich biologically active additives and iodine-containing products. Iodine preparations are taken carefully, during or after meals, with clean water. If, after taking the drug, a child develops nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or the color of the skin has changed, these are the first symptoms allergic reaction. You should stop taking vitamins and consult a doctor.

Contraindications for taking medications with iodine:

Toxic goiter or thyroid adenoma.
Individual sensitivity to components.
Hyperthyroidism.
Suspicion of malignant tumor thyroid gland.
Therapy period radioactive iodine.
Dühring's dermatitis.
Some autoimmune diseases.

Iodine overdose

With excess iodine, the following symptoms occur:

Heavy salivation.
Increased heart rate.
Fatigue, severe headache.
Skin rashes (including acne), a feeling of numbness in the skin.
Thyrotoxicosis.
Sharp weight loss, decreased skeletal strength.
An increase in the size of the thyroid gland, the appearance of nodes.
Insomnia, moodiness.
Severe muscle weakness.

Expert advice. We must not forget that iodine is a toxic element. Dosages greater than 500 mg may cause serious poisoning. The patient has a metallic taste in the mouth, skin are painted in brown. Further dehydration develops, depression of consciousness up to falling into a coma

Why is iodine so necessary? children's body and how to take it correctly? IN accessible form Dr. Komarovsky will tell young parents in the video below.