In absence of enough iodine, the thyroid gland functions poorly and is unable to make sufficient hormones for the body, causing the enlarged gland. Thus it causes a medical condition known as goiter. If pregnant and lactating women do not get enough iodine, they can suffer from mental retardation. Thyroid gland is very essential organ of the body because it does different tasks such as
- Controlling the metabolic rate
- Boosting synthesis of proteins
- Regulating blood flow and heart rate
- Promoting brain development and linear growth in children
- Helping in normal reproductive functioning in adults
Even though one doesn’t have enough iodine, his body doesn’t reflect any symptoms of iodine deficiency. In this condition, a patient needs to get a urine test or a blood test done to know the percentage of iodine in the body. However, some common symptoms may be seen in your body because of poor functioning of thyroid due to iodine deficiency.
- Continuous feeling of weakness or tiredness.
- Feeling cold even in hot weather.
- Poor memory
- Abnormal enhancement in your body weight.
- Depression
- Thick or inflated skin
- Symptoms of hair loss
- Suffering from constipation
- Experiencing dry skin
- Your heart may beat slowly
- Chin and neck area get distended due to increase in size of your thyroid gland.
- Slow development in tooth
After seeing the above symptoms, don’t start taking any medicine before consulting a doctor. This is not a good practice for your health. You must consult them to increase your iodine level in your body.
Source: https://www.lybrate.com/topic/11-signs-and-symptoms-of-iodine-deficiency/4aa8f9abecd7df90493f1c6a4b510d0e