Iodine in Diet

Iodine in Diet: Side Effects

Deficiency of iodine may occur in areas that have iodine-poor soil. Many months of iodine deficiency in the diet can cause goiter and/or hypothyroidism. With decreased iodine, the thyroid cells and the gland become enlarged. The deficiency is more prevalent in women than in men, and more common in pregnant women and adolescents. Iodine intake is stressed as a preventive measure because a goiter caused by iodine depletion can cause cretinism (a form of physical and mental retardation). Cretinism is extremely rare in the U.S. because iodine deficiency is generally not a problem.

Iodine toxicity is rare in the U.S. Very high intake of iodine can reduce the function of the thyroid gland.