Iodine Deficiency: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Iodine deficiency can lead to serious problems of thyroid if not treated at the right time. A certain amount of iodine is required in the body for it to make thyroid hormones which controls metabolism along with important body functions. Mental disabilities is common in children who have low levels of iodine found in their body. With the lack of iodine, the thyroid gland may expand and cause many problems.

Doctors carry out a number of tests for determine the deficiency of iron in the body. Urine test is one of the simplest and fastest methods to detect the condition. Another accurate mode of identification of iodine deficiency is via blood tests. Iodine patch test is another inexpensive and fast method of diagnosing the condition. A person who has low levels of iodine in his/her symptoms will see the color of the patch change faster. This means that the iodine gets absorbed to the body faster than for ones who have sufficient amount of iodine in their body. Another way to test for the condition is through iodine loading test. Including a lot of iodine rich food items in the diet is one way to treat the problem. Iodine supplements can also be taken to prevent any chances of having thyroid from the iodine deficiency.

An individual should at least take 150 mcg of iodine everyday in order to control metabolism and other body functions. Taking supplements to increase the level of iodine in the body is also recommended by doctors often. However, the patient needs to make sure to not intake more than 150 mcg of iodine per day. Pregnant women should increase their intake to 200 mcg per day. Changing the diet and taking supplements are two most common methods of treating the condition.

On the other hand, for people who have myxedema, hospitalization is very important as the doctors need to administer intravenous fluids in the patient’s body to make him/her stable. Administering thyroid hormones is also important for stabilizing the condition. Iodine deficiency can be reversed without any side effects if detected and cured in the early stages. However, the condition can quickly turn permanent if not detected before the complications arise. Even despite the complications, a patient should make sure to consume the aforementioned amount of iodine everyday to prevent the complications from getting worse in the future. Very rarely you may need to remove the thyroid glands completely. Thyroid replacement hormones is required after this procedure.

Any person who sees symptoms like lethargy and tiredness, feeling cold on warm days as well along with unusual weight gain, hair loss, drying skin, having an enlarged goiter or thyroid and week and slow heartbeat along with other indications should get themselves checked for the condition.

Any individual who does not see the symptoms of having the condition should not get themselves treated for iodine. However, every individual should make sure to consume around 150 mcg of iodine every day.

One should be very careful about the amount of iodine they intake per day as excess consumption can also show the same dangers of enlargement of goiter and thyroid glands as does iodine deficiency. Taking too much iodine can also cause thyroid cancer.

If a person has iodine deficiency then they have to maintain a healthy diet rich in iodine permanently. Taking supplements until reaching a healthy point is also advised.

A person suffering from iodine deficiency should maintain a healthy diet rich in iodine permanently.

The doctor’s consultation for iodine deficiency can start from Rs 500. Iodine supplements can cost around start from Rs 1,000 and can go up to Rs 3,500 as well.

The results of the treatment is permanent. However, patients need to maintain the level of iodine intake in their diet every day in order to avoid any further complications.

Increasing the level of iodine in the diet is the only method of treatment for individuals who have iodine deficiency.