Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 12 December 2022

Iodine rich foods Micronutrient deficiencies still persists among the most vulnerable population groups in the Philippines. One of the micronutrient deficiencies, is the Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD), which remain a serious public health concern. Based on the results of the 2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey of DOST-FNRI, pregnant women and lactating mothers had insufficient intake of iodine. Iodine is a trace element and naturally present in some foods like seafood and iodized salt. It is an essential component an essential component of the thyroid hormones involved in the regulation of various enzymes and metabolic processes and for proper bone and brain development of the fetus during pregnancy.

A lack of iodine can lead to iodine deficiency. IDD may have an irreversible effects during pregnancy and early infancy. It is known to cause goiter, growth retardation in the fetus, miscarriage and stillbirth, mental retardation, hypothyroidism, cretinism, increased morbidity and mortality of infants, and impair the cognitive development of children. Some foods like tuna, seaweed, shrimp, other seafood and iodized salt, naturally contain iodine.

Iodized salt is salt that contains small amounts of sodium iodide or potassium iodide. It's normal salt that has been added with potassium iodate. The majority of table salt used nowadays is iodized, and it comes with many benefits. Iodized salt help to boost thyroid function. The thyroid gland uses iodine to produce thyroid hormones, which play a role in tissue repair, metabolism, and growth and development. Hormones like triiodothyronine and thyroxine play a direct role in the regulation of blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate. Thyroid hormones are also beneficial in proper bone and brain development in pregnancy and infancy. No or lack of iodine in the diet may cause enlargement of your thyroid gland, also known as goiter.

Aside from keeping your weight under control, iodine-rich foods also supports a healthy pregnancy. It helps to prevent cretinism which affects both mental and physical growth of a child. It can also prevent miscarriages and hypothyroidism among pregnant women. It can also helps create the hormones that regulate heart rate and blood pressure and helps to burn extra fat deposits that could lead to heart disease. Iodine-rich foods such as the iodized salt promote healthy hydration levels and creates a balance of electrolytes. This balance is crucial for the proper functioning of the cells, muscles, tissues, and organs. All the body components require water to function, and salt helps maintain the proper water levels.

Too much intake of iodine may cause side effects. Some of the possible side effects may include nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, fever, burning sensation in the throat and mouth, and stomach pain. I more serious cases, iodine toxicity may lead to coma. You can also get iodine not just from iodized salt but also from iodine-rich food sources such as seaweed, dairy products, shrimps, tuna, eggs, prunes, and lima beans. Eat anything you want in moderation. Always remember too much of everything is as bad as too little.

ZDN DMO II Rowence F. Zorilla, RND

References:

1. What is Iodized Salt?

https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-iodized-salt#1