Iodine deficiency
Today in the world more than 1.5 billion people live in conditions of iodine deficiency. 655 million have endemic goiter. 43 million - mental retardation due to iodine deficiency. The problem of iodine deficiency is undoubtedly relevant for us. We practically everywhere have iodine deficiency in soils and waters. It is not enough in local food. There is a wide spread of goiter, which for many years was considered a reliable criterion of iodine deficiency. Scientific research conducted in most countries of the Commonwealth, proved the population of iodine deficiency of moderate severity.
Iodine deficiency has a negative impact on people's health. Children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women are especially affected. Diseases due to lack of iodine not only disrupt the structure and function of the thyroid gland. But they can also lead to violations of the sexual function, the formation of congenital anomalies of development, the growth of perinatal and child mortality, a significant decrease in the intellectual and professional potential of entire nations. The question arises - why in the human body can iodine deficiency be observed? The main reason is its inadequate supply due to its low content in food and water. But there are other reasons:
• violation of iodine absorption in the gastrointestinal tract;
• violation of the processes of iodine assimilation by the thyroid gland, genetic defects in the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones;
• Deficiency in the environment and food products of a number of microelements. Particularly critical are the lack of selenium, zinc, bromine, copper, cobalt, molybdenum. And also an excess of calcium, fluorine, chromium, manganese;
• the presence in the environment of "zobogenic" factors that can affect the state of the thyroid gland.
Think about it! The content of iodine in the human body in most regions of our countries does not exceed 15-20 mg. Meanwhile, the daily requirement for it is from 100 to 200 μg. However, especially overeat iodine-containing foods and take iodine-containing medications also not worth it. The surplus of iodine is as dangerous as its deficiency. Excess intake is 1000 and more mcg / day.
Consequences of iodine deficiency for human health
The main cause of diseases due to lack of iodine is insufficient intake of iodine from the environment into the human and animal body. Iodine is a very important microelement for humans. It is an obligatory part of the molecules of thyroid hormones - thyroxine and triiodothyronine. From food to the human gastrointestinal tract, iodine comes in the form of organic iodide, which, with blood, penetrates into various organs and tissues and accumulates in the thyroid gland. Here, up to 80% of the iodine contained in the body is concentrated. Every day, the thyroid gland secretes 90-110 μg of thyroxine hormone and 5-10 μg of triiodothyronine. These hormones are involved in many metabolic processes that ensure the vital activity of the human body. They also allow you to quickly adapt to a lower intake of iodine from the environment. But with chronic iodine deficiency there is a violation of adaptation mechanisms, the synthesis of hormones decreases and various pathologies develop in the body.
A significant contribution to the formation of iodine deficiency states is caused by a deficiency of selenium in the body. Selenium is also small in our soils, and hence in natural foods. It is proved that when a combination of iodine and selenium deficiency occurs imbalance of hormones. There is an aggravation of hypothyroidism. In addition, the deficiency of selenium provokes necrotic, fibrotic changes in the thyroid gland.
The development of goiter is also promoted by certain medications: sulfonamides, a number of antibiotics. And also plants of the cruciferous family: yellow turnips, cabbage seeds, corn, bamboo shoots, sweet potatoes and others. Flavonoids are stable compounds found in many fruits, vegetables, cereals: millet, beans, peanuts. Phenol derivatives, widely used in agriculture as insecticides and herbicides. Toxic substances contained in cigarette smoke, sewage of the coal industry.
In conditions of chronic iodine deficiency, the production of the main thyroid hormones thyroxin and triiodothyronine decreases. At the same time, the secretion of the thyrotropic hormone is activated, the task of which is to stimulate the biosynthesis of the basic hormones. Excess thyroid-stimulating hormone leads to an increase in the thyroid gland. As a result, a goiter is formed, which for many years was regarded as a direct clinical equivalent of iodine deficiency. As you can see, the consequences of lack of iodine for human health are very sad.
Measures to prevent iodine deficiency
Given the high prevalence of diseases caused by iodine deficiency and their extremely negative impact on health, especially children, adolescents and pregnant women, the world community was tasked with eliminating iodine deficiency disorders on the planet. In many countries, a state program for eliminating iodine deficiency has been developed. The basis of this strategy, providing for mass prophylaxis, is based on known facts of the positive effect of iodized salt. The International Committee on the Study of iodine deficiency disorders ICCIDD recommended this method of prevention as the most optimal.
The use of iodized salt is the main measure for the prevention of iodine deficiency. Already many salt plants produce a sufficient amount of high-quality iodized salt that enters the sales network. Iodized salt is widely used in public catering establishments and in the manufacture of finished products: bread, sausage, confectionery. Its application in the manufacture of baby food has begun.
To monitor the effectiveness of ongoing activities, a system of hygienic and medical monitoring has been developed. Sanitary and epidemiological control bodies constantly monitor the content of iodine in the salt at food industry enterprises, on bases, in shops, in public catering establishments, in kindergartens and schools, and in medical and preventive institutions. Iodine content in food rations of inhabitants is also monitored.
Why iodized salt?
• Salt is the only mineral that is added to food without special chemical treatment;
• Salt is used by all segments of society regardless of social and economic status;
• Salt consumption fluctuates in a fairly narrow range (5-15 g per day) and does not depend on the season, age, sex;
• With proper salt iodization technology, it is impossible to overdose iodine and thereby cause any complications;
• iodized salt is inexpensive and is available to all people.
How to store and use iodized salt
• Iodized salt retains its medicinal properties for 3-4 months. Therefore, when buying salt, be sure to look at the date of its manufacture.
• Iodine evaporates from salt if stored incorrectly (in open containers, at high humidity). Means, at home the package with salt should be immediately poured into a jar with a dense lid and put away from boiling pots and sinks. If the salt is still sodden in lumps, it is, of course, possible to use it. But this will not be iodized salt, but ordinary.
• With heating, and even more boiling of the product, iodine from the salt will volatilize. Therefore, salt the dish with iodized salt right before serving.
• It is not recommended to use iodized salt when pickling cucumbers, cabbage, mushrooms. Pickles can ferment and acquire a bitter taste.
What are the results of the ongoing work to eliminate iodine deficiency? The results of medical monitoring indicate a positive dynamics of iodine supply. The research is based on studies from 1999 to 2007. In regions where iodized salt is actively used, the presence of iodine components increased on average from 47 μg / l in 1999 to 174 μg / l in 2007. And this is in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization.
Potassium iodide
So how about "everything is very simple - for health, mind and growth"? According to experts, 6 grams of quality iodized salt contain a daily iodine demand. Therefore, its use practically solves the problem. However, at-risk groups (children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women) need increased doses of iodine. They are encouraged to additionally consume iodine-enriched foods. And also preparations of potassium iodide. Potassium iodide is also an excellent measure of preventing iodine deficiency. There are recommendations of the expert group of WHO and UNICEF for the consumption of potassium iodide by different categories of the population:
• Children under 2 years of age - a minimum of 90 μg / day; adequate level of iodine intake - 180 mcg / day.
• Pregnant women - at least 250 μg / day; an adequate level of iodine intake is 500 mcg / day.
• Breastfeeding women - at least 250 mcg / day; an adequate level of iodine intake is 500 mcg / day.
However, do not rely on the fact that after taking potassium iodide or using enriched foods, children will quickly grow and become smarter. The whole point is not only in iodine. If your child has problems with psychophysical development, he lags behind his peers in growth, and in studies "there are not enough stars from the sky" - it is necessary to admit: the lack of iodine here is to blame to a minimum. There are simply some other, more important reasons.
The level of iodine deficiency can now be estimated as minimal or borderline. Therefore, using potassium iodide preparations (it's good to consult a doctor in advance), you do not need to supplement them with vitamin complexes containing iodine. Or, at the same time, lean on food fortified with iodine. If these products are used irregularly, they can be considered an additional measure when using iodized salt. At the same time, the use of natural products rich in iodine (sea kale, sea fish, persimmon, eggs, walnuts) is not currently considered to be the optimal method of prevention. The fact is that the content of iodine in them varies considerably depending on the variety, the conditions of cultivation and storage. That is, it is impossible to accurately predict the flow of iodine into the body.
We have examined in great detail iodine deficiency, consequences for human health, prevention measures. Especially useful are these tips for residents of large cities and territories with a dysfunctional environmental situation. To inhabitants of the territories polluted by radiation simply it is vital to use iodized salt, potassium iodide and the products rich with an iodine.