Iodine, iron, vitamins A and D are the most studied micronutrients by the World Health Organizations today and iodine is the main element in thyroid hormone synthesis, especially for T4 production.
Basically, iodine taken orally is absorbed from the small intestine as iodide and passes into the circulation. Iodine, which does not remain in plasma, is used repeatedly in the thyroid pool and the excess is excreted in the urine.
Daily Iodine Requirement
| 0-59 MONTHS | 90 mcg/day |
| 6- 12 YEARS | 120 mcg/day |
| 12 YEARS UP | 150 mcg/day |
| PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING | 250 mcg/day is more than |
In pregnant and breastfeeding women, individuals who cannot get iodine in these amounts, especially the fetus, newborn and children, are at risk of iodine deficiency diseases.
Distribution of Iodine Deficiency Related Diseases:
Fetus : Miscarriage, stillbirth, congenital anomalies, increased postnatal mortality, increased infant mortality rate, psychomotor defects.
Neonate: Neonatal hypothyroidism
Childhood and Adolescence: Mental and Physical Developmental Delays
All Ages : Goiter, Hypothyroidism, Impaired Mental Functions, Increased exposure to Nuclear Radiation.
A region is considered to have endemic goiter when the incidence of goiter exceeds '. Endemic goiter is the most common endocrine problem worldwide and accounts for the majority of thyroid diseases in our country. Iodine deficiency is the most important factor in euthyroid goiter, the effect of which is well known and endemics are prevented with prophylaxis.
In our country, iodine prophylaxis program has made significant progress in the last 10-15 years and the use of iodized salt has become widespread.