Khaberni - Experts from the German Nutrition Society reported that iodine is very important for health; the body needs it to produce thyroid hormones, which regulate bone formation and energy metabolism, explaining that the symptoms of iodine deficiency include fatigue and thyroid gland enlargement, while its deficiency during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and early childhood leads to disorders in physical and neurological growth, in addition to diminished cognitive performance.
Since the body does not produce iodine on its own; it must be obtained through diet, and its food sources include marine fish, eggs, milk, as well as iodized table salt and seaweed.
In cases of severe deficiency, one can resort to dietary supplements containing iodine, with consumption under medical supervision.
The daily amount needed by an adult's body is 150 micrograms, while this amount increases to 220 micrograms for pregnant women and up to 230 micrograms for breastfeeding women.
The German Society noted that the maximum safe amount is 500 micrograms, to avoid the risks of excessive iodine consumption represented in hyperactivity or functional deficiency of the thyroid gland.
Symptoms of thyroid hyperactivity include: weight loss despite increased appetite, rapid heartbeats and pulse rate, high blood pressure, sweating and heat intolerance, and nervousness including sleep disturbances and insomnia.
The following symptoms can indicate thyroid deficiency: thyroid gland enlargement, metallic taste in the mouth, increased saliva production, digestive problems, and skin rash or acne.
