The key facts
- Up to 40% of the population suffers from thyroid diseases, in 80% of cases due to iodine deficiency (Maria Matveeva's estimate).
- Adults need about 150 mcg of iodine per day, children 70–150 mcg, pregnant women 220 mcg.
- The doctor warned against taking iodine preparations and dietary supplements on one's own.
Endocrinologist's Recommendations
To avoid iodine deficiency, one should regularly consume iodized salt and add seafood to the diet. This was reported to the Izvestia newspaper by endocrinologist, Doctor of Medical Sciences, professor at the Department of Recreational Medicine and Sanatorium-Resort Treatment of the Federal Scientific and Clinical Center for Medical Rehabilitation and Balneology of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia, Maria Matveeva. According to her, the simplest and most effective method of prevention is the daily consumption of iodized salt and including seafood in the diet.
Scale of the Problem and Daily Norms
According to the specialist's estimate, up to 40% of the population suffers from thyroid diseases, and in 80% of cases they are linked to a lack of iodine in the diet. An adult needs approximately 150 mcg of iodine per day, children from 70 to 150 mcg, and pregnant women 220 mcg. The trace element is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, which participate in metabolism, regulate heart rhythm and body temperature, and maintain muscle tone and reproductive function.
Sources of Iodine and Rules for Storing Salt
Matveeva named iodized salt one of the most accessible sources of iodine. It is recommended to store it in a tightly closed container in a dark place and add it to prepared dishes after cooling, since with prolonged heat exposure some of its beneficial properties are lost. The doctor advises eating seafood two to three times a week: pollock, seaweed, shrimp, squid, sea bass, mussels, and oysters are especially rich in iodine. A small amount of iodine is also found in milk, cottage cheese, and eggs.
Warning and Context
The expert warned against taking iodine preparations and dietary supplements on one's own: both a deficiency and an excess of the trace element negatively affect the functioning of the thyroid gland. Earlier, dietitian, nutritionist, and member of the National Association of Dietitians and Nutritionists Anna Belousova said that the population of Russia, depending on the region, experiences one or another degree of vitamin and trace element deficiency, with iodine deficiency observed almost everywhere.
