Iodine Deficiency-Part 3

Besides goiter, iodine deficiency can also cause cretinism - a preventable mental retardation. Cretinism is a condition of severely stunted physical and mental growth due to untreated congenital deficiency of thyroid hormones or congenital hypothyroidism, due to iodine deficiency affected pregnancy.

The infants with cretinism usually have poor length growth at the first year of life. In addition, they also have delayed bone maturation and puberty. Infertility in both sexes is common as well. They may also have mild neurological impairment along with reduced muscle tone and coordination.

In severe cases, they cannot walk or stand by themselves. Cognitive impairment may occur in different severity that they may not able to take care of themselves. They thoughts and reflexes are tend to be slower. Other signs may include thickened skin, enlarged tongue, or a protruding abdomen.

In conclusion, sufficient iodine intake is especially important in women who are pregnant or nursing their infants. Severe iodine deficiency in the mother can cause miscarriages, stillbirth, preterm delivery, and congenital abnormalities in their babies. There are studies suggested that even mild iodine deficiency in the mother can result lower intelligence children.

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Resource:

Zimmermann, M.B.(2009) .Iodine deficiency in pregnancy and the effects of maternal iodine supplementation on the offspring: a review.Am J Clin Ntr, 89(2), 668s-72s