Determination of iodine deficiency in the body. Home tests for iodine deficiency, lack of vitamins, etc. - I will update them as I search for information

A deficiency of the substance provokes severe endocrine disruptions in the body. How to determine iodine deficiency in the body with your own hands? Look for the answer in our detailed review of popular self-diagnosis methods, photos and videos in this article.

In addition to participating in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, iodine performs the following functions in the body:

• “starts” metabolism, helps speed up metabolism;
• has antiseptic properties, destroys microbes that enter the thyroid gland through the bloodstream;
• makes a person more energetic and cheerful, helps fight stress and apathy;
• improves the plasticity of cerebral vessels and cerebral circulation, stimulates the development of mental abilities.

Iodine deficiency and cancer

Iodine is vital for the health of the mammary glands in older women; low intake of the microelement increases the risk of breast cancer.

Women need to monitor the iodine content in the body with the same care as the health of the mammary glands. Among the chemicals and enzymes present in breast tissue, iodine has powerful antioxidant effects comparable to vitamin C.

Tissues experiencing iodine deficiency exhibit:

• increased lipid oxidation, which is the earliest factor in the development of cancer;
• DNA change;
• increase in estrogen receptor proteins.

These biological factors together explain the link between iodine deficiency and thyroid disease. Postmenopausal women are often diagnosed with thyroid and breast cancer.

When the supply of iodine to breast cancer cells increases, they intensively absorb it, which, in turn, suppresses tumor growth and causes the death of cancer cells.

The role of iodine in heart health

A test for iodine deficiency is necessary even in the absence of obvious symptoms; hypothyroidism contributes to heart disease, is a cause of stroke and premature death from these pathologies.

Thyroid dysfunction leads to abnormalities in lipid profiles, promotes the formation of low-density lipoproteins, increases cholesterol and increases the risk of atherosclerosis.

Hypothyroidism weakens the heart muscle and promotes arrhythmia, which becomes noticeable even with moderate physical activity. Hormones should be prescribed cautiously when a physician determines that iodine deficiency is a problem. Treatment promotes the safe and effective modulation of health problems.

How much iodine does the body need?

The average daily dose of a microelement entering the body should be at least 120–150 mcg, and for women preparing to become mothers this amount increases to 200 mcg. Iodine deficiency occurs if over a long period the amount of daily intake of the microelement does not exceed 10 mcg.

Iodine content standards

In the body of an adult, the normal amount of iodine ranges from 15–25 mg; according to some research data, it can be up to 50 mg. Exactly half of the element falls on the thyroid gland, which uses it for hormonal activity.

If we examine in detail and accurately the iodine content in human organs, we will see the following:

1. The highest concentration in the thyroid gland is 1000–12000 mcg/g;
2. Liver tissue contains – 0.2 µg/g;
3. The amount in female ovaries and kidneys is 0.07 mcg/g;
4. In lymph nodes 0.03 mcg/g;
5. In the brain, muscle tissue and male testicles – 0.02 mcg/g.

There is evidence of the accumulation of iodine in the glands (mammary during feeding, salivary) and in the mucous epithelium of the stomach.

Iodine intake into the body

When microelements enter the body, they are absorbed mainly in the upper gastrointestinal tract, and those that enter the intestines are quickly absorbed into the blood. If there is an excess, iodine is excreted in the urine, so the activity of the excretory system and the kidneys in particular is also important in the regulation of iodine.

Since the level of excretion is directly dependent on its consumption, when studying the content, a blood test for iodine and urine is taken to determine the level of consumption of the microelement by the body.

Please note that excessive consumption of natural foods containing iodine has no side effects, even if the amount of natural iodine contained in them exceeds the daily requirement.

The level of hormonal regulation of the thyroid gland is regulated not only by the activity of the gland itself, but also by the brain, in particular by the pituitary gland and peripheral parts.

Risk factors

Potential causes that increase the likelihood of iodine deficiency:

• lack of selenium;
• pregnancy;
• exposure to radiation;
• increased dietary calcium intake;
• female;
• smoking;
• alcohol;
• oral contraceptive methods;
• elderly age.

Causes of iodine deficiency

Iodine can enter the body in several ways: with food, liquid, and even inhaled air (in the form of vapor), so the main reason for the deficiency of this microelement is its lack in the environment.

Note! Today, there is a clearly visible connection between distance from the sea and the level of iodine in the soil and fresh water sources. The central part of Russia and the Central Asian republics experience a significant deficiency of this microelement. The foothills and high mountain areas are least saturated with it. Residents of these regions need a varied, balanced diet and additional sources of iodine.

Also among the main causes of iodine deficiency, experts name a poor diet and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by impaired absorption of nutrients.

Signs of iodine deficiency

According to statistics, about 30% of the world's population suffers from iodine deficiency of varying severity. Among Russians, symptoms of this disease occur in 70% of residents of megacities.

Endemic goiter

Endemic goiter is the most common thyroid disease in Russia. As a rule, iodine deficiency correlates with a deficiency of other microelements, mainly microparticles of copper, selenium and cobalt.

The thyroid gland expands in order to capture more trace elements from the circulating blood, i.e. low iodine content is the root cause of an increase in the anatomical size of the thyroid gland. The disease is called "endemic" because it is common in people living in the same area with low iodine content in the surrounding ecosystem.

Goiter is also called Graves' disease, the main symptoms of which are:

• pathological growth of the thyroid gland;
• lethargy;
• rapid weight gain with an increase in subcutaneous fat.

What slows down or speeds up the absorption of iodine

There are microelements that take part in the absorption of iodine, acting as enzymes in the biochemical hydrolysis reaction, and vice versa, those that interfere with these processes. Such microelements are given in the table.

For example, lithium acts antagonistically on the activity of the gland, as does calcium in large quantities. Without selenium, iodine absorption is simply impossible.

Thus, all microelements are interconnected, and the presence or absence of one of them affects the activity of the thyroid gland.

Many people wonder whether iodine has an expiration date. Since pure iodine is an element of group 7 in the periodic table and belongs to the halogens, it has several oxidation states and easily reacts. Therefore, for example, iodine in iodized salt will evaporate for 3-4 months, but in seaweed it will be in a bound state and will be useful as long as the algae itself is alive.

Thus, consumption of kelp will be extremely useful in treating with iodine a thyroid nodule, goiter and other diseases associated with iodine deficiency. You can buy seaweed salad at the supermarket or make it yourself. It is not only tasty, but also very healthy.

A lack of iodine in the body always has several clinical signs, each of which we will consider in more detail below.

Symptoms of iodine deficiency in adults

We often do not pay attention to the signals that our body sends us, we brush them off, attributing them to fatigue, workload and eternal lack of sleep.

However, iodine deficiency can have many manifestations:

• chronic fatigue, decreased activity;
• fatigue, decreased performance;
• memory impairment, slow reaction;
• depression, tearfulness, decreased resistance to stress;
• weight gain with a unchanged diet;
• chilliness, poor cold tolerance;
• menstrual dysfunction, changes in sex hormone tests are common signs of iodine deficiency in women;
• decreased sexual activity, problems with potency in men.

Drowsiness and chronic fatigue - Signs of iodine deficiency that we often ignore

Subsequently, uncompensated iodine deficiency in the body leads to a decrease in the formation and release of thyroid hormones into the blood, disruption of the thyroid gland and the development of endemic goiter - an increase in the size of the endocrine organ.

Iodine deficiency in childhood: a serious problem of modern health care

Iodine deficiency in children is especially dangerous, since children, like no one else, need a microelement that ensures growth and normal physical and mental development. The main clinical forms of iodine deficiency in the body are presented in the table below.

Table 2: Variants of the clinical course of iodine deficiency in children:

Disease	Congenital hypothyroidism	Cretinism	Endemic goiter
Features of the flow	May be associated with iodine deficiency and insufficient production of thyroid hormones in the mother. It is more severe than acquired hypothyroidism.	A severe irreversible condition that develops if congenital hypothyroidism has not been diagnosed and treatment is not prescribed.	A disease that develops against the background of iodine deficiency, which is caused by an unbalanced diet and an unfavorable iodine situation in the region. It is more common in children of primary school age and adolescents.
Symptoms	large baby weight at birth; signs of immaturity at birth despite full term; long-term (a month or more) jaundice in the newborn period; long healing of the umbilical wound; decrease in physical activity and late acquisition of skills under the age of one year (the baby sat up late, crawled and walked independently); lethargy, drowsiness, low physical and motor activity; late teething; prolonged non-closure of the fontanel; the voice is hoarse, rough, “bassy”; swelling, puffiness of the skin of the face, feet and hands; large tongue.	severe retardation in physical and mental development; possible dwarfism; problems with coordination of movements (children have difficulty sitting or walking); pathological skeletal structure: short upper and lower limbs with a large head; hearing loss; chronic constipation; lethargy, apathy, reluctance to take initiative; the face is puffy, with a characteristic dull expression: the eyes are wide apart, half-closed, breathing is through the mouth due to swelling of the nasopharynx, the tongue is protruding.	lethargy, fatigue, decreased performance at school; impaired memory and concentration; drowsiness, lethargy; the appearance of excess body weight; menstrual dysfunction in girls; enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can be noticed during visual examination, palpation of the neck, and ultrasound examination.

Important! Any signs of iodine deficiency in a child’s body are a reason to immediately consult a doctor. The sooner treatment is started, the higher the likelihood of the baby’s complete recovery without serious and irreversible consequences for the body.

Iodine deficiency in pregnant women

Iodine deficiency in pregnant women is also extremely dangerous.

It may cause:

• spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) in the early stages;
• premature birth;
• intrauterine anomalies and congenital malformations of the fetus;
• premature placental abruption;
• difficult labor caused by heavy fetal weight;
• massive postpartum hemorrhage.

In addition, iodine deficiency in the body of a pregnant woman causes congenital hypothyroidism in the child, the correct formation of the thyroid gland and the functioning of the internal organs of which is carried out under the influence of maternal hormones.

Note! One of the common causes of infertility in medical practice is iodine deficiency: symptoms in women include menstrual dysfunction, hormonal imbalance, problems with conception, and the desired pregnancy does not occur. When replenishing the deficiency of this microelement, normalization of the reproductive system is observed.

How to identify iodine deficiency

In addition to a laboratory test for iodine in the blood (its average price in private laboratories is 700 rubles), a deficiency of this microelement can be reliably determined using simple self-diagnosis methods.

So, how to recognize iodine deficiency in the body:

1. If you notice one or more of the signs of the disease listed above, be sure to consult a doctor. Listen carefully to the signals your own body gives you.
2. The iodine grid test is one of the most popular home methods for determining iodine deficiency. In the evening, apply a small iodine grid to any part of the body (except for the thyroid gland and heart). Inspect it carefully in the morning.

If the mesh has completely disappeared, most likely the body is experiencing a serious iodine deficiency. If there are small marks left on the skin, everything is fine.

1. The three line test is considered more accurate. Instructions: in the evening, apply three lines of an alcohol solution of iodine to the skin of the forearm: thin, medium and thick.
2. The next morning, evaluate the result: if after 8-10 hours a thin strip has disappeared from the skin, and visible traces remain in place of a medium and thick strip, it means that the level of iodine in the body is within normal limits. The disappearance of a thin and medium strip indicates a possible iodine deficiency, and if the skin of the forearm in the morning has no traces at all, immediately consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases.

Note! Official medicine does not confirm the reliability of such methods for studying iodine deficiency. There is no official data that the rapid absorption and disappearance of the alcohol tincture of the substance from the skin are signs of iodine deficiency in the body. In addition, applying iodine mesh can cause a chemical burn or cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, when answering the question of how to determine iodine deficiency in the body, doctors are often categorical - only with the help of a laboratory study of the concentration of this microelement in the blood.

Tests to determine iodine concentration - what official medicine can offer

It is important to note that official medicine is skeptical about the methods for determining iodine deficiency described above. Doctors say that the dependence of iodine absorption into the skin from a lack of this microelement has not been scientifically proven and may be a consequence of human characteristics.

How to check for iodine deficiency in the body “scientifically”? First of all, clinical data allows a specialist to suspect a decrease in the concentration of a microelement.

Note! Iodine deficiency has a particularly serious impact on the health of children who have retarded physical and mental development, as well as severe metabolic disorders.

How to check the amount of iodine in the body using laboratory tests? The table below presents popular methods for determining micronutrients.

Table: Tests to determine the level of iodine in the body:

Name	Description	Norm	average price
I (urine)	The analysis allows you to determine the iodine content that was excreted in the urine. Since this indicator can fluctuate sharply during the day, several tests are usually required, followed by a study of the median iodine excretion	100-500 µg/l	1000 rub.
I (hair)	Determination of iodine concentration in pre-treated and dissolved cut hair. This method is called atomic emission spectrometry - AES-ISAP	0.3-10 µg/g dry material (hair)	300 rub.
I (nails)	The obtained samples are also studied on an atomic emission spectrometer using the AES-ISAP method	0.3-10 µg/g	300 rub.

Note! Since iodine does not move through the vascular bed in free form, but as part of various biological compounds, medical instructions do not imply its determination in blood serum. Instead, your doctor may order additional thyroid hormone tests.

Treatment and prevention of iodine deficiency

The basic principles of restoring iodine levels in the body are:

• a diet high in these foods;
• treatment with iodine preparations (Iodomarin, Iodine-active, etc.) in a therapeutic dose of 100-200 mcg per day;
• in case of clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism, hormonal preparations of levothyroxine are additionally prescribed at a dosage of 50-75 mcg with further dynamic observation and dosage adjustment.

In addition to seafood products, there are others that will help cope with the situation:

Prevention of iodine deficiency in children and adults consists of a balanced diet, inclusion of fish, seafood and other sources of iodine in the diet, regular preventive examinations with a doctor and a healthy lifestyle.

Excess iodine in the thyroid gland

When there is an excess of iodine, hyperthyroidism develops. In this case, there is no strong enlargement of the thyroid gland, but there is a possibility of developing goiter, Graves' disease, and cardiac dysfunction.

In addition, there is general weakness, sweating, weight loss, and stool disorders. As a result of accelerated metabolism, an increase to subfebrile temperature is observed, skin pigmentation changes, sensitive areas become numb, acne appears, and the accelerated appearance of gray hair due to the loss of melanin.

This shows how closely the thyroid gland and iodine are related to each other. In case of microelement deficiency and for prevention purposes, it is advised to eat natural products containing iodine or use medications.

At home today it is not particularly difficult. The easiest way is to replace regular salt with iodized or sea salt containing iodine, or use seafood for cooking.

Traditional methods of treating the thyroid gland with iodine have proven themselves well. Homeopaths use animal and plant components to replenish iodine deficiency, for example, plants such as walnuts, celandine, etc.

In Eastern European countries, a lack of iodine in the body is more than a pressing issue. At the same time, a significant part of the population is not even aware of iodine deficiency, since at the initial stages there are practically no changes in well-being.

Iodine deficiency: causes

What is the cause of iodine deficiency?? In most cases, these are the consequences of poor nutrition. The body simply does not receive enough iodine from food. And although food is not the main source of iodine, abuse of sweets, fast food, and lack of vegetables and fruits in the diet lead to other health problems. What can I say... everyone knows about it, but how difficult it is to deny yourself.

We also get iodine from water and air. And here ecology already plays a significant role. Therefore most of all iodine deficiency manifests itself where water and soil are deprived of this microelement.

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How do you know if you have iodine deficiency?

Iodine deficiency is indicated by dry skin that has a waxy appearance and lacks elasticity.

What diseases are caused by iodine deficiency?

Iodine deficiency negatively affects the functioning of the thyroid gland, and hence leads to other serious consequences, such as disruption of the intestines, metabolism, and excess weight.

Also, a lack of iodine in the body manifests itself in the form of arrhythmia and low blood pressure. Women may experience menstrual irregularities.

In general, with iodine deficiency, brain function deteriorates: memory gradually begins to deteriorate, and intelligence decreases.

If you notice strange fatigue, weakness and forgetfulness, try checking yourself with a simple test at home.

How to determine iodine deficiency: test

Before going to bed, make a small iodine grid in the forearm or thigh area. If it disappears in the morning, your body does not have enough iodine. If the mesh does not disappear, your body does not experience iodine deficiency.

In any case, in order to accurately diagnose and take any measures, you need to consult with an endocrinologist who can help you.

The normal functioning of the thyroid gland affects the functioning of the entire body, all its functions and systems.

Disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland affect the course of pregnancy, leading to anemia, miscarriage, premature placental abruption, and postpartum hemorrhage.

Hypo- and hyperthyroidism, that is, decreased and increased function of the thyroid gland, lead to menstrual irregularities and infertility, disorders of the cardiovascular system, and the birth of children with developmental defects.

Hypothyroidism in children

If hypothyroidism develops in children, it leads to mental retardation and impaired physical development, including growth arrest (the child may remain a dwarf forever) and changes in the proportions of body parts, that is, physical deformity.

Hypothyroidism in adults

Hypofunction of the thyroid gland in adults manifests itself differently. The patient develops swelling of the mucous membranes, associated with water retention in the tissues, and a slow metabolism leads to obesity and rapid aging of the skin. The patient looks much older than his age, and is haunted by constant fatigue and weakness.

Hyperthyroidism - what happens to the body

Hyperthyroidism is manifested by the development of Graves' disease, in which the metabolism sharply accelerates. As a result, the patient loses weight, his heart activity is disrupted, his limbs tremble, his nervous system suffers, and he even develops bulging eyes.

Hyperthyroidism, caused by a constant lack of iodine, can lead to an enlargement of the thyroid gland and its degeneration. It protrudes in the neck area in the form of a goiter, which is why the disease is called: endemic goiter. It develops in people living in areas poor in iodine, and is dangerous because it can lead to deafness and cretinism. For the treatment of endemic goiter, iodine preparations are prescribed.

What does iodine deficiency lead to?

About 1.5 billion people in the world suffer from iodine deficiency, and in post-Soviet countries - approximately 70% of the population. In regions with severe iodine deficiency, the average mental development index is 20% lower than in other areas.

Every person needs to monitor the iodine content in the body, especially women and children. One of the most dangerous manifestations of iodine deficiency is congenital fetal deformities, stillbirths, infertility, miscarriage, retarded growth and development of children, mental retardation, and the risk of developing thyroid cancer.

How to check whether there is enough iodine in the body is of interest to many. However, iodine deficiency is a global health problem. Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate important biochemical reactions, including protein synthesis, enzyme activity and metabolism. Iodine is also necessary during pregnancy for the normal development of the skeleton and central nervous system of the newborn. Deficiency can lead to serious developmental problems.

How to check if there is enough iodine in the body?

Thyroid function is regulated primarily by thyroid-stimulating hormone, or thyrotropin, which in turn is secreted by the pituitary gland and is necessary to control the synthesis of thyroid hormones and protect the body from hypo- or hyperthyroidism. In the absence of sufficient iodine, the TSH level remains constantly elevated, which leads to an increase in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. However, very limited iodine intake can conversely reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency has recently been found to be associated with autism in children.

Symptoms of iodine deficiency occur as a result of improper production of thyroid hormones. Simply put, when the thyroid gland doesn't get enough iodine, trouble occurs. More severe signs and symptoms of iodine deficiency may vary depending on the physiological characteristics of individuals.

When the thyroid gland cannot function properly, it can lead to a range of symptoms. These include:

Daily iodine intake

• 80 mcg – for children;
• 100-120 mcg – for adolescents;
• 150 mcg – adults;
• 200 mcg - for pregnant women.

To determine if you have too much iodine in your body or if you lack it, contact an endocrinologist, he will prescribe a blood test to determine the level of thyroid-stimulating hormones. Normal thyrotropin levels range from 0.4 to 6.0 mU/l.

Importance of Iodine

Iodine is an element that is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones. The body does not make iodine, so it is an essential part of your diet. Iodine is found in various foods. If you don't have enough iodine in your body, it is unable to produce enough thyroid hormones. Thus, iodine deficiency can lead to an enlarged thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) and mental retardation in infants and children whose mothers were iodine deficient during pregnancy.

Iodine deficiency is treated by administering iodized salt. However, in many other parts of the world, iodine deficiency must be compensated through diet. And iodine deficiency continues to be an important public health problem worldwide. Approximately 40% of the world's population remains at risk of iodine deficiency.

The importance of iodine for the body is beyond doubt, but how to get additional amounts of this trace element?

Iodine is a widely distributed element in nature and is found in small quantities in water, air, soil and almost all living organisms, from plants to mammals. Its salts are easily soluble in water, so the main source of iodine is considered to be the gifts of the ocean and sea.

Iodine is found in food, but a small proportion is absorbed through air and water. Kelp, shellfish and many seafood are rich in this mineral. One ton of dried seaweed can contain up to 5 kg of iodine. We can say that the main source of iodine is seafood.

Iodine in foods and iodized salt is present in several different forms - sodium and potassium salts, inorganic iodine, iodate and iodide.

After all, to provide ourselves with the required amount of iodine without seafood, we need to drink more than one liter of milk or eat several kilos of meat.

Moreover, even in the presence of seafood in the diet, the iodine content in them can vary greatly.

Freezing and intense heat treatment reduce the amount of iodine in the final product.

Who is at risk:

• Consumption of foods that contain substances that interfere with iodine absorption can worsen iodine deficiency - soybeans and cruciferous vegetables.
• People who do not use iodized salt, which is necessary to control iodine deficiency. Today, about 70% of households worldwide use iodized salt, but iodine deficiency remains a widespread problem in some regions.
• According to some reports, 52% of the population suffers from iodine deficiency. Deficiency of this mineral is also a widespread problem in Africa, Southeast Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean, where the use of iodized salt is approximately 47% to 67%.

• Sea waters rich in iodine are home to the largest animals in the world (the whale, which weighs up to 150 tons), as well as long-livers (the turtle, which lives up to 200-300 years). In coastal areas, vegetation is much higher than in the plains or mountains.
• Iodine was discovered in 1811 by the French chemist Bernard Courtois. He got it from algae. It is said that his beloved cat spilled two vessels on the table, one of which contained an alcoholic composition of kelp ash and the other sulfuric acid. During the mixing process, a purple cloud formed - this was iodine.
• Iodized salt is not recommended for canning because it causes the food to taste bitter.
• Iodized salt only needs to be stored for 3-4 months, and then the iodine evaporates, so it is advisable to store the salt in a tightly closed container.
• Iodine deficiency is a problem in 153 countries around the world. In Europe, only four countries have never encountered iodine deficiency and its consequences - Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden.

Now you understand that at home it is impossible to find out whether there is enough iodine in the body? Only an endocrinologist can give a normal assessment of your health status based on the test results.

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck that weighs no more than 30 grams. Despite its small size, this gland is important for the entire human body. It is responsible for metabolism, human growth and development, as well as body temperature.

Correct functioning of the thyroid gland is regulated by two important minerals - iodine and magnesium. Of these two elements, iodine is primarily responsible for the normal functioning and health of the thyroid gland.

There is a simple test to check your iodine levels in your body that you can easily do at home.

Soak a cotton swab in iodine tincture and rub it over your wrist. If the brown spot disappears from the hand in less than 24 hours, this means there is not enough iodine in the body. Taking iodine-containing medications does not always guarantee that your body has enough of this mineral.

How to perform an iodine test:

1. It is best (but not strictly necessary) to carry out the test immediately after your morning shower.
2. The spot can be any size. The main thing is that it does not extend beyond the wrist.
3. You can buy iodine tincture at any pharmacy.
4. Record the time at which you started the test.
5. Watch the spot change color over the next 24 hours.

How to interpret test results:

In general, the faster the stain disappears, the more iodine your body needs.

1. If the stain begins to lighten but is not completely gone after 24 hours, then everything is fine.
2. The stain has almost disappeared or completely disappeared within 18-24 hours - there is a slight deficiency, but this is not critical.
3. The spot has almost disappeared or completely disappeared in 12-18 hours - there is a deficiency, and something needs to be done about it.
4. The spot has almost disappeared or completely disappeared in 6-12 hours - there is a serious iodine deficiency, consult a doctor immediately.
5. The spot has almost disappeared or completely disappeared in less than 6 hours - there is a serious iodine deficiency, do not delay visiting a doctor.

If the test comes back negative

A similar test can be performed once every 2 weeks. This way you can better control your iodine needs.

What to do if you have a deficiency? You need to see a doctor. If the deficiency is minor, replace regular salt with iodized salt. It may also be enough to adjust your diet.

Eat more baked potatoes, cranberries, prunes, cod, shrimp and canned tuna. By the way, there will also be fish sticks, dried seaweed, turkey, milk, boiled eggs, yogurt, cheddar cheese and bananas, strawberries.