How Can Iodine Deficiency Harm Thyroid Health?

Why is iodine, the raw material for thyroid hormones, so critical?

If we want to understand the thyroid gland, commonly known as goiter, Hashimoto's, or Graves' disease, we must first get to know iodine. Because without iodine, the production of thyroid hormones is impossible. Without understanding iodine metabolism, it's impossible to correctly assess any thyroid-related disease.

If there is an iodine deficiency in the body, the thyroid gland cannot produce sufficient amounts of hormones. In this case, a condition called hypothyroidism arises. Weakness, fatigue, palpitations, hair loss, skin problems, and many systemic complaints are actually reflections of this hormone deficiency. At the root of the problem, there is often a simple but critical reason: the raw material is scarce, meaning insufficient iodine is being consumed.

The body does not remain indifferent to this situation. The thyroid gland tries to produce more hormones from the limited raw material it receives and increases its capacity. As a result, swelling in the neck, i.e., goiter, can occur. As a physician who has performed hundreds of goiter surgeries over the years, I can say that iodine deficiency is often at the root of this process.

One of the common misconceptions in society is: "If I take iodine, I will get Hashimoto's" or "Iodine causes Graves' disease." This idea is incorrect. Iodine is not the cause of these diseases. Meeting daily iodine needs is not as easy as one might think; living by the sea or coming into contact with seawater alone is not enough. Iodine in seawater is quite diluted.

Sea salt is also often not a sufficient source of iodine. This is because iodine is volatile and disappears during the evaporation of seawater and while the salt is left in the sun. Therefore, the amount of iodine in sea salt is often below the daily requirement.

Through its cycle in nature, iodine returns to the soil with rain. It passes from the soil to vegetables, cereals, and clean water sources. However, there are special sources where iodine is highly concentrated in the sea: seaweed and some marine animals. Algae, shrimp, octopus, and some fish species are particularly rich in iodine.

It is quite simple to determine if there is an iodine deficiency. This condition can be easily assessed with thyroid function tests that include T3, T4, and TSH hormones. Regular monitoring of thyroid hormones is of vital importance, especially during pregnancy, as iodine deficiency can have serious consequences for both the mother and the baby.

After iodine is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is directed directly to the thyroid tissue by a special carrier system. With the help of the TPO enzyme found in thyroid cells, iodine is integrated into tyrosine and thyroglobulin structures. As a result of this biochemical process, T3 and T4 hormones are formed. While most of T4 is produced in the thyroid, a significant portion of T3 is obtained from the conversion of T4 in the tissues.

The truly active hormone in the body is T3. T4 acts like a precursor hormone and, upon reaching the tissues, is converted to T3, becoming the actual regulator of metabolism.

This is also why people are given iodine tablets in situations of nuclear accidents and radiation risk. By saturating the thyroid tissue with iodine, it is attempted to prevent the thyroid from absorbing radioactive iodine. However, these tablets contain high doses and should absolutely not be used without medical supervision.

Lugol's solution is one of the substances frequently mentioned when it comes to iodine supplementation. However, even a single drop contains many times the daily iodine requirement. Therefore, if there is a suspicion of iodine deficiency, it is imperative to act with a physician's evaluation. In conclusion, iodine is the cornerstone of thyroid health. Its deficiency can lead to serious problems, while excess can be harmful if used uncontrollably. The safest way to maintain this balance is through conscious monitoring and medical guidance.