Iodized salt is one food intake that needs to be consumed daily. Iodized salt has many health benefits, including preventing thyroid disease and maintaining the health of pregnant women and the fetus in the womb.
Iodized salt is a salt that has been fortified or added to the mineral iodine. Iodine works to help the body produce thyroid hormones, which are hormones that play a role in regulating the body's metabolic processes and various functions of the organs in the body.
Salt that is sold on the market is divided into two kinds, namely ordinary sea salt and table salt. The two types of salt have a slight difference. Ordinary sea salt is more coarse and larger in grain, while table salt is generally finer with smaller grains.
Various Benefits of Iodized Salt
For those of you who like to mix food in the kitchen, of course familiar with table salt. Generally making table salt goes through a longer process than making sea salt. This process aims to eliminate unneeded mineral content.
Most of the table salt sold on the market has been added to iodine. Iodine is a mineral element that is generally contained in sea water or soil around the ocean.
As an important nutrient for the body, iodine acts to:
- Keep thyroid function stable.
- Supports fetal, baby and child brain growth.
- Prevent thyroid diseases, such as goiter and hypothyroidism.
- Reducing the risk of thyroid cancer.
Recommended Daily Iodine Intake
Everyone is advised to meet iodine intake every day. However, the amount needed by each person varies, depending on their age. The Ministry of Health recommends daily iodine intake as follows:
- Infants: 90-120 micrograms (mcg) of iodine per day.
- Children: 120 mcg of iodine per day.
- Teenagers and adults: 150 mcg of iodine per day.
- Pregnant women: 220 mcg of iodine per day,
- Nursing mothers: 250 mcg of iodine per day.
This iodine intake can be obtained by consuming iodized salt which is added to dishes or drinks. However, people who suffer from certain diseases, such as hypertension and kidney disease, may need to limit salt intake.
If your doctor advises you to limit salt consumption, you can get iodine intake from foods or drinks that contain lots of this mineral, namely:
- Seafood, such as fish, shellfish and seaweed.
- Milk and processed products, such as cheese or yogurt.
- Milk.
- Multivitamins or supplements that contain iodine.
Risks if Iodine Levels in the Body Are Not Balanced
Despite having a variety of good benefits, iodine deficiency or excess can also have a negative impact on the body. The following is the explanation:
Iodine deficiency
Although the source of iodine can be easily found, there are still quite a lot of people in some parts of the world who experience iodine deficiency.
Lack of iodine intake can result in decreased production of thyroid hormone. This can cause enlargement of the thyroid gland or goiter.
In addition, iodine deficiency can also cause hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland cannot produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hypothyroidism that can appear are:
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Constipation or constipation
- Often feel cold or sensitive to cold temperatures
- Dry skin
In pregnant women, iodine deficiency can cause congenital hypothyroidism, a condition in which the fetus lacks thyroid hormone. This disease can cause disturbances of fetal growth and learning difficulties in children later in life, as well as increasing the risk of miscarriage, premature birth and birth defects.
The excess of iodine
Not only is iodine deficiency dangerous, excess iodine can also cause health problems, namely hyperthyroidism. The symptoms of the disease are:
- Weight loss even though not on a diet
- Shortness of breath or feeling heavy
- Chest pounding
- Trembling hands (tremor)
- Sweating often
- Very sensitive to heat
- Easily tired
- Itchy
- Changes in the menstrual cycle
In addition to hyperthyroidism, excess iodine intake is also associated with an increased risk of autoimmune diseases that attack the thyroid gland.
Well, now you already know the importance of consuming iodized salt, right? To prevent diseases caused by iodine deficiency or excess, make sure your daily iodine intake is adequate, according to the recommended amount.
If symptoms appear due to iodine deficiency or excess, immediately consult a doctor to get further examination and treatment.
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