Fatigue, Depression: What If You Were Lacking Iodine?
Did you know that persistent fatigue and a feeling of despondency can be signs of iodine deficiency? This trace element is essential for the production of thyroid hormones that regulate our metabolism and mood. We tell you all about the symptoms of deficiency and how to remedy it.
Why is iodine an essential element?
Iodine is an essential trace element for the production of thyroid hormones. These hormones are involved in the vital functions of our body, controlling and regulating our entire metabolism.
Indeed, although the thyroid is a small gland, it is the conductor that regulates body temperature, growth, fertility, basal metabolism, and heart rate! To function properly, it needs 150 µg/day of iodine.
It is an element that cannot be synthesized by our body and must be obtained through our diet. It is particularly found in seafood products such as fish, shellfish, and edible seaweed.
Since 1952, table salt has been iodized to prevent severe iodine deficiencies that were previously responsible for cretinism (a condition of stunted physical and mental growth). Despite this, about 20% of the French population is still affected by iodine deficiency.
What are the symptoms of iodine deficiency?
When iodine intake is insufficient, a gland located in our brain (the pituitary gland) responds by stimulating the thyroid. If this overstimulation continues, the thyroid can become hypertrophied and a goiter may appear. This term refers to a more or less significant swelling located at the front of the neck.
More importantly, the lack of iodine leads to insufficient production of thyroid hormones. If your thyroid is fragile, hypothyroidism can then insidiously set in with a whole array of symptoms that gradually worsen:
- overall and persistent physical fatigue.
- mental fatigue (depression, lack of enthusiasm, decreased libido).
- intellectual fatigue (memory lapses).
Another problem is that these symptoms resist usual treatments. If you suffer from hypothyroidism, even rest and a balanced diet will not help you regain your energy.
You will also notice other signs such as hair loss, brittle nails, and weight gain (even though your appetite is moderate) or a tendency to feel cold, constipation, and shortness of breath.
How to diagnose and treat this problem?
The only way to confirm a thyroid problem is to have a blood test to determine your TSH levels (the pituitary hormone that stimulates the thyroid).
Your doctor may also request an evaluation of the iodine level in your 24-hour urine. This test, not covered by Social Security, costs €25 but can confirm a dietary iodine deficiency.
In this case, treatment starts at the table: it is recommended to increase your consumption of seafood and dairy products because dairy cows eat iodine-enriched fodder. Feel free to eat oysters and shrimp, as well as eggs which contain 50 µg/100 g...
If this proves insufficient, you can take supplements in the form of ampoules (Oligosol), but only with your doctor's approval! Indeed, excess iodine is just as harmful and may cause you to develop hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is an excess of thyroid hormones that makes your body overactive.
