European University of Lefke (EUL) Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Lecturer Asst. Prof. Dr. Özge Nur Türkeri made statements on the subject of “Iodine Deficiency and Prevention of Diseases”.

“Iodine intake rate is the most important factor affecting the prevalence and prevalence of thyroid diseases in a population”

Türkeri said that iodine intake rate is the most important factor affecting the prevalence and prevalence of thyroid diseases in a population and stated as “About 15% of the world’s population lives in regions deficient in iodine, and 4-5% of the population in these regions are affected by iodine deficiency disorders. In many countries, iodine deficiency is an important health problem, and although it varies according to regions, the main source of iodine is soil. There is also iodine in water and air. Seafood, meat, milk, eggs and cereals contain high levels of iodine.

Türkeri continued her statement as “Many factors such as iodine deficiency in the diet, insufficient absorption of iodine from the intestines, increased need of the body for thyroid hormones or iodide, increased fecal and urinary organic iodine loss, long-term treatment with antithyroid drugs and posthyperthyroidism, lactation, productive bronchitis and excessive sweating. can cause iodine deficiency. The thyroid gland is the place where thyroid hormones, which have very important roles in the regulation of metabolism and brain functions, are secreted. The thyroid gland withdraws iodide from the blood and concentrates it, giving it back to peripheral tissues in the form of thyroid hormones. Sufficient exogenous intake of iodine is very important in fulfilling the physiological function of thyroid hormones. Even though there are mechanisms to conserve iodine in case of iodine deficiency, these mechanisms are not completely successful in preventing the depletion of iodine stores, resulting in insufficient hormone production.

“Iodine deficiency causes stillbirth from termination of pregnancy with miscarriage, mental and physical development retardation in children from congenital anomalies, hypothyroidism, goiter and mental dysfunction in adults.

Türkeri finally said, “Iodine deficiency; It causes stillbirth from termination of pregnancy with miscarriage, mental and physical development retardation from congenital anomalies, hypothyroidism, goiter and mental dysfunction in adults. Among these negative consequences of iodine deficiency, one of the most common and most important is goiter, which is defined as pathological enlargement of the thyroid gland. While goiter does not show any symptoms in some cases, some patients may show symptoms such as swelling in the neck, difficulty in swallowing, respiratory distress, cough, and hoarseness. For all these reasons, in order to prevent iodine deficiency, iodization of table salt has been mandatory since July 1998 with the Turkish Food Codex Communique on Edible Salt.