Iodine Deficiency in Kids Makes Unsettling Return

A notable case of iodine deficiency has surfaced, as a 13-year-old boy with a rapidly enlarging neck puzzled doctors in Providence, Rhode Island. They eventually diagnosed him with low iodine levels, a condition increasingly observed among children. Although iodine deficiency was largely eradicated in the 20th century by fortifying table salt, modern dietary changes and noniodized salt trends have contributed to its resurgence, especially among pregnant women and children.

Iodine is crucial for thyroid function and neurological development, and inadequate intake can lead to health issues like goiters and developmental delays. Once prevalent in the US, iodine deficiency nearly vanished after iodized salt became common in the 1920s. However, the rise of processed foods lacking iodized salt and the popularity of alternative salts have led to decreased iodine intake.

While most Americans still receive adequate iodine, doctors emphasize the need for awareness, particularly among vulnerable groups. Experts recommend that pregnant and breastfeeding women ensure an intake of 150 micrograms of iodine daily, either through diet or supplements. Recent studies have shown a concerning trend of mild iodine deficiency, which experts fear could lead to developmental issues like lower IQs and language delays in children. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)