The most common important cause of goiter is iodine deficiency

Endocrinology and Metabolism Specialist Dr. Esra Tutal, who warns about iodine deficiency, stated, ‘The most common cause of goiter is iodine deficiency, so the use of iodized table salt is very important. However, it should not be forgotten that excess iodine can also be harmful.’ Dr. Esra Tutal from Liv Hospital Samsun Endocrinology and Metabolism Diseases Clinic, emphasizing that iodine deficiency, which is a significant health problem in 130 countries worldwide, can lead to growth and developmental retardation in children, goiter in adults, and even serious problems such as breast cancer, provided information on the occasion of the Iodine Deficiency Prevention Week, held on 1-7 June. Dr. Esra Tutal stated, ‘The most common cause of goiter is iodine deficiency, so the use of iodized table salt is very important. However, it should not be forgotten that excess iodine can also be harmful.’
Highlighting that the most negative and destructive effects of iodine deficiency are observed in risk groups such as women of childbearing age, pregnant women, babies, and children, Dr. Esra Tutal mentioned that ‘Growth and developmental retardation in babies and children, intelligence levels being at least 13.5 points lower than their peers, decreased learning ability and school performance, increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth in pregnant women, and goiter at any age are just a few of the significant health problems caused by iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency does not show any symptoms in the early stages in the body, but in the later stages, it can lead to the enlargement of the thyroid gland, that is, goiter disease, and the decrease in the production of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism).’
Dr. Esra Tutal, emphasizing that the most common cause of goiter is iodine deficiency, stated that the use of iodized table salt is very important, but also underlined that excess iodine can be harmful.
Dr. Tutal pointed out the uncontrolled use of various food supplements containing high doses of iodine lately, stating, ‘Do not use such products without the recommendation of your endocrinologist. Iodine, which is an essential trace mineral for the production of thyroid hormones, is found in seafood, seaweeds, plants grown in iodine-rich soils, and iodized salt. Therefore, inadequate iodine intake through diet can lead to hypothyroidism. Excessive iodine intake can worsen symptoms in individuals already suffering from hypothyroidism.’