Disorders of iodine balance: consequences of deficiency and excess. The role of iodine in the prenatal period and in childhood development
Wojciech Wiśniewski
2026-05-19
3 min. read
Disorders of iodine balance: consequences of deficiency and excess. The role of iodine in the prenatal period and in childhood development
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Iodine, an essential trace element for thyroid hormone synthesis, occurs naturally in seafood, cruciferous vegetables, and marine aerosols, from which it is absorbed via the respiratory tract and skin. Due to widespread deficiency risks, it is also routinely supplemented in table salt. What are the clinical and metabolic consequences associated with its chronic insufficiency or excessive intake? How do these imbalances affect pregnancy outcomes, fetal development, and children’s health across different age groups, considering their physiological requirements and developmental vulnerabilities?
Iodine deficiency
Iodine deficiency causes disorders, which can vary in severity depending on the severity of the disorder. It is associated with the occurrence of thyroid disorder in adults, as well as the presence of simple willpower. This condition causes impairment affecting metabolic and reproductive functions. In children there is creatinism, so the disease of children whose mothers, especially in the first weeks of pregnancy, suffer from thyroid insufficiency and at the same time a deficiency of this element.
Excess iodine
This is a very rare situation, in fact uncommon. Usually there is only inhibition of the synthesis of thyroid hormones or allergic reactions, but they are usually associated with diseases or the use of medicines. Excess iodine in the body causes hyperactivity of the thyroid and the appearance of will. Unfortunately, due to the increased activity of the mucous glands, nausea can be felt. Sometimes there are vomiting, diarrhea, and also cataract symptoms in the nose and bronchi.
Iodine is pregnant
An adequate concentration of iodine in pregnancy is extremely important, especially in the first weeks of pregnancy. Deficiency of this element and associated thyroid failure leads to reduced production of hormones by this gland. As a result, a fetus that has not yet developed a thyroid suffers from a lack of the hormones T3 and T4 from the mother, necessary for the formation of the central nervous system. Therefore, the child is at risk of developing irreversible mental defects.
Iodine for children
Iodine is an extremely necessary element for the proper development of children. This element is responsible, among other things, for regulating energy changes. It is also essential for proper growth and sexual maturity. It has been noted that a deficiency of this microelement can cause mental and physical damage.