Iodized salt largely eliminated endemic goiter in the mid-20th century. But iodine status has been slipping again since the 1990s. National survey data show median urinary iodine dropped by about half between 1971 and 2001, and a meaningful share of women of childbearing age now test deficient.
Thyroid: goiter, fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, slow reflexes, low mood. Breast: fibrocystic changes, tenderness, cysts. Reproductive: ovarian cysts, PCOS features, menstrual irregularities. Developmental: in severe deficiency during pregnancy, reduced child IQ and developmental delays. General: brain fog, low energy, weakened immunity, dry eyes, poor wound healing.
Because these overlap with so many other conditions, testing — not guesswork — is the right next step, which the next article covers.
Compiled by Dr. Jason Dean from open scientific literature and the reference above. Educational only — not medical advice, and not evaluated by the FDA. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before changing your supplement, diet, or health routine.
