By Dr Nehal Shah Consultant. Paediatric Medicine, Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai
A childs brain goes through amazing changes from the time of pregnancy through the early years of life. During this time nutrition is very important in shaping thinking skills, learning and overall growth. While parents often think about protein, calcium, iron and vitamins one important nutrient can easily be missed: iodine. Needed in small amounts iodine has a big effect on a childs brain development and thyroid function.
Iodine is a mineral that the body cannot make by itself. It is needed to make thyroid hormones, which control metabolism and help the brain and nervous system develop. If a person does not get iodine the body may not make enough thyroid hormones, which can harm a childs growth and development.
Why iodine matters from the stages
Iodines importance starts even before a child is born. During pregnancy the growing baby depends on the mothers thyroid hormones during early brain growth. Severe lack of iodine during pregnancy can cause brain damage that cannot be fixed while even a small lack may affect brain growth.
After a child is born enough iodine is still important as the brain keeps growing. Thyroid hormones help with brain growth, including the creation of brain connections and normal thinking. Not having iodine can affect more than just physical growth.
Children who have a lack of iodine may get a condition called hypothyroidism, which can affect growth, energy and learning. However signs may not always be clear in the stages. This makes it important to prevent the problem by eating
The everyday source parents should not miss
One of the ways to avoid iodine lack is by using salt that has enough iodine. India has pushed for all salt to have iodine to lower the number of people with iodine problems making salt a simple way for most families to get this important nutrient.
Parents should remember that the goal is not to eat more salt but to pick iodised salt while keeping total salt use within the right levels. Eating much salt can be bad for health so getting iodine should not mean eating unhealthy foods.
Checking food labels and making sure the salt at home has iodine can help families make choices. Foods like milk, eggs and fish can also add iodine. The amount depends on where they come from and how they are made.
Diets that are mostly plants can also give iodine. The amount depends on the soil and growing conditions. Families with diets may need to talk to a doctor about their nutrition.
Can parents see if a child has iodine lack?
Iodine lack is not easy to spot by looking. Signs of not thyroid hormones can be tiredness, constipation not growing enough and trouble focusing. An enlarged thyroid, called a goitre can happen in some cases.
These signs are not from iodine lack and can come from other problems. Parents should not try to guess or give children iodine pills without a doctors help. Much iodine can also hurt the thyroid so taking extra can be dangerous.
If a lack or thyroid problem is suspected a doctor can check the childs signs, growth and past health. Suggest tests if needed.
Small choices, big results
Taking care of a childs growth does not always need changes. Choosing salt offering a good mix of foods and going to regular check-ups can help get enough nutrition during childhood.
Iodine is needed in amounts but its help for the thyroid and brain is big. Making sure there is enough, before birth and through childhood.
