• Thyroid Disorders
• Hormone Replacement Therapy

Understanding Iodine Deficiency

Medically reviewed and edited by Taryn Facella-Scheuer, ANP-C

Published: September 03, 2025
Updated: September 22, 2025
5 mins

Feeling low energy? You could be experiencing iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency is more prevalent in regions of the world where soil iodine levels are lower. Fortunately, most foods grown in the U.S. contain high levels of iodine. However, it’s still possible for some people not to process iodine as well as others, regardless of diet.

Iodine deficiency is more common in women than in men. The female body tends to need more iodine than the male body during pregnancy and hormonal changes like menopause. Still, there are options for treating iodine deficiency before symptoms worsen.

What is Iodine Deficiency?

Iodine is a key trace mineral obtained through food. Iodine naturally exists in seawater and soil. 

Iodine deficiency may occur if you don’t consume enough iodine in your daily diet. In certain places around the world, like Australia, the risk of iodine deficiency is higher because less iodine is present in the soil than in countries like the U.S. 

When consumed, iodine helps to create the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Without enough iodine, the thyroid gland may not produce enough thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism) or overproduce them (hyperthyroidism). Low levels of iodine can affect the efficiency of thyroid function in the body and how the body converts food into energy. 

In addition to giving the body the energy it needs to carry out bodily functions, iodine also plays a role in brain development in fetuses.

What is the recommended amount of iodine?

Health experts recommend that men consume around 150 mcg (micrograms) of iodine, and women consume between 220 to 290 mcg of iodine daily. Women may need to consume higher amounts of iodine during pregnancy or if they have preexisting conditions affecting iodine levels.

What are the Symptoms of Iodine Deficiency?

Those with iodine deficiency may not always experience symptoms. Symptoms of hypothyroidism related to iodine deficiency may not manifest for years after a person develops the condition. A goiter (an enlarged thyroid) is one of the most common physical symptoms of iodine deficiency.

Those with moderate to severe iodine deficiency may also experience the following symptoms:

• Constipation

• Weight gain

• Fatigue

• Cold sensitivity

• High blood pressure

• Bradycardia (slow heartbeat)

• Dry skin

Untreated iodine deficiency may also increase your risk of developing a heart condition, depression, and infertility.

Who is at Risk for Iodine Deficiency?

Generally, iodine deficiency is not as common in the U.S. as it is in South Asia, certain European countries, and other places around the world. Many other regions of the world saw a decrease in iodine levels in their soil over time from glaciation, flooding, and some environmental differences. Those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet may also have an increased risk of low iodine levels. 

Aside from where you live, you may have an increased risk of iodine deficiency if you have the following health conditions:

• Hashimoto’s disease

• Type 1 diabetes

• Graves’ Disease

• Hypothyroidism

• Hyperthyroidism

Women who are pregnant and have iodine deficiency may have an increased risk of their baby being born with congenital disorders. A healthcare provider may monitor you more closely if they notice symptoms of iodine deficiency for this reason. 

How is Iodine Deficiency Diagnosed?

A healthcare provider may see signs of iodine deficiency during a routine medical exam. During a physical exam, they may feel changes around the thyroid, such as the formation of a thyroid nodule, which may indicate iodine deficiency. 

The following tests can also help a healthcare provider measure iodine levels:

• Urine tests

• Imaging tests

• Thyroid blood tests

How Can You Raise Iodine Levels?

To raise iodine levels, a healthcare provider may recommend eating more iodine-rich foods or taking iodine supplements. Let a healthcare provider know about any other supplements or medications you take before starting iodine supplements.

The following foods have high levels of iodine:

• Seaweed

• Eggs

• Shrimp

• Cod 

• Oysters

• Dairy products

• Beef

• Iodized table salt

Tips for Preventing Iodine Deficiency

The best way to prevent iodine deficiency is to continue to keep iodine-rich foods in your daily diet. Fortunately, most foods in the U.S. have naturally high levels of iodine. 

The following tips can help you keep your iodine levels within a normal range:

• Consider prioritizing more seafood and plant-based foods

• Have at least two to three seafood meals per week 

• Use iodized salt while cooking

• Taking iodine supplements recommended by a health professional

• Limit your consumption of ultraprocessed foods

When consuming iodized salt, it’s important not to overconsume salt. Consuming too much salt for a long period of time may increase your risk of developing health conditions.

Where Can I Learn More About Iodine Deficiency?

Iodine deficiency can affect other bodily functions by reducing the effectiveness of thyroid function. At LifeMD, a licensed healthcare provider can help you learn more about iodine deficiency and other women’s health concerns.

The LifeMD Women’s Health Program offers quality testing and lab options for thyroid treatment and other women’s health concerns. A LifeMD-affiliated healthcare provider can prescribe treatments for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism for those who qualify.

LifeMD offers treatment for anyone needing support for thyroid complications. With LifeMD+, you can get quality testing and lab options for thyroid treatment and other health concerns related to iodine deficiency. A LifeMD-affiliated healthcare provider can also prescribe hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism treatments for those who qualify.

Become a LifeMD+ member today to balance your hormones for an optimal health outcome.

Taryn Facella-Scheuer, ANP-C

Taryn earned her Bachelor’s in Nursing from Rutgers University, her Master’s in Nursing from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and her Master’s in Adult Gerontology Critical Care from the University of Pennsylvania. She has provided care to a wide array of patients across various healthcare settings. Fitness is Taryn’s passion. She weight lifts and runs regularly, and she also enjoys cooking and traveling.

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