10 signs of iodine deficiency

10. Birth defects
Babies born to mothers with an iodine deficiency can experience serious complications. Iodine is essential for normal growth, healing and metabolism. Babies who are iodine deficient face an increased risk for intellectual and developmental delays. Mental retardation, deafness, mutism, stunted growth, neurological problems and delayed sexual maturity are possible complications of iodine deficiency. The mother and infant are also at an increased risk of experiencing a miscarriage or stillbirth.