Iodine deficiency primarily occurs due to inadequate intake of iodine through the diet. This can be exacerbated by the consumption of foods known as goitrogens, which interfere with iodine uptake. Common sources of goitrogens include certain vegetables like cabbage and Brussels sprouts. Environmental factors, such as low iodine levels in soil and water, also play a role in the prevalence of IDDs, especially in mountainous regions or areas far from the sea. Additionally, exposure to environmental pollutants can exacerbate iodine deficiency by increasing the body's iodine requirement or disrupting thyroid function.
