Nutrients – Iodine

To contact us Click HERE

Iodine
OverviewIodine is something I have been awareof since childhood. My mother always made sure she used iodizedsalt, both for cooking and for table use. This is something that Ihave been happy about, as both my first wife and now my second wifehave been conscious about having iodized salt for use. Iodine iscrucial in production of the thyroid hormone. Those of us livingaway from the coastal areas need to use iodized salt because thereare few other ways to obtain iodine unless you are a heavy consumerof seafood from the oceans.
Iodine is a trace mineral that the bodyneeds to make thyroid hormones, which are essential for normal growthand development. In your body, about 70 - 80% of iodine is found inthe thyroid gland in the neck. The rest is distributed throughout thebody, particularly in the ovaries, muscles, and blood. If your bodydoesn't have enough iodine, you can develop hypothyroidism (lowthyroid hormone levels).
Tests for iodine deficiencyA 24-hour urine iodine collection is auseful medical test, as approximately 90% of ingested iodine isexcreted in the urine. If a 24-hour urine collection is notpractical, a random urine iodine-to-creatinine ratio canalternatively be used. According to the World Health Organization(WHO), in 2007, nearly 2 billion individuals had insufficient iodineintake, a third being of school age. Thus iodine deficiency, as thesingle greatest preventable cause of mental retardation, is animportant public-health problem. In the USA, it is important thewomen bearing a child be tested and the newborn be tested as soon ascan reasonably done.
Recommended Daily AllowanceThe Food and Nutrition Board at theInstitute of Medicine recommends the following dietary intake foriodine:Infants 0 - 6 months: 110 micrograms per day(mcg/day) 7 - 12 months: 130 mcg/dayChildren 1 - 3 years: 90 mcg/day 4 - 8 years: 90 mcg/day 9 - 13 years: 120 mcg/dayAdolescents and Adults Males age 14 and older: 150 mcg/day Females age 14 and older: 150 mcg/day
Specific recommendations depend on age,gender, and other factors (such as pregnancy). Women who are pregnantor producing breast milk (lactating) need higher amounts. Ask yourdoctor for the amount that is best for you.
FunctionIodine is needed for the normalmetabolism of cells. Metabolism is the process of converting foodinto energy. Humans need iodine for normal thyroid function, and forthe production of thyroid hormones. Iodine is a trace mineral and anessential nutrient found naturally in the body.
Food SourcesIodized salt -- table salt with iodineadded -- is the main food source of iodine. Seafood is naturally richin iodine. Cod, sea bass, and haddock are good sources. Kelp is themost common vegetable seafood that is a rich source of iodine. Dairyproducts also contain iodine. Other good sources are plants grown iniodine-rich soil.
PrecautionsLack of enough iodine (deficiency) mayoccur in places that have iodine-poor soil. Many months of iodinedeficiency in a person's diet may cause goiter or hypothyroidism.Without enough iodine, the thyroid cells and the thyroid gland becomeenlarged. No area maps for locations rich in iodine are currentlyavailable; however, seacoast areas are generally the highest iniodine.
Deficiency happens more often in womenthan in men, and is more common in pregnant women and older children. Getting enough iodine in the diet may prevent a form of physical andmental retardation called cretinism. Cretinism is very rare in theU.S. because iodine deficiency is generally not a problem.
Iodine poisoning is rare in the U.S.Very high intake of iodine can reduce the function of the thyroidgland.
Possible InteractionsIf you are currently being treated withany of the following medications, you should not take iodine untilyou have first talked to your health care provider:
Antithyroid Drugs -- Use ofantithyroid drugs, including propylthiouracil (PTU), and iodide mayincrease the hypothyroid effect of iodides.Lithium -- Use of potassiumiodide and lithium (Lithobid) may cause hypothyroidism.Warfarin -- Use of potassiumiodide (for hyperthyroidism) and warfarin (Coumadin, a blood thinningdrug) may make warfarin less effective.High blood pressure medication (ACEinhibitors and ARB's (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers)) -- Manyiodine supplements contain potassium. When used with ACE inhibitorsand ARB's, iodine may result in an increased level of potassium inthe body, which may be dangerous.Potassium sparing diuretics --Since many iodine supplements contain potassium, concurrent use mayresult in dangerously high levels of potassium.Amiodorone -- Concurrent usewith iodine supplements may result in dangerously high levels ofiodine.
Most people get plenty of iodine, andbecause of the complex way iodine can affect the thyroid, you shouldnot take iodine supplements unless your doctor tells you to.