Iodine is an important mineral that the body requires to function properly, and the body is unable to produce this mineral.
The mineral should be taken in the form of supplements or through diet. It is found in food, but it can be difficult to distinguish the quantity of iodine.
To obtain a large dietary dose of this mineral, most people must use iodine rich salt on regular basis. Iodized salt in the United States is the main source of consumption of this mineral.
Iodine is also a trace factor; this means that it constitutes a comparatively small percentage of tissues of the body.
Dosage of iodine
The daily recommended intake of iodine for adults is 140 mg. people can iodine from iodine-rich foods as well as from iodine dietary supplements.
Sources of iodine
The food sources of iodine are;
- Fish such as tuna and cod
- Seafood
- Dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, milk
Health Benefits of Iodine
1. Iodine for thyroid health
In thyroid health, Iodine plays an important part. To help regulate the production of hormones, the thyroid gland is used which is located at the base of the neck.
These hormones regulate your metabolism, the health of your heart, etc.
Your thyroid requires iodine in small quantities to produce thyroid hormones. The production of thyroid hormones decreases without the intake of iodine.
The disorder called hypothyroidism may be caused by a “low” or underactive thyroid gland.
2. Iodine for goiters
Enlargement of the gland (thyroid gland) is known as goiter. As a consequence of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, the thyroid can be enlarged.
The overactive thyroid gland is hyperthyroidism. Thyroid nodules (cysts) that are non-cancerous can also induce thyroid gland expansion.
A goiter also grows as a direct reaction to a lack of iodine intake. This is the world’s most common cause of goiters, although it is not as often cause access in the United States and other countries as they have access to foods enriched with iodine.
3. Iodine for managing overactive thyroid gland
A specific form of iodine called radioactive iodine may be recommended by your doctor for treatment of an overactive thyroid gland.
This medicine is taken by mouth, also called radioiodine. It is used to destroy additional thyroid cells to lower excess hormone production of the thyroid. The risk associated with radioactive iodine is that it can target many thyroid cells to be destroyed.
This can lower hormone production, which leads to hypothyroidism. Therefore, only after anti-thyroid medicines have failed, the intake of radioactive is recommended.
4. Iodine for treating thyroid cancer
The possibility of treatment for thyroid cancer can also include radiation. It functions much like hyperthyroid therapy.
During radioactive therapy, the consumption of radioactive iodine orally kills thyroid cells, including cancerous cells.
It can be used to make sure that all cancerous cells are eliminated from the body as therapy after a thyroid operation.
5. Iodine for neurodevelopment during pregnancy
In pregnancy, the body requires more intake of iodine. This is because iodine consumption is related to the brain growth of fetuses during pregnancy.
In one study, babies with iodine-deficient mothers during pregnancy were found to grow up more likely with less intellectual delays and less IQ.
During pregnancy, the recommended daily intake is 220 mcg of iodine. In comparison, the recommended amount for adults who are not pregnant is 150 mcg per day.
6. Iodine for cognitive function
During pregnancy, the same neurological advantages of iodine can be extended to healthy brain development during childhood. This also entails a lower chance of intellectual impairment.
Your child will probably receive all of the iodine they need from their diet but speak to their pediatrician if you have concerns about their iodine intake.
Side Effects of Iodine
If you take a moderate amount of iodine through diet or in form of iodized salt then there is no need to worry as the excess of iodine in the body can pass through urine.
But if you take high doses of iodine through supplements then it can cause serious health conditions such as;
- Hyperthyroidism
- Goiter
- Thyroid cancer
- Thyroiditis
Adults and children who are suffering from kidney failure and take a bottle of pills then the excess iodine does not eliminate from the body and can cause vomiting, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
