What is iodine?
Iodine is a trace mineral that is essential for an organism’s health. The body needs iodine to make thyroid hormones, which are essential for proper growth and development.
What is the function of iodine?
Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones and an important element for regulating the functions of these hormones. They include control of body temperature, metabolism of sugars, fats and proteins, basal metabolism and the development of the central nervous system and the skeleton, both during gestation and during childhood. Iodine also performs other biological activities, at the level of the immune system.
Which foods are rich in iodine?
The main dietary source of iodine is fish. Even algae contain good quantities of iodine. It is present in very variable doses in other foods such as milk, eggs, meat and cereals. Fruits and vegetables may also contain iodine; however quantities generally depend on the presence of iodine in the soil on which they were grown, the use of fertilizers and irrigation practices. This variability means that the quantities of iodine are often not sufficient enough to meet the needs of the organism. Due to this, the Ministry of Health has appointed the World Health Organization in charge of helping to prevent deficiencies by using iodized salt in place of common salt.
What is the recommended daily requirement of iodine?
The recommended daily intake of iodine for an adult is equal to 150 micrograms. The requirements vary, however, depending on the individual’s age and dosages may be higher for women who are pregnant or lactating, reaching 220 to 290 micrograms per day.
What are the consequences of iodine deficiency?
Iodine deficiency has several negative effects in terms of growth and development and is the main modifiable risk factor for mental retardation. A possible consequence of iodine deficiency is insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which during pregnancy and early childhood can cause irreversible side effects. For example, during gestation, it can cause abortions, cretinism, motor spasticity, deafness, developmental delays and an increased risk of physical and sexual attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder. In children, mild deficiencies can reduce IQ levels. In adults, iodine deficiency can result in hypothyroidism, often associated with goiter. Other possible problems may include impairment of mental functions and work efficiency and, in the case of chronic shortage, there is the possibility of an increased risk of follicular thyroid cancer.
What are the consequences of excessive iodine intake?
Excessive intake of iodine can lead to some of the symptoms triggered by its deficiencies, including hypothyroidism and goiter. Other possible consequences are the hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis and papillary thyroid cancer. Acute poisoning is rare, though when it does occur; symptoms often include burning in the mouth, throat and stomach, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, weak pulse, and coma.
Is it true that taking iodine is good for thyroid function?
Yes, this is true. The hormone TSH that increases the absorption of iodine, by the thyroid gland, regulates the thyroid function. Thus, making it useful in stimulating the synthesis of thyroid hormones. A proper intake of iodine prevents deficiencies that cause the thyroid gland to swell in an attempt to absorb this mineral.
