What is Iodine?

Definition: Iodine is a trace mineral essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth, and development in the body.
Sources: Found in seafood, iodized salt, dairy, and some plants grown in iodine-rich soil. It’s also available as a supplement.

What Types of Iodine Are There and What Do They Do?

Potassium Iodide and Sodium Iodide: Commonly used in supplements and medications to prevent and treat iodine deficiency.
Elemental Iodine: Used in disinfectants and sometimes in medical imaging.
Iodate: Added to salt in some countries as a fortification method.
Lugol’s Iodine Solution: A mix of iodine and potassium iodide, often used topically or in small doses for supplementation.
Radioactive Iodine: Used in medical imaging and treatments for thyroid conditions such as hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer.

Daily Requirements for Iodine

Infants (0-12 months): 110-130 µg/day.
Children (1-8 years): 90 µg/day.
Children (9-13 years): 120 µg/day.
Adolescents and Adults (14+ years): 150 µg/day.
Pregnant Women: 220 µg/day.
Lactating Women: 290 µg/day.
Upper Tolerable Intake Level: 1,100 µg/day for adults.

What Does Iodine Do in Our Body?

Thyroid Hormone Production: Crucial for the synthesis of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), hormones that regulate metabolic processes.
Cognitive Function: Essential during pregnancy and infancy for brain development and cognitive function.
Immune Support: Plays a role in maintaining a healthy immune system by supporting cellular defense mechanisms.

Symptoms of Iodine Deficiency

Goiter: Enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Hypothyroidism: Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, depression.
Cognitive Impairment: Poor focus, developmental delays in children.
Hair Loss and Skin Issues: Dry skin, hair thinning, or hair loss.
Cretinism: Severe iodine deficiency in pregnancy can result in stunted growth and intellectual disabilities in infants.

What Does Iodine Do for Our Thyroid Pathway?

Hormone Synthesis: Iodine combines with tyrosine in the thyroid gland to form T3 and T4.
Regulation: Helps control metabolic rate, energy levels, and overall cellular function.
Thyroid Function: Adequate iodine levels prevent thyroid dysfunction, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

What Does Iodine Do for Our Liver?

Detoxification: Supports liver detox pathways by assisting in hormone metabolism and reducing oxidative stress.
Hormone Balance: Helps maintain optimal conversion of T4 to the more active T3 hormone in the liver.

What Does Iodine Do for Our Gut?

Microbial Balance: Plays a role in maintaining gut flora and preventing overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
Digestive Health: Indirectly supports gut motility and nutrient absorption by regulating metabolic processes.

Physical Ailments That Affect Iodine

Autoimmune Conditions: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease can affect iodine utilization.
Iodine Deficiency Disorders: Include goiter, hypothyroidism, and developmental issues in children.
Thyroid Nodules: Imbalance in iodine levels can lead to nodule formation.

Foods That Impact Iodine

Goitrogens: Found in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, cauliflower) and soy products; they can interfere with iodine absorption when consumed in large quantities.
Excess Salt: High sodium intake without iodization can dilute iodine’s effectiveness.

Medications That Impact Iodine

Amiodarone: Contains high iodine levels and can cause thyroid dysfunction.
Lithium: Can inhibit iodine uptake by the thyroid.
Anti-Thyroid Drugs: Medications like methimazole and propylthiouracil interfere with iodine utilization.

Natural Supplements That Negatively Impact Iodine

Excessive Seaweed Supplements: High iodine content can disrupt thyroid balance.
Calcium and Iron: Taken in high doses, these can interfere with iodine absorption.

Heavy Metals That Impact Iodine

Fluoride: Competes with iodine in the thyroid gland.
Bromine: Found in some baked goods and soft drinks, it can block iodine uptake.
Mercury: Can disrupt thyroid function and reduce iodine effectiveness.

Testing for Iodine

Urinary Iodine Test: Measures iodine levels to assess deficiency.
Thyroid Function Tests: Includes TSH, T3, and T4 levels to evaluate iodine’s effect on thyroid health.
Iodine Patch Test: A less reliable method where iodine is applied to the skin.

Nutrients Required for Iodine Absorption

Selenium: Essential for converting T4 to T3 and protecting the thyroid gland.
Zinc: Supports thyroid hormone production.
Iron: Necessary for thyroid hormone synthesis.
Vitamin A: Helps regulate iodine’s role in thyroid function.

Foods High in Iodine

Seaweed: Kelp, nori, and wakame are the richest sources.
Fish and Shellfish: Cod, shrimp, and tuna.
Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, and cheese.
Eggs: Particularly the yolk.
Iodized Salt: A simple way to boost iodine intake.

A Recipe High in Iodine

**Seaweed Salad with Sesame Dressing**

Ingredients: 1 cup dried wakame or choice of seaweed, 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions: Soak seaweed in water for 10 mins then drain, mix other ingredients then toss the seaweed in it. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Other Random Information About Iodine

Iodine Fortification: Introduced to combat widespread deficiency; it’s particularly effective in countries with iodized salt programs.
Over-supplementation Risks: Too much iodine can cause thyroid dysfunction, including hyperthyroidism or thyroiditis.
Pregnancy Importance: Ensuring adequate iodine levels during pregnancy prevents birth defects and developmental delays.
Geographic Variations: Coastal regions tend to have higher iodine levels due to seafood consumption, while inland areas may be more prone to deficiency.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or treatment plan. Individual needs may vary, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.

The Thyroid and Iodine