Iodine
Other name(s):
iodide, organic iodine, potassium iodide, sodium iodide
General description
Iodine is an essential mineral element. It is naturally found in some foods, and added
to other foods. It can also be taken as a supplement. In 1922, experts learned that
the thyroid gland needs iodine. The gland needs it to make thyroid hormones and prevent
enlarged thyroid glands (goiter). Thyroid hormones control metabolism. They also affect
reproductive functions, nerves, muscles, skin, and hair. Iodine also helps make protein
and use oxygen.
Iodine is in 2 main hormones made by the thyroid gland. Together, these hormones control
the metabolic rate of the body. They’re important in growth and development, especially
in an unborn baby and a newborn. Not having enough iodine and thyroid hormones can
cause intellectual issues and developmental delays.
Medically valid uses
Iodine is used to prevent and treat:
Using table salt that has potassium iodide can help prevent goiters. Other sources
of iodine include eggs, dairy foods, and seaweed.
If you get goiter during pregnancy, you’ll need treatment. This can keep your baby
healthy.
Unsubstantiated claims
There may be benefits that have not yet been proven through research.
Iodine may help immune response. And it may have a helpful effect on mammary dysplasia
and fibrocystic breast disease.
Recommended intake
Many areas of the country have very little iodine in the soil. As a result, crops
in these areas and animals raised on these crops are not exposed to much iodine. Before
iodine was added to table salt, many people in these areas had goiters. The Lake Michigan
area was once called the “goiter belt.” This problem has mostly gone away now. This
is likely because of iodized salt and the widespread consumption of ocean fish and
shellfish.
But people living in areas without enough iodine in the soil may still need iodine
supplements. This includes people living in the Great Lakes states and mountain regions
of the United States and Mexico.
Adults who don’t get enough iodine in their diet can get goiters. In severe cases,
this may lead to an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Symptoms can include:
People who consume large amounts of soy, cassava, or uncooked cruciferous vegetables
also need more iodine. These include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, Brussels
sprouts, and rutabagas. These foods have substances that keep the digestive tract
from absorbing iodine. Cooking stops the action of these substances.
Newborn babies that don't get enough iodine in the womb are often born with enlarged
thyroid glands. They may also have signs of hypothyroidism. If a baby's thyroid doesn’t
work during growth in the womb, he or she can get congenital hypothyroidism. This
can lead to intellectual issues. It can also cause growth problems.
Iodine is measured in micrograms (mcg). The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is
as follows:
|
Group
|
RDA
|
|
Infants (0 to 6 months)
|
110 mcg*
|
|
Infants (7 months to 1 year)
|
130 mcg*
|
|
Children (1–3 years)
|
90 mcg
|
|
Children (4–8 years)
|
90 mcg
|
|
Children (9–13 years)
|
120 mcg
|
|
Males (14 years and older)
|
150 mcg
|
|
Females (14 years and older)
|
150 mcg
|
|
Pregnant women
|
220 mcg
|
|
Breastfeeding women
|
290 mcg
|
*Adequate Intake (AI)
|
Food source
|
Nutrient content per 100 grams
|
|
Seaweed
|
61,990 mcg*
|
|
Iodized salt
|
10,000 mcg
|
|
Cod liver oil
|
838 mcg
|
|
Seafood, fish (depending on type of fish)
|
36–311 mcg
|
|
Seafood, shellfish (depending on type of shellfish)
|
31–129 mcg
|
|
Sea salt
|
94 mcg
|
Iodized salt contains potassium iodide. It’s often in a ratio of 1 part iodine to
10,000–100,000 parts salt. This means there’s very little iodine in the salt. But
it’s enough to prevent goiter. Iodized salt made in the U.S. contains 76–100 mcg of
iodine per gram of salt.
Side effects, toxicity, and interactions
Elemental iodine is toxic. This type is found in tincture of iodine. It’s used to
disinfect cuts. Swallowing even a small amount can cause death.
Getting too much iodine may also cause problems. It can also cause a goiter. It may
also keep your thyroid from working well. This is more likely if you take doses close
to 1,000 mcg per day.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t take iodine supplements without
talking to their healthcare providers. Too much iodine in pregnancy may cause hypothyroidism
and a goiter in a newborn.
Talk with your healthcare provider before taking iodine if you take any of these medicines: