The Importance of Iodine to Your Health

Perhaps you've heard about iodine too many times and how iodine deficiency can cause health concerns such as goitre and hypothyroidism (a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient thyroid hormones). However, not everyone widely understands the role that iodine plays in human health, which could be a factor why the incidence of iodine deficiency disorder is continuously on the rise.

How Does Iodine Help Your Body?

Our thyroid gland absorbs iodine from our blood to produce two types of thyroid hormones, namely triiodothyronine (T₃) and thyroxine (T₄). These hormones are essential to the function of our cells and vital organs, and in regulating the rate of energy our bodies use when at rest. Moreover, T₃ and T₄ help in the brain development, especially in babies and growing children.

Since iodine is an important component in the production of the thyroid hormones, low levels of iodine can result in intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, because of its antiseptic properties, the presence of iodine in our bloodstream also helps filter germs entering our system.

Symptoms of Iodine Deficiency

People who are not getting the adequate amount of iodine for their age may experience symptoms of deficiency, which commonly include:

·         Goitre or the enlargement of the thyroid gland

·         Stunted physical or mental growth (cretinism)

·         Anaemia or decreased amount of red blood cells

·         Increase in cholesterol levels

·         Depressed mood

·         Weight gain

·         Development of problems with the hair, skin and nails

·         Swelling of the face and hands

·         Fatigue

·         Changes in the menstrual cycle

Many of these resemble the symptoms of other health conditions, which is why it is necessary to talk to your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and to learn about the appropriate intervention.

Am I Getting Enough Iodine?

Inadequate dietary intake of iodine is highest in inland regions that do not have direct access to marine foods. Nonetheless, anyone who is not consuming enough of this food group, including vegetarians, is at high risk for iodine deficiency.

With iodine deficiency disorders affecting about 2 billion individuals, Dietary Reference Intakes has been established. You should use this guideline to make sure that you and your family are meeting the daily requirements.

Dietary Reference Intakes and Tolerable Upper Intakes for Iodine

Age	Dietary Intake	Tolerable Upper Intake Level
0-6 months	110 mcg/d	-
6-12 months	130 mcg/d	-
1-3 years	90 mcg/d	200 mcg/d
4-8 years	90 mcg/d	300 mcg/d
9-13 years	120 mcg/d	600 mcg/d
14-18 years	150 mcg/d	900 mcg/d
19 years and older	150 mcg/d	1,100 mcg/d
Pregnant women	220 mcg/d	900 mcg/d (14-18 years) 1,100 mcg/d (19-50 years)
Lactating women	290 mcg/d	900 mcg/d (14-18 years) 1,100 mcg/d (19-50 years)

Source: www.nih.gov