Iodine

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Iodine is a mineral that is required by the body for the synthesis of thyroid hormones - thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Under normal circumstances, the human body contains approximately 20 to 30 mg of iodine, most of which is stored in the thyroid gland. Small amounts of iodine are also stored in the mammary glands, gastric mucosa, salivary glands, and blood.

In the following lines we will look at what they are functions of iodine, what are the risks of iodine deficiency, as well as where to get the important mineral. See more:

Functions of iodine

As a component of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), iodine is essential for human life. Without enough iodine, the body is unable to synthesize these hormones and thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism in every cell of the body and play an important role in almost all physiological functions. Goiter or enlargement of the thyroid gland is usually one of the earliest symptoms of iodine deficiency. Enlargement of the thyroid gland results from too much stimulation of the thyroid gland with stimulating hormone (TSH), as well as from the body's attempts to produce thyroid hormones despite the lack of iodine.

Iodine has several other physiological functions. It can help inactivate bacteria and is therefore used as a skin disinfectant and to purify water. Iodine may also play a role in the prevention of fibrocystic breast disease, characterized by painful breast swelling, by modulating the action of the hormone estrogen on breast tissue. Iodine deficiency also impairs the functioning of the immune system and the presence of sufficient iodine is necessary to prevent miscarriages.

Iodine deficiency

Iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism, which causes a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, weakness, and depression. Interestingly, that iodine deficiency it can also cause hyperthyroidism, a condition characterized by weight loss, a fast heart rate and decreased appetite.

Iodine deficiency during pregnancy or early childhood leads to cretinism - a condition characterized by hypothyroidism, thyroid dysfunction, severe mental retardation, stunted physical growth, deafness.

Pregnant women are most at risk of iodine deficiency; people who can't get it with food; people living in countries with iodine-poor soil, such as Bulgaria.

Symptoms of iodine deficiency

1. Swelling of the neck - this is among the most famous signs of iodine deficiency in the body. It occurs due to the increase in the size of the thyroid gland. When there is too little iodine in the body, the gland begins to work harder, leading to an increase in cells;

2. Sudden weight gain - this is another very common sign of iodine deficiency. Again, thyroid hormones, which control the rate at which food is converted into energy, are to blame;

3. Hair loss and permanent hair loss - it turns out that thyroid hormones also affect hair loss. Soon a noticeable thinning of the hair begins to be noticed;

4. Unexplained fatigue and weakness - with iodine deficiency people feel extremely exhausted and tired. Complaints are daily, which requires mandatory consultation with a doctor;

5. Extremely dry skin - The thyroid gland is responsible for cell regeneration and sweating, which keeps the skin moist. If it does not function properly, the skin is extremely dry;

6. Changes in heart rhythm - the small amount of iodine in the body can make the heart work slower than normal. People with such a problem feel dizzy, weak and very tired, they feel like they will faint;

7. Hypersensitivity to the cold - decreased levels of thyroid hormones cause a slowdown in metabolism and less heat generation. As a result, one feels a sudden chill for no apparent reason;

8. Problems with memorization and learning - decreased thyroid hormones affect the hippocampus - the part of the brain responsible for long-term memory;

9. Irregular and painful cycle - again due to low levels of thyroid hormones. There is profuse bleeding during the menstrual cycle, as well as severe pain. As a result of the irregular cycle, ovulation is more difficult to determine, which can also lead to reproductive problems;

10. Problems during pregnancy - expectant mothers need to get more iodine for the needs of the adolescent life in the womb. If a pregnant woman suffers from iodine deficiency, then the risk of miscarriage or birth of a defective child is high.

Iodine overdose

Accidental overdose of iodine from medications or supplements of more than one gram can cause burning in the mouth, throat and stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a weak pulse and even coma.

Under certain circumstances, excessive iodine consumption can actually inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormones, leading to the development of goiter and hypothyroidism. Excessive iodine intake can also cause hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer and iodermia (serious skin reaction).

Iodine intake

Reference values regarding the permissible daily intake of iodine can be found at the link provided.

Food processing in practice often increases the amount of iodine in them. For example, the addition of potassium iodide in the production of iodized salt dramatically increases iodine intake. Iodine-based dough is often used in the production of bread, which increases the iodine content of bread.

The absorption of iodine is also hindered by the components of some foods. These nutrients, called gooseberries, are found mainly in cruciferous vegetables (cabbage and broccoli), soy products, peanuts, mustard and millet.

Amiodarone, a drug used to treat irregular heart rhythms, contains iodine and can impair the proper function of the thyroid gland. Similarly, erythrosine, a red coloring agent that is often used in foods and medicines, also contains significant amounts of iodine and can affect thyroid activity.

Properties of iodine

Iodine may play an important role in the prevention and / or treatment of the following diseases: cognitive impairment, cretinism, fibrocystic breast disease, goiter, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, miscarriage.

The iodine content of natural foods is usually quite low and varies depending on environmental factors, such as concentration of iodine in the soil and the use of fertilizers. Some of the richest sources of iodine often processed foods that contain iodized salt and bread that is made from iodine-rich dough.

As it turns out, iodine is an extremely important mineral for the proper functioning of a number of processes in the human body. Do not neglect the need to obtain it and in case of any suspicion of deficiency or excess consult a doctor.

Sources of iodine

Photo: Sevdalina Irikova

Seafood and vegetables are an excellent source of iodine. Yogurt and especially cow's milk, eggs and strawberries are extremely good sources of iodine. One of the good sources of iodine is mozzarella cheese. Iodine is also found in iodized salt, sea salt, garlic, sesame seeds, asparagus.

Nowadays it is extremely fashionable to avoid iodized salt and to rely on any other options, the most common of which is the so popular Himalayan salt. All more exotic types of salt, packaged outside our country, have a questionable amount of iodine in their composition, which can cause a deficiency.

It is also important to note that iodine is highly volatile itself iodized salt has a shelf life of up to 1 year, but with proper storage in dry and tightly closed glass containers in the dark. Store salt properly to make sure you get the right amount of iodine.