| What is iodine? Iodine is a mineral essential for the functioning of the thyroid gland in making the thyroid hormones.
What iodine does for youAbout 60 percent of the body’s iodine content is kept in the thyroid gland, located in the neck. The gland uses the iodine to produce the two thyroid hormones (T3 or tri-iodothyronine and T4 or thyroxine) that regulate your body’s metabolism, including the rate at which you burn calories, as well as the conversion of carotene to vitamin A, cholesterol synthesis, protein synthesis and carbohydrate absorption . Iodine also plays a role in maintaining connective tissue, which comprises the tendons and ligaments, that hold tissue together. Iodine is also important for the physical and mental development of children.
How much iodine you need The RDA for iodine is 150mcg a day for adults. Supplemental iodine as found in kelp (seaweed) is often needed by pregnant women, people with low thyroid function and those on very low salt diets.
Which foods have iodine?Fatty fish such as haddock, mackerel, herring, salmon and trout, seafood such as muscles and kelp, salt and dairy.
Signs of iodine deficiencyFatigue, cold hands and feet, poor concentration and memory, and an enlarged thyroid gland. Obesity may also be a sign of iodine deficiency.
How much iodine is too much?High intakes of iodine can be toxic to the thyroid gland. Pregnant women should avoid high doses and acne sufferers may find their condition worsens when taking high doses.
New research on iodineWomen who have benign swelling and lumps in the breasts may find that the pain caused by the condition is reduced by higher doses of iodine.
|
