IODINE

Description

Iodine is an essential constituent of the thyroid hormones that regulate our metabolism.

An adequate intake of iodine prevents goiter, which is an enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Sources

Good sources of iodine include seafood, saltwater fish, kelp, dairy products, molasses and bread. The amount of iodine found in fruits and vegetables depends on whether or not they were grown in iodine-rich soil.

To make sure that the general population consumes enough iodine to prevent goiter, table salt is now fortified with iodine.

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)

Recommended average daily nutrient intake that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97 to 98%) healthy individuals in each age and gender group. The RDA should only be used as a guide for daily individual intake.

The average Canadian diet consists of more than 1000 mcg of iodine.

Deficiency

Iodine deficiency has not been an issue since the introduction of iodized salt in the 1970s.

If one’s diet is lacking iodine, the thyroid gland will enlarge in an effort to try and capture as much iodine as possible, causing goitre.

An iodine deficiency can also cause hypothyroidism which is characterized by reduced heart rate, constipation, depression, fatigue, weight gain and dry skin. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy leads to cretinism in newborns. Reduced intellectual abilities have been observed in children.

Toxicity

Iodine toxicity is rare and has few symptoms. Toxic goitre can develop when there is severe iodine toxicity, especially in those who have been iodine-deficient in the past.

Supplements

Since iodine is commonly found in the foods we eat, supplements are not necessary.

Watch what you eat. Diet has a significant impact on health!