Iodine

Iodine is a trace mineral and an essential nutrient found naturally in the body and is a component of the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which help regulate cell activities. These hormones are also essential for protein synthesis, tissue growth (including the formation of healthy nerves and bones), and reproduction.

Function

This mineral is needed for the normal metabolism of cells. Metabolism is the process of converting food into energy. Humans need this mineral for normal thyroid function, and for the production of thyroid hormones.

This mineral is used to make thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones control many metabolic processes. When this mineral is insufficient in the diet, the result is lethargy and swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck to form a goitre. This mineral is also required for normal neurological development and for energy metabolism. Infants born to mothers severely deficient in this trace mineral may be mentally retarded.

Food Sources

The best natural sources of this mineral are seafood and plants grown near the ocean, iodized salt (plain table salt with this mineral added) is the main food source of this mineral. Seafood is naturally rich in this mineral such as perch, haddock, sea bass, and cod are good sources.

Kelp is the most common vegetable seafood that is a rich source of this mineral. Dairy products also contain this mineral. Other good sources are plants grown in iodine-rich soil.

Side Effects

Lack of enough of this mineral (deficiency) may occur in places that have iodine-poor soil. Many months of this mineral´s deficiency in a person´s diet may cause goiter or hypothyroidism. Without enough of this mineral, the thyroid cells and the thyroid gland become enlarged.

Deficiency happens more often in women than in men, and is more common in pregnant women and older children. Getting enough of this mineral in the diet may prevent a form of physical and mental retardation called cretinism. Cretinism is very rare in the U.S. because deficiency of this mineral is generally not a problem.

Poisonings caused by this trace mineral are rare. Very high intake of this mineral can reduce the function of the thyroid gland.

Most people are able to meet the daily recommendations by eating seafood, iodized salt, and plants grown in iodine-rich soil. When buying salt make sure it is labeled "iodized." A 1/4 teaspoon of iodized table salt provides 95 micrograms of this mineral. A 6-ounce portion of ocean fish provides 650 micrograms of this mineral.

			topic: iodine