Iodine is a trace mineral meaning that while it is an important component of many bodily functions large quantities are not needed to carry out these crucial efforts. In fact, iodine is thought to be such an important mineral that the US government came up with an ingenious way to ensure Americans get an adequate supply: Legislation recommending that iodine be added into table salt was passed.

As the trace mineral iodine is ingested, 75% of this mineral makes its way to the thyroid gland. Once there, iodine joins up with two important hormones that are produced by the thyroid gland: triiodothyronine and thyroxine. Every part of the body requires these hormones. Most importantly, they play a role in the body's ability to produce energy. These hormones control and regulate basal metabolic rates. In other words, they determine how fast and how efficiently the body is able to burn calories.

Thyroid hormones are also what helps control a child's mental development and overall growth rate. Pregnant women who do not get enough iodine increase the risks that their newborn babies will develop some degree of mental retardation.

If you ever had a bruise or cut as a child, your parent likely applied iodine to the affected area. That's because iodine is an effective antiseptic. In addition to helping clean and heal wounds, it will discolor the skin.

For those times when secretions build up in the lungs, iodine is used to thin them, making these secretions much easier to expel.

Individuals with iodine sensitivity may experience skin problems such as a rash or ulcers in the mucous membrane. They also may develop a fever and neck swelling.

Sources of iodine

Iodine is added to most table salt so people generally get the required amount from just one teaspoon of iodized salt. Iodine is also readily present in seafood and sea plants such as kelp and seaweed. Fruits and vegetables grown in coastal regions are other good sources of iodine. Processed foods are not a good source of iodine as they typically are not made with iodized salt.

The recommended daily allowance for adults is 150 mg/day. Women who are pregnant or who are breast feeding require more: 157 mg/day and 200 mg/day respectively.

Symptoms of iodine deficiency

Since iodine plays a role in producing energy, the most notable symptoms of a deficiency include lethargy, slowed reflexes and a slowed metabolic rate. Skin can become dry and hoarseness can develop in the throat. The amount of fat in the blood supply can increase which is why obesity is one of the symptoms of an iodine deficiency. If the deficiency continues for a long time, the thyroid gland can become enlarged. An enlarged thyroid gland is called a goiter. A goiter develops when the thyroid gland is forced to work extra hard to produce adequate levels of thyroxine. Goiters usually protrude from the side of the neck. In children, a deficiency of iodine may cause mental retardation. Fortunately, this type of deficiency is rare in developed countries.

The Author:

Dr. John Spencer Ellis



Photo Credit: Jeltovski

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