SOURCES, BENEFITS, AND DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS OF IODINE

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Iodine is a critical mineral found in the ocean, soils, and in some plants. While it’s essential in the body, having an excess of it could mean more harm than benefits.

In every household, you will find a box of iodized salt in the kitchen because of its importance in the diet. Iodine is a natural mineral found in the soil, ocean, and some plants mostly consumed as iodized salts. It regulates hormones, brain development, and several other functions in the body, and its deficiency can be harmful to the body. Still, it has side effects. For instance, its toxicity caused by taking it in excess amounts maycause adverse effects to your body. Keep reading to find out more about iodine.

Sources of iodine 

Iodine has few sources on earth. Plants and animals naturally have it, and oceans and soils possess this mineral. The recommended amount for a normal adult is 150 milligrams per day, while pregnant and breastfeeding women should take 220 milligrams and 290 milligrams, respectively.

The major sources of iodine are:

  • Seaweed
  • Cod
  • Plain yogurt
  • Eggs
  • Shrimp
  • Tuna
  • Dried prunes
  • Iodized table salt

Besides, trace amounts of iodine can be foundin beef, chicken, and other daily products.

Health Importance of iodine 

Iodine is mostly mixed with table salts to prevent iodine deficiency because of the several health benefits it has, including;

·         Improves thyroid health

The thyroid gland is located on the front part of the neck and is responsible for producing thyroid hormones critical for heart health and the control of metabolism. The gland uses iodine to form thyroid hormones. When it is underactive, it may lead to hypothyroidism condition. However, too much iodine can affect the thyroid gland.

·         Reducesthe risk ofgoiter

Goiter is caused by hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland). Both conditions make the thyroid glands enlarge, resulting in goiter, althoughit is mostly caused by a lack of enough iodine in the diet. On rare occasions, the goitermay develop from injury, tumor, or a person’s genetic factors.

·         Promotes fetal brain development during pregnancy

Taking enough iodine will help the unborn baby’s brain develop, resulting in babies with higher IQ. Therefore, when the mother is iodine deficient, the baby will likelyhave intellectual delays. It is critical to visit a doctor to know if your body’s iodine levels are good. If you have lower levels of the mineral or are iodine deficient, you will be given iodine supplements. Still, after giving birth, you will need to monitor your iodine levels to help the baby’s brain develop as you breastfeed.

·         Helps in treating fibrocystic breast diseases

Women in their reproductive ages might sometimes get painful breast lumps called fibrocystic breast disease,mostly treated by taking iodine supplements as the primary medication.However, you should not start taking iodine while attempting to treat yourself. Instead, you should consult a doctor to know what to do. This helps prevent you from taking excess iodine.

·         Treats thyroid cancer

The best way of treating thyroid cancer is by using radioiodine taken orally. This medication destroys the cancerous cells in the throat. The treatment is then finalized by surgery to ensure that the cancer cells have been removed completely.

·         Treating infections and wounds

The liquid iodine is used topically in the treatment and prevention of infections. Iodine can also be used to kill bacteria in mild cuts. However, it would be best not to use it when the cuts are deep, burns, or in animal bites. Moreover, you also should not use it on babies. While taking iodine for wounds and infections, following the doctor’s prescription is key, and you should not use it for more than ten days unless advised by the healthcare provider.

Symptoms of iodine deficiency

Iodine deficiency results when your thyroid glands cannot manufacture enough iodine required by the body. However, there are groups of people who are vulnerable to iodine deficiency, including:

  • Pregnant mothers
  • People who are following a strict vegan diet
  • Those who don’t use iodized salt

Some symptomsof iodine deficiencyare:

a. Swelling neck 

When the iodine level is low in the body, the thyroid glands tend to work harder to increase the production of thyroid hormones. As a result, the thyroid gland cells will multiply, consequently leading to goiter, which cannot be treated if it goes unattended for long.

b. Unexpected weight gain

Thyroid hormone helps in body metabolism, a process whereby you convert food to heat and energy. When the levels of the hormone arelow, the body tends to lower the metabolism rate. All the calories will, in turn, be stored in your body as fats leading to a drastic increase in weight.

c. Feeling colder than normal.

Studies have shown that people with lower levels of thyroid hormones are more sensitive to cold. The reduced rates of metabolism lead to reduced heat generation in the body. Moreover, thyroid hormone helps in the action of brown fats, which generate heat when the hormones act upon them. However, the brown fats will not perform their work when you are iodine deficient.

Other symptoms include:

  • hair loss
  • depression fog
  • difficulty in swallowing
  • breathing difficulties
  • fatigue

Side effects of iodine 

Excess iodine is called iodine toxicityandmay lead to coma. Some of the iodine side effects are:

  • Stomach pains
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Burning sensations in the mouth or throats

You may also experience allergic reactions and inflammation if your body is sensitive to iodine. You shouldn’t take iodine if you have any thyroid conditions and have not been instructed by the doctor.

Conclusion 

The numerous advantages of iodine make it an essential nutrient which you should add to your diet, and supplementation may be needed to fightiodine deficiency. Make it a routine to visit the doctor to monitor your iodine conditions. However, before taking iodine supplements, consult a doctor to ensure that you take the right dosage. If you are allergic to the supplements, the doctor will recommend you for a perfect substitute.

Credits

We would like to thank the below contributors who have helped us to write this article:

Liberty Active

   

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