Iodine supplement
Iodine is a microelement partaking in thyroxin production. Thyroxin is a hormone controlling metabolism in the whole organism. Even though the organism needs only minimal amount of iodine, it is added to salt. Everyone using salt eliminates the risk of serious form of mental retardation - cretinism. Except salt, the best source of iodine is sea fish and other seafood, vegetables, or cereals grown in land rich in iodine. People in developing countries are most inclinable to iodine insufficiency (about 1,6 milliards).
Iodine – Utilization
Iodine regulates and controls all functions of the thyroid gland, and helps in therapy of fibrocystic disease of mammary glands.
Iodine – Benefits and Effectiveness
Iodine is the only mineral in human organism with only one purpose. Iodine is fundamental for the process of thyroid gland producing thyroxin, a hormone that regulates cellular metabolism. In pregnancy, sufficient intake of iodine might prevent from various mental retardations of the embryo. Iodine is essential for proper functioning of the thyroid gland. If the iodine intake is sufficient, the organism contains about 40 mg of this mineral. 75 % of the total amount is stored directly in the thyroid gland that stimulates the entire process of metabolism, and controls how fast and effectively the nutrients are utilized for energy production. The thyroid gland regulates the growth of children, reproduction, nerve and muscle functions, proteins and fats fission, hair and nails growth, and oxidation of every cell in the human organism.
Iodine – Recommended Dosage
The recommended daily dosage of iodine is 150 mcg for both men and women. One tea spoon of the iodinated salt contains 300 mcg of iodine. Fortunately, there are many other possible food resources of this mineral.
Iodine insufficiency: The insufficiency is very rare in developed countries. However, it might occur. The first symptom is enlargement of the thyroid gland in order to be able to absorb even the minimal amount of iodine in blood. The causes of low iodine intake are thyroid hormones insufficiency called hypothyroidism and autoimmune failure when the organism produces antibodies against itself. The hypothyroidism is characterized by fatigue, dry skin, hoarse voice, prolonged reflex time, reduced mental abilities and increase of blood fats. If one experiences any of these symptoms, he should contact his physician immediately.
Iodine surplus: The risk of iodine overdosing is minimal even if one overdoses the daily dosage ten times or twenty times. If the doses are even higher, one begins to experience aphthae in mouth, diarrhea and vomiting. The irony is that the enlargement of thyroid gland – goiter – might occur in case of long term overdosing. This illness is related to high level of the thyroid hormones resulting in the gland abnormal activity, fast reflexes, anxiety and weight loss.
Iodine – Usage Suggestions
Almost every human probably gains the necessary daily dose of iodine from food, if he eats lots of fish. Iodine is also comprised in multivitamin and mineral dietary supplements. Patients who use thyroid hormones should consult the usage of iodine dietary supplements with their physician. It is possible to use the prescribed supplements anytime during the day with a meal or on empty stomach.
Iodine – facts and recommendations
- Health food stores and healers recommend usage of sea salt than the normal salt. However, the sea salt is not iodinated and thus, it is not a good resource of iodine.
- An analysis of ten different studies down in traditional countries where people suffer from iodine insufficiency had shown, the mineral deficiency affects motor and manual facility, muscle coordination and power, and lowering the reactive time.
Iodine - Warnings
It is strongly advised to use iodine only with doctor’s prescription or recommendation. If one experiences any health difficulties, he should consult using dietary supplements with his physician.
Iodine – additional information
Brown seaweed is often sold as a natural iodine dietary supplement.
