Iodine
Iodine is a mineral that the body requires in trace amounts to produce thyroid hormones. These hormones are involved in several key processes:
- Metabolism
- Growth and development
- Reproduction
- Regulation of the immune, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems
- Prenatal and postnatal development
Sources
Iodine content depends on the food's origin:
- Foods in proximity to the ocean have higher levels of iodine than those cultivated inland.
- Saltwater fish, seafood, and seaweed are good sources of iodine.
- Meat, milk, and eggs also contain iodine, but in variable quantities, as their content depends on what the cattle and chickens were fed.
In Canada, iodine is added to table salt and certain bakery products to prevent deficiencies.
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
The RDA for iodine is the daily iodine intake required to meet the needs of most healthy individuals.
Iodine requirements
| Age | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 years old | 90 mcg | 90 mcg |
| 4-8 years old | 90 mcg | 90 mcg |
| 9-13 years old | 120 mcg | 120 mcg |
| 14-18 years old | 150 mcg | 150 mcg |
| Age | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 19-50 years old | 150 mcg | 150 mcg |
| > 50 years old | 150 mcg | 150 mcg |
| Pregnancy | 220 mcg | |
| Breastfeeding | 290 mcg |
Deficiency
The iodization of table salt became mandatory in 1949 to prevent deficiencies.
However, due to the increased consumption of processed manufactured foods, which contain less iodized salt, deficiencies can occur.
Iodine lost through perspiration can also contribute to a deficiency if this loss is significant.
In adults, iodine deficiency can manifest as a goiter, a swollen thyroid gland at the base of the neck. Goiters are not painful, but they can result in the following:
- Reduced fertility and increased fetal and perinatal mortality
- Congenital hypothyroidism, which may lead to mental and physical retardation in children
Iodine deficiency can also slow the metabolism, leading to fatigue and depressive disorders.
Toxicity
Excess iodine is very rare. Toxicity can result from taking too many supplements or eating too much iodine-rich food on a regular basis. Very high levels can cause a goiter to form. Other symptoms include the following:
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Increased saliva production
- Irritated digestive system
- Rashes
- Altered thyroid function
Supplements
Since iodine is commonly found in the food we eat, supplements are not necessary.
Always watch your diet:
it has a strong impact on your health!© Copyright Vigilance Santé
The patient information leaflets are provided by Vigilance Santé Inc. This content is for information purposes only and does not in any manner whatsoever replace the opinion or advice of your health care professional. Always consult a health care professional before making a decision about your medication or treatment.