Iodine

Essential for

normal metabolism,
growth and development as it is a component of thyroid hormones

Absorption and metabolism

Iodine is efficiently absorbed and excess is excreted in the urine.

Deficiency

Iodine deficiency leads to hypothyroidism, goiter and cretinism; and may play a role in fibrocystic breast disease.

Sources

Good sources include vegetables grown in iodine-rich soil, iodised salt, seafood and milk. The iodine content of food varies with the location in which the food is grown.

Daily recommended dietary intakes

Men                        150 mcg

Women                   150 mcg

Pregnant women 175 mcg
Lactating women 200 mcg

Toxic effects of excess intake

Toxic effects of iodine include a reduction in thyroid hormone secretion, acne, and inflammation of the salivary glands.

Therapeutic uses of supplements

Iodine supplements are used to treat deficiency disorders and have also been used to treat fibrocystic breast disease. Topical iodine is used as an antiseptic.

Cautions

Potassium iodide supplements should be used with caution in pregnancy and in cases of dehydration, acne, heat cramps, adre- nal insufficiency, and cardiac disease.

Iodine
Iodine health
Iodine sources
Iodine recommended daily
Iodine overdose
Iodine sources
Iodine supplements

Other Minerals:

Boron
Calcium
Chromium
Cobalt
Copper
Electrolytes
Potassium
Sodium
Chloride
Fluoride
Iodine
Magnesium
Manganese
Molybdenum
Nickel
Phosphorus
Selenium
Silicon
Sulfur
Vanadium
Zinc