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    Women's Health

    Iodine

    Other name(s):

    iodide, organic iodine, potassium iodide, sodium iodide

    General description

    Iodine is an essential mineral element. It is naturally found in some foods, and added to other foods. It can also be taken as a supplement. In 1922, experts learned that the thyroid gland needs iodine. The gland needs it to make thyroid hormones and prevent enlarged thyroid glands (goiter). Thyroid hormones control metabolism. They also affect reproductive functions, nerves, muscles, skin, and hair. Iodine also helps make protein and use oxygen.

    Iodine is in two main hormones made by the thyroid gland. Together, these hormones control the metabolic rate of the body. They’re important in growth and development, especially in an unborn baby and a newborn. Not having enough iodine and thyroid hormones can cause intellectual issues and developmental delays.

    Medically valid uses

    Iodine is used to prevent and treat:

    • Goiters

    • Overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)

    • Iodine deficiency

    • Thyrotoxic crisis

    Using table salt that has potassium iodide can help prevent goiters. Other sources of iodine include eggs, dairy foods, and seaweed.

    If you get goiter during pregnancy, you’ll need treatment. This can keep your baby healthy.

    Unsubstantiated claims

    There may be benefits that have not yet been proven through research.

    Iodine may help immune response. It may also have a helpful effect on mammary dysplasia and fibrocystic breast disease.

    Recommended intake

    Many areas of the country have very little iodine in the soil. As a result, crops in these areas and animals raised on these crops are not exposed to much iodine. Before iodine was added to table salt, many people in these areas had goiter. The Lake Michigan area was once called the “goiter belt.” This problem has mostly gone away now. This is likely because of iodized salt and the widespread consumption of ocean fish and shellfish.

    But people living in areas without enough iodine in the soil may still need iodine supplements. This includes people living in the Great Lakes states and mountain regions of the U.S. and Mexico.

    Adults who don’t get enough iodine in their diet can get goiter. In severe cases, this may lead to an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Symptoms can include:

    • Memory and cognitive issues

    • Decreased alertness

    • Dry skin and hair

    • Weight gain

    People who consume large amounts of soy, cassava, or uncooked cruciferous vegetables also need more iodine. These include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, and rutabagas. These foods have substances that keep the digestive tract from absorbing iodine. Cooking stops the action of these substances.

    Newborn babies who don't get enough iodine in the womb are often born with enlarged thyroid glands. They may also have signs of hypothyroidism. If a baby's thyroid doesn’t work during growth in the uterus, they can get congenital hypothyroidism. This can lead to intellectual issues. It can also cause growth problems.

    Iodine is measured in micrograms (mcg). The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is as follows:

    Group

    RDA

    Infants (0 to 6 months)

    110 mcg*

    Infants (7 months to 1 year)

    130 mcg*

    Children (1 to 3 years)

    90 mcg

    Children (4 to 8 years)

    90 mcg

    Children (9 to 13 years)

    120 mcg

    Males (14 years and older)

    150 mcg

    Females (14 years and older)

    150 mcg

    Pregnant people

    220 mcg

    Breastfeeding people

    290 mcg

    *Adequate Intake (AI)

    Food source

    Nutrient content

    Seaweed, dried, 2 tablespoons

    116 mcg

    Iodized table salt, ¼ teaspoon

    76 mcg

    Egg, hard boiled, 1 large

    26 mcg

    Cheese, cheddar, 1 ounce

    15 mcg

    Sea salt, non-iodized, ¼ teaspoon

    <1 mcg

    Iodized salt contains potassium iodide. It’s often in a ratio of 1 part iodine to 10,000–100,000 parts salt. This means there's very little iodine in the salt. But it’s enough to prevent goiter. Iodized salt made in the U.S. contains 76 mcg to 100 mcg of iodine per gram of salt.

    Side effects, toxicity, and interactions

    Elemental iodine is toxic. This type is found in tincture of iodine. It’s used to disinfect cuts. Swallowing even a small amount can cause death.

    Getting too much iodine may also cause problems. It can also cause goiter. It may also keep your thyroid from working well. This is more likely if you take doses close to 1,000 mcg per day.

    People who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t take iodine supplements without talking to their healthcare providers. Too much iodine in pregnancy may cause hypothyroidism and a goiter in a newborn.

    Talk with your healthcare provider before taking iodine if you take any of these medicines:

    • Lithium

    • Amiodarone

    • Anti-thyroid medicines

    • Medicines for blood pressure, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or potassium-sparing diuretics

    Online Medical Reviewer: Bianca Garilli MD
    Online Medical Reviewer: Chris Southard RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH
    Date Last Reviewed: 8/1/2023
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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