Iodine
Potassium Iodide , Sodium Iodide
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NUTRIENT FACTS
Nutrient Type
YES
ATC Code
No
Deficiency Diseases
YES
Dietary Sources
YES
Summary
Iodine helps make thyroid hormones, which control metabolism, growth, and development. These hormones are crucial for brain development, especially during pregnancy and infancy.
You can get iodine from fish, shellfish, dairy products, and iodized salt. Seaweed is a rich plant-based source. Iodine levels in water and soil vary by region.
Not enough iodine can cause goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland, and hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid doesn't make enough hormones. It can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and developmental issues in babies.
Adults need 150 micrograms of iodine daily. Pregnant women need 220 micrograms, and breastfeeding women need 290 micrograms. The upper limit for adults is 1,100 micrograms per day.
Iodine supplements can interact with thyroid medications, affecting their effectiveness. Too much iodine can cause thyroid problems. Consult a healthcare provider before starting supplements, especially if you have thyroid issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Iodine do?
Iodine is a mineral essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth, and development. These hormones are crucial for brain development, especially during pregnancy and infancy. Iodine's role in thyroid function makes it vital for maintaining energy levels and overall health. Without enough iodine, the thyroid gland cannot produce sufficient hormones, leading to health issues like goiter and hypothyroidism. Ensuring adequate iodine intake is important for preventing these conditions and supporting overall well-being.
How can I get Iodine from my diet?
Iodine is found in various dietary sources. Animal-based sources include fish, shellfish, and dairy products. Plant-based sources are limited, but seaweed is a rich source. Iodized salt is a common fortified food providing iodine. Environmental sources include water and soil, but levels vary by region. Factors affecting iodine absorption include the presence of goitrogens, which are substances that interfere with iodine uptake, found in some raw vegetables. Cooking can reduce goitrogen levels, improving iodine absorption. It's important to consume a balanced diet to ensure adequate iodine intake.
How does Iodine affect my health?
Iodine deficiency can lead to several health issues. It is essential for thyroid hormone production, which regulates metabolism. A deficiency can cause goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland, and hypothyroidism, which is a condition where the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. Pregnant women, infants, and people in areas with low iodine in the soil are at higher risk. In pregnant women, deficiency can lead to developmental issues in the baby, such as cretinism, which is a severe form of mental and physical growth retardation.
Who can have low levels of Iodine?
Certain groups are more at risk for iodine deficiency. These include pregnant women, as they need more iodine for fetal development. People living in areas with iodine-poor soil, such as mountainous regions, are also at risk. Vegans and vegetarians who do not consume iodized salt or sea-based foods may lack iodine. Additionally, individuals with diets high in goitrogens, which are substances that interfere with iodine uptake, like those found in certain raw vegetables, may be at risk. It's important for these groups to monitor their iodine intake to prevent deficiency.
What diseases can Iodine treat?
Iodine is essential for treating and preventing goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland, and hypothyroidism, which is a condition where the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones. It is also crucial during pregnancy to prevent developmental issues in the fetus, such as cretinism, which is a severe form of mental and physical growth retardation. Iodine helps in the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism. The evidence supporting iodine's role in these conditions is strong, as it is well-documented in medical literature.
How do I know if I have low levels of Iodine?
To diagnose iodine deficiency, healthcare providers often use urine tests to measure iodine levels, as most iodine is excreted in urine. A level below 100 micrograms per liter indicates deficiency. Symptoms of deficiency include goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland, fatigue, and weight gain. In severe cases, it can lead to developmental issues in children. Blood tests measuring thyroid hormone levels can also help identify thyroid dysfunction caused by iodine deficiency. These tests, combined with clinical symptoms, help confirm a diagnosis.
How much supplement of Iodine should I take?
The usual daily requirement of iodine varies by age and life stage. For adults, the recommended daily allowance is 150 micrograms. Pregnant women need more, about 220 micrograms, and breastfeeding women require 290 micrograms. Children need less, with requirements ranging from 90 to 120 micrograms depending on their age. The upper limit for adults is 1,100 micrograms per day. It's important to meet these requirements to support thyroid function and overall health.
Will supplements of Iodine interfere with my prescription medicines?
Yes, iodine supplements can interact with certain prescription medications. Iodine can affect the absorption and effectiveness of thyroid medications, such as levothyroxine, which is used to treat thyroid hormone deficiency. This interaction can alter the intended effects of the medication. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting iodine supplements, especially if you are on thyroid medication. They can provide guidance on timing and dosage to minimize any potential interactions.
Is taking too much of Iodine harmful?
Excessive iodine supplementation can be harmful. The upper intake level for adults is 1,100 micrograms per day. Too much iodine can lead to thyroid dysfunction, such as hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid. Short-term effects may include nausea and stomach pain. Long-term excessive intake can cause thyroid gland inflammation and thyroid cancer. It's important to avoid unnecessary supplementation and consult a healthcare provider before taking iodine supplements, especially if you have thyroid issues.
What is the best supplement for Iodine?
Iodine is available in several chemical forms. The most common forms in supplements are potassium iodide and sodium iodide. These forms are well-absorbed by the body. Another form is molecular iodine, which is less commonly used. Potassium iodide is often preferred for its stability and effectiveness. There are no significant differences in side effects among these forms when taken at recommended doses. The choice of form may depend on availability, cost, and specific health needs. It's important to follow recommended dosages to avoid adverse effects.
Content of Selected Foods
| Food | Milligrams (mg) per serving | Percent DV* |
|---|---|---|
| Bread, white, enriched, made with iodate dough conditioner, 2 slices** | 296 | 197 |
| Bread, whole-wheat, made with iodate dough conditioner, 2 slices** | 273 | 182 |
| Cod, baked, 3 ounces | 146 | 97 |
| Seaweed, nori, dried, 2 tablespoons, flaked (5 g) | 116 | 77 |
| Oysters, cooked, 3 ounces | 93 | 62 |
| Yogurt, Greek, plain, nonfat, ¾ cup | 87 | 58 |
| Milk, nonfat, 1 cup | 84 | 56 |
| Iodized table salt, ¼ teaspoon | 78 | 52 |
| Fish sticks, cooked, 3 ounces | 57 | 38 |
| Egg, hard boiled, 1 large | 31 | 21 |
| Pasta, enriched, boiled in water with iodized salt, 1 cup | 30 | 20 |
| Ice cream, chocolate, ⅔ cup | 28 | 19 |
| Cheese, cheddar, 1 ounce | 14 | 9 |
| Liver, beef, cooked, 3 ounces | 14 | 9 |
| Shrimp, cooked, 3 ounces | 13 | 9 |
| Tuna, canned in water, drained, 3 ounces | 7 | 5 |
| Fruit cocktail in light syrup, canned, ½ cup | 5 | 3 |
| Fish sauce, 1 tablespoon | 4 | 3 |
| Beef, chuck, roasted, 3 ounces | 3 | 2 |
| Soy beverage, 1 cup | 3 | 2 |
| Chicken breast, roasted, 3 ounces | 1 | 1 |
| Apple juice, 1 cup | 1 | 1 |
| Bread, whole-wheat, made without iodate dough conditioner, 2 slices** | 1 | 1 |
| Bread, white, enriched, made without iodate dough conditioner, 2 slices** | 1 | 1 |
| Sea salt, noniodized, ¼ teaspoon | 0 | 0 |
| Rice, brown, cooked, ¾ cup | 0 | 0 |
| Corn, canned, ½ cup | 0 | 0 |
| Broccoli, boiled, ½ cup | 0 | 0 |
| Banana, 1 large | 0 | 0 |
| Soy sauce, 1 tablespoon | 0 | 0 |
| Lima beans, boiled, ½ cup | 0 | 0 |
| Green peas, boiled, ½ cup | 0 | 0 |
| Pasta, enriched, boiled in water without iodized salt, 1 cup | 0 | 0 |
- * DV means Daily Value. It’s a number set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to show how much of a nutrient you should get each day. For example, the Daily Value for calcium is 1,300 mg for adults and kids aged 4 and older. Food labels must show how much calcium they contain. If a food gives you 20% or more of your daily calcium need, it’s considered a high source. Even if a food gives less, it can still be part of a healthy diet.
- ** About 20% of bread products in the United States list iodate dough conditioners on their labels. Products made without these conditioners contain very little iodine.
Required (or Advised) Daily Intake
| Age | Male | Female | Pregnant | Lactating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–6 months | 110 | 110 | - | - |
| 7–12 months | 130 | 130 | - | - |
| 1–3 years | 90 | 90 | - | - |
| 4–8 years | 90 | 90 | - | - |
| 9–13 years | 120 | 120 | - | - |
| 14+ years | 150 | 150 | 220 | 290 |
