Iodine is a mineral naturally found in seawater and soil. And since the body cannot produce it, one must consume iodine through dietary sources.
Food Sources of Iodine
- Seafood - fish, cod, shrimps
- Kelp
- Yoghurt
- Dried prunes
- Iodised salt
- Banana
- Frozen peas
Health And Thyroid Gland Functioning
- Imbalance in the levels of thyroid leads to various kinds of thyroid disorders and may lead to autoimmune diseases. (Hashimoto's thyroiditis, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis.
- Iodine is required for the synthesis of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), two key thyroid hormones responsible for human metabolic functions and processes.
Salt as a medium of iodine - Universal salt iodisation (USI) has been implemented in more than 120 countries. As per Government of India, the quantity of iodine added to salt should provide a minimum of 150 mcg of iodine per day as per the average daily salt intake.
When Iodine is consumed in excess
Taking too much iodine from a high dosage of supplements can cause problems, especially who are already affected with thyroid conditions.
Exceeding the recommended daily dose of iodine can cause symptoms such as metallic taste in your mouth, nausea and vomiting.
There are special circumstances in which avoiding excessive iodine intake is essential.
Also, if someone has become hypothyroid either by disease, surgery, or other forms of therapy and is on thyroid hormone replacement, additional iodine will not help and may interfere with the way any remaining thyroid tissue works.
When Iodine is found in scares quantity
Mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy can lead to subtle intellectual deficits in the newborn.
Diet with inadequate iodine and rich in foods with goitrogens leads to aggravating the underachieve thyroid condition like hypothyroidism.
How to maintain adequacy in iodine levels
- If affected with hypothyroidism then, one must include iodine-rich foods regularly.
- Including supplements under a health professional’s advice.
- If the existing condition is hyperthyroidism, then include iodine in less amount.
Therefore, iodine is an important mineral when it comes to the normal functioning of the thyroid gland, regulation of hormones and maintaining adequate intake, mainly through dietary sources is crucial to avoid thyroid-related disorders.