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Friday, March 14, 2014

What is Iodine?

Iodine is a trace mineral and nutrient found naturally in the body.

Iodine benefits


Iodine is necessary for the normal metabolism of cells (the process of converting food into energy). People need iodine for normal thyroid function and production of thyroid hormones.

Iodine-rich Foods


Most people get their daily iodine intake by consuming iodized salt.

Seafood is naturally rich in iodine. Similarly, cod, sea bass, haddock and perch are good sources.

The brown seaweed or kelp is the most prevalent vegetable seafood that is a rich source of iodine.

Dairy products also contain iodine.

Other good sources are plants grown in iodine -rich soil.

Side Effects


Insufficient iodine (deficiency) may occur in areas that have poor soil nutrients. Iodine deficiency in the diet for several months may cause goiter or hypothyroidism. Without enough iodine, the thyroid cells and thyroid gland enlarge.

This deficiency most often affects women than men and is most usual in pregnant women and children. Sufficient iodine intake in the diet can prevent a form of intellectual and physical disability called cretinism, a very rare condition in the United States, as iodine deficiency generally is not a problem.

Iodine poisoning in the U.S. is unusual. The performance of the thyroid gland can be impaired by extremely high consumption of iodine.

Guidelines


The most ideal manner to get the daily requirement of essential nutrients is to choose a healthy diet which contains a variety of foods from the food guide pyramid.

A quarter teaspoon of iodized table salt provides 95 micrograms of iodine. A 6-ounce serving (170 g) of ocean fish provides 650 micrograms of iodine. Most people can satisfy the daily recommendations by ingesting seafood, iodized salt and plants grown in iodine-rich soil. When buying salt make sure that the label says “iodized.”

The Office of Dietary Supplements recommends the following dietary intakes for iodine :

Babies:

0-6 months: 110 micrograms per day (mcg / day )

7-12 months: 130 mcg / day

Children:

1-3 years: 90 mcg / day

4 - 8 years: 90 mcg / day

9-13 years: 120 mcg / day

Adolescents and Adults

Men 14 and older: 150 mcg / day

Women age 14 and older: 150 mcg / day

Specific recommendations depend on age, sex and other factors ( such as pregnancy) . Pregnant women or women who are producing breast milk (lactating) need higher amounts. Ask your doctor just what amount is best for you.
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