Iodine is an element that plays an important role in the body. Both an excess and a deficiency of iodine are dangerous to your he alth. The latter is especially dangerous.

Iodineenriches the s alt that can be found in Polish stores (the so-callediodized s alt ). The obligation to iodize s alt in our country was introduced in 1997 to prevent the negative effects of the deficiency of this element.

Iodine - properties

Iodine is essential for the production ofthyroid hormonesthyroxine (T4) and its active form of triiodothyronine (T3). The proper concentration of these hormones in the blood depends, among others, on proper development and functioning of the brain, nervous system, pituitary gland, muscles, heart and kidneys. Thyroid hormones also regulate the growth and maturation ofcellsof the body. In addition, they take part in the processes of cellular respiration and energy production. They are necessary to maintain the correctbody temperature .

Symptoms and effects of iodine deficiency

Long-term deficiencies of this element lead to:

  • hypothyroidism,
  • enlargement of the thyroid gland,
  • will rise.

In children, hypothyroidism is the cause ofdevelopmental delayphysical and mental, which in the initial stage manifests itself, for example, in worse remembering. Iodine deficiency in pregnant women leads to irreversiblebrain damage in the fetus and newborns. They are also the cause of reproductive disorders in women (miscarriages, premature labor) and increased mortality among children.

Iodine - symptoms and effects of excess

Most people can tolerate excess iodine that comes from food. However, some people, such as those with autoimmune thyroid disease, may develop adverse symptoms even at levels of iodine intake considered safe for the general population. The consequence may be hyperthyroidism. Some people may also experience acute adverse reactions, such as :

  • increased activity of the salivary glands,
  • excessive secretion of mucus in the bronchi,
  • allergic reactions,
  • skin changes.

In rare cases (with very high doses of iodine, in the order of a few grams),acute iodine poisoningmay occur, which manifests itself:

  • feelingburning in the mouth, throat and stomach,
  • abdominal pain,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • diarrhea,
  • proteinuria,
  • heart failure.
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Author: Time S.A

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Iodine - dosage

The Recommended Daily Allowance of Iodine (RDA)is:

  • infants - 110 μg
  • children - from 5 months to 1 year old - 130 μg
  • children: from 1 to 6 years of age - 90 μg; from 7 to 9 years of age - 100 μg;
  • boys: from 10 to 12 years of age - 120 μg; from 13 to 18, years of age - 150 μg;
  • girls: from 10 to 12 years old - 120 μg; from 13 to 18, years of age - 150 μg;
  • men: 150 μg;
  • women: 150 μg;
  • pregnant women: 220 μg
  • lactation: 290 μg

Iodine in food

Foods of marine origin contain the most iodineMarine :

  • crustaceans
  • mollusks
  • fish - cod and halibut have a particularly high content of iodine, while B altic herring has a lower content

In industrialized countries, milk and its products as well as eggs are an important source of iodine in the diet.

productziodine content in 100 g
table s alt, iodized 2,293.0
fresh cod110.0
fresh pollock103.0
smoked mackerel40.0
Fat Edam cheese30.0
tuna in oil25.0
hazelnuts17.0
broccoli15.0
whole chicken eggs9.5
milk 0.5% fat3,4

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