Test your knowlegde!

1. What area(s) of the US would have the highest iodine content in their soil?
2. Name two problems that iodine deficiency could cause.
3. In the body, where is most of the iodine stored?
4. How much iodine is recommended for a lactating woman?
5. What is the name of the test that uses iodine as a contrast?
6. How is excess iodine excreted?

You should know

In the body, iodine (I) is involved primarily in the synthesis of 2
thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Iodine
occurs in the environment and in the diet primarily as iodide. In
adults, about 80% of the iodide absorbed is trapped by the thyroid
gland. Most environmental iodine occurs in seawater as iodide; a small
amount enters the atmosphere and, through rain, enters ground water
and soil near the sea. Thus, people living far from the sea and at
higher altitudes are at particular risk of deficiency. Fortifying
table salt with iodide (typically 70 μg/g) helps ensure adequate
intake (150 μg/day). Requirements are higher for pregnant (220 μg/day)
and lactating (290 μg/day) women.*

*The Merck Manuals
Section: Nutritional Disorders
Subject: Mineral Deficiency and Toxicity
Topics:Introduction· Chromium· Copper· Fluorine·Iodine· Iron·
Manganese· Molybdenum· Selenium· Zinc

Last full review/revision August 2008 by Larry E. Johnson, MD, PhD
Content last modified August 2008

http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec01/ch005/ch005e.html

More is not always better.

We may have made you think twice about how much iodine you're really consuming, but don't go over board. Although iodine is excreted in urine and feces, it is still possible to become toxic. The upper limit for iodine intake is 1,100 ug. Acute iodine poising is rare, but symptoms of it are burning of the mouth, throat, and stomach; fever; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; a weak pulse; and in severe cases, coma.

Iodine is in more than just food!

An x-ray (radiograph) is a noninvasive medical test that helps
physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Iodine is frequently
used as part of a contrast material used to view parts of the internal
body.  Fluoroscopy is a special x-ray that makes it possible to see
internal organs in motion and uses iodine in the contrast material.
When iodine is injected into the joint space, it coats the inner
lining of the joint structures and appears bright white on an x-ray,
allowing the radiologist to assess the anatomy and function of the
joint.

Iodism is a frequent side effects of iodine given for radioprotection.
It is a mild toxic syndrome resulting from repeated administration of
small amount of iodine. Iodism is characterised by hyper-salivation,
coryza, sneezing, conjunctivitis, headache, laryngitis, bronchitis,
stomatitis, parotitis, enlargement of the submaxillary glands, skin
rashes and gastric upsets.  In rare cases jaundice, bleeding from
mucous membranes and bronchospasm may occur. Inflammatory states may be aggravated by these adverse reactions.

Pass the salt, please.

Iodine (I2) has several very important roles in the human body. It is essential for the proper function of the thyroid, needed by the body to convert food to energy, important for development: both physical and mental, and improves cognitive function. During pregnancy, iodine is crucial. Without it, the baby may not fully develop mentally. 

Recommended Daily Allowance:

Adults: 150 ug daily

Pregnant Women: 220 ug daily

Lactating Women: 290 ug daily

Hey, guess what!

Organically bound Iodine is freed via digestion and is absorbed rapidly & completely. It travels as free iodide in blood and concentrates in the thyroid gland.

Are you getting enough?

Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of preventable brain damage in the world.  Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland) is one of the earliest and most visible signs of iodine deficiency.