Iodine - what it is, how it works, how to dose, what are the symptoms of deficiency

Iodine is one of the most important micronutrients in our body. It is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulates numerous processes in the human body.

Imagine walking along the shore of a rolling sea on an autumn or winter day. These circumstances are wonderful not only for the eyes and ears. During such walks, we inhale the air, which is saturated with iodine - a valuable element for the health of our body.

It is also a great way to enjoy the sea.

Not everyone has the opportunity to obtain iodine from the sea air, so in this article you will learn more about foods rich in this mineral. You will also learn about the properties of iodine, correct dosage and symptoms of deficiency and excess of this ingredient. I invite you to read on.

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What is iodine?

Iodine is a trace mineral essential to the body's health. We cannot produce it - iodine must be taken with diet or supplements. This element is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine). These are responsible for, among other things, the formation of proteins and the regulation of metabolismand.

Origin of the name iodine

Iodine was discovered in 1811 by the French chemist Bernard Courtois. Despite this, the name iodine, which we still use today, was not given to it until 2 years later. In creating it, the ancient Greek word "ioeides" was used, which means "purple"and.

Preparations with iodine

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KELP

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A dietary supplement for children and adults to supplement iodine in the daily diet. The preparation offers us a natural source of this mineral - iodine is extracted from kelp, which is one type of marine algae.

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Jodavit

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Preparation in liquid form with a solid dose of iodine (suggested by the WHO). The dietary supplement Iodavit allows supplementation for approximately 2-3 months (depending on the daily dose).

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Jodavit + Selenium

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Jodavit + Selenium is, as the name suggests, a preparation for people who need an extra dose of iodine and selenium. Taking 5 ml will supplement the daily requirement of adults for these minerals and is sufficient for 50 days of supplementation.

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Apteo Kelp

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The source of iodine in Apteo Kelp is an extract from the herb of bladderwrack. This ingredient treats, among other things, inflammatory conditions. In addition to this, the preparation fills the daily iodine requirement of adults and is very efficient - allowing for 100 days of supplementation.

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Iodine

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Preparation for topical application to wounds and abrasions - accelerates their healing and also disinfects. Iodine should be washed into and around the wound itself. However, do not touch open wounds.

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Iodine - properties

Iodine influences numerous processes in the body. What are its most valuable properties?

Promotes the function of the thyroid gland

The thyroid gland regulates the production of hormones that affect normal heart function or metabolism. Iodine is crucial to the health of this organ. The thyroid gland uses iodine resources to produce hormones. Lack of adequate concentrations of this element can lead to thyroid problems such as hypothyroidismand.

Promotes neurological development of the foetus during pregnancy

Iodine is essential for normal pregnancy development - it supports neurological brain development in the fetus. Studies suggest, that children whose mothers were iodine deficient during pregnancy were diagnosed with intellectual delaysand.

Accelerates wound healing

Iodine can be applied topically to treat infections. The mineral can be helpful in healing shallow wounds. However, iodine should not be applied to cuts in infants. Furthermore, it should be avoided on deep cuts, burns or animal bites - in which case it causes pain and burningand.

Promotes the treatment of mastopathy

Mastopathy is a condition that manifests as lumpiness of the breasts. Research suggests, that dietary supplements containing iodine may reduce lumps in cases of mastopathy. Although, the results are promising, more research is needed to confirm the role of iodine in the treatment of this conditionand.

How else does iodine work ?

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• Reduces the risk of radiation-induced thyroid cancer.
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• Promotes cognitive function in children.
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• According to the pharmacist, iodine in the form of eye drops, delays the process of cataract formation.

Iodine requirements

Iodine requirements change with age. Find out how much iodine you and your loved ones needand.

*Nutritional standards for the Polish population

The iodine requirement increases during pregnancy and lactation. Expectant women should take a total (with diet and supplements) of 220 mg of iodine per day. Breastfeeding ladies, on the other hand, are recommended an even higher dose - 290 mg of iodine each day.

Tolerable upper intake levels of iodine

You already know, that iodine is an extremely valuable trace mineral. However, this does not mean that we can supplement it without moderation. What are the healthy limits of iodine intakeand?

*Nutrition standards for the Polish population

Iodine-rich foods - sources in the diet

Do you take care to ensure that your diet does not lack iodine? If so then great, not many people do. But even if you know what to eat to provide your body with the amount of iodine it needs, it's always worth exploring new kitchen options. Here are the 10 foods richest in iodineand.

*The iodine content of seaweed depends on the type of seaweed

Fruits rich in iodine - which ones to choose

Most fruits do not provide us with much iodine. If you want to provide your body with a lot of this element, choose the product or products from the previous section. Nevertheless, some fruits also contain iodine. Which ones are worth choosing so that we do not run out of this mineral?

Fruits rich in iodine areand:

• bananas,
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• strawberries,
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• cantaloupe,
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• cranberries,
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Iodine deficiency

One in four people among your loved ones are at risk of iodine deficiency. Iodine is a valuable trace element, and a lack of it in the body can result in serious health problemsand.

Causes

Iodine deficiency is influenced by certain factors. Which of these most commonly lead to a lack of this mineral in the body?

Causesof iodine deficiencyand:

• unbalanced diet,
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• pregnancy,
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• breastfeeding period,
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• living in regions far from the sea and areas where the soil is poor in iodine,
• being in a region where the soil is poor in iodine,
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• young age (iodine deficiency often affects children).
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Symptoms

Iodine deficiency leads to unpleasant and, in the long term, even dangerous symptoms. Which ones should arouse our concern?"

Symptomsof iodine deficiencyand:

• fatigue,
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• swelling of the neck (thyroid goiter),
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• unexplained weight gain,
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• hair loss,
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• dry and rough skin, 
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• cognitive dysfunction,
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• hoarseness and dry mouth,
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• abundant or irregular menstrual periods,
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• changes in heart rate,
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• feeling of cold,
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Effects

Unmedicated iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism. This is a dangerous condition through which the thyroid gland is unable to produce adequate amounts of hormones. Hypothyroidism may not produce symptoms in the early stages, but over time it becomes very dangerousand.

Effectsof untreated hypothyroidism :

• obesity,
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• joint pain,
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• infertility,
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• heart diseases,
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Iodine excess

What's too much is not healthy. If you lead to an excess of iodine, your health will also be affected 

Causes

An excess of iodine rarely occurs. Nevertheless, it is worth knowing what can lead to it.

Causes of excessiodineand:

• excessive supplementation,
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• inappropriate diet (overfilled with iodine-rich products),
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• too frequent radiological examinations,
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Symptoms

If you are taking high doses of iodine and something bad starts to happen to your body, there is a good chance that you are experiencing the first symptoms of excess. When should the red light go on for you?"

Symptomsof iodine excessand:

• nausea,
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• vomiting,
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• diarrhoea,
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• delirium (mental confusion),
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• stupor,
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If you experience any of these symptoms - stop taking iodine immediately. If the symptoms persist, see your doctor.

See your doctor.

Effects

Excess iodine is well tolerated by most people. Despite this, it can lead to serious health problems.

Effects of excessiodineand:

• hypothyroidism,
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• hypothyroidism,
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• thyroid goiter (swelling of the neck),
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• autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Graves-Basedow disease,
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To be sure whether you are suffering from iodine excess or deficiency, it is worth having a blood or urine test. It will allow you to check the iodine concentration in your body, so your doctor can determine whether you need additional supplements or dietary changes.

Iodine supplementation

When an examination reveals that your body is deficient in iodine, you should consider sensible supplementation. A selection of products can help you get back on track. Remember that supplementation should be carried out under the guidance of a specialist.

Suggestions

Most often, a healthy and balanced diet fills our daily iodine requirements. However, there are groups of people who should consider supplementation of this mineral.

Recommendations for iodine supplementationand:

• unbalanced diet (no fish, eggs, dairy products, vegetables or fruit),
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• pregnancy (if advised by a doctor),
• pregnancy.
• breastfeeding period (if advised by a doctor),
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• being far from the sea and in areas where there is not much iodine in the soil (if a test shows that we are deficient).

Contraindications

Not everyone should take iodine supplements. There are groups of people who should avoid taking remedies with this mineral. The main contraindication to taking iodine supplements is hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. If you suffer from one of these conditions, do not act on your own and follow your doctor's advice.

Iodine in pregnancy

Adequate iodine concentrations in the body during pregnancy are crucial for the proper production of thyroid hormones. The mineral also influences the correct neurological development of the foetus in utero. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can result in irreversible neurological impairment of the babyand.

Pregnant women have an increased need for iodine - they should take (along with diet and supplements) 220 mg of this element per day .

Does iodine help to get pregnant?

Yes, iodine deficiency has been linked to reduced fertility. Studies suggest that the use of supplements with this mineral, improves conception rates in couples who have struggled with unexplained infertilityand.

Iodine and breastfeeding

During breastfeeding, iodine is as important as during pregnancy. During this period, it influences the neurological development and growth of the baby. Women who are breastfeeding should take as much as 290 mg of iodine per dayand.

Iodine interactions with medications

Iodine in the form of supplements or medication can react with a variety of agents. Who needs to take special care?"

Iodine can interact withand:

• thyroid medicines,
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• amiodarone,
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• acenocoumarol,
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• anisidione,
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• dicumarol,
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• phenindione,
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• fenprocoumon,
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• warfarin,
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See also:

• Thyroid tests [which ones to do + standards + results]
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• Blood tests [how often to perform + how to prepare]
.
• The liver: symptoms of diseases, functions, how to take care of it and what to avoid
.
• Fatty (greasy) liver [what it is + causes + symptoms]
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• Saturation [norms + test + symptoms of low saturation]
.
• Pulse oximeter [standards + results + which one to choose]
• How to take care of your mental health during a period of depressed mood]

Summary

You have learned many things about yoga. I would like you to remember some of the most important information about this element.