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?

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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.

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Origin of the name iodine

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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

Kelp

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

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Jodavit natu.care

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

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Jodavit + Selen natu.care

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

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Apteo Kelp

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

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JODYNA

The preparation is intended for topical application to wounds and abrasions - it accelerates their healing, and also disinfects. Iodine should be washed in and around the wound itself. However, do not touch open wounds.

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Iodine - properties

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

Promotes the function of the thyroid gland

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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

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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

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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.

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Promotes the treatment of mastopathy

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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

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

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*Nutritional standards for the Polish population

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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

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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?

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*Nutrition standards for the Polish population

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Iodine-rich foods - sources in the diet

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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.

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

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Fruits rich in iodine - which ones to choose

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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:

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

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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

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

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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

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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

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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 :

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

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

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Causes

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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

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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

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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.

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Iodine supplementation

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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

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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

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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.

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Iodine in pregnancy

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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 .

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Does iodine help to get pregnant?

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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

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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

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

Summary

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

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