Iodine: Essential for Thyroid Health and Metabolic Function

Iodine plays a crucial physiological role in the human body, primarily in the synthesis of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. The primary hormone produced is thyroxin, also known as T4. Thyroxin is integral to various bodily functions, including regulating heart rate, body temperature, and overall metabolism.

Dietary iodine is absorbed throughout the gastrointestinal tract, where it is first converted into the iodide ion. Once absorbed, iodide is utilized by the thyroid gland to synthesize thyroid hormones. The kidneys then excrete any excess iodide through urine. Since the body only absorbs the amount of iodine needed by the thyroid at any given time, it is vital to consume iodine-rich foods regularly because the body does not store excess iodine.

When the body lacks sufficient iodine, the thyroid gland attempts to compensate by increasing its secretory activity. This overactivity can lead to the enlargement of the gland, a condition known as goiter.

Iodine can be found in various dietary sources, with seafood being a particularly rich source. However, the iodine content varies significantly between seawater and freshwater fish. Other protein-rich foods, such as milk, yogurt, eggs, and meat, also supply iodine. Additionally, breads and grain products made from iodized dough are important sources of iodine in many diets.

The importance of maintaining adequate iodine intake cannot be overstated, especially given the critical role of thyroxin in overall health. With recent health trends emphasizing whole foods and natural diets, it is crucial to ensure that iodine-rich foods are not overlooked. For those living in areas with iodine-deficient soil or those who consume primarily plant-based diets, considering iodized salt or supplements may be necessary to prevent thyroid-related health issues like goiter.
Iodine: Essential for Thyroid Health and Metabolic Function

Iodine deficiency disorder: Causes and symptoms

Iodine (atomic weight 126.9 u/atom) is an essential component of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland. The importance of iodine as an essential element arises from the fact that it is a constituent of the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

These hormones are essential for normal growth and physical and mental development in animals and man.

While rare in the United States, iodine deficiency is a common condition in developing countries worldwide. People in areas far from water or at higher altitudes don’t get enough iodine through seafood or dairy.

The most severe deficient soils are those of the European Alps, the Himalayas, the Andes and the vast mountains of China.

Deficiency arises when dietary iodine intake does not meet requirements. The diet is likely to be deficient whenever the soil content of iodine is low, which is often the case in mountainous regions.

An iodine deficiency can cause uncomfortable and even severe symptoms. They include swelling in the neck, pregnancy-related issues, weight gain and learning difficulties.

Iodine deficiency leads to inadequate production of thyroid hormone that indispensable for brain growth and development.

The iodine deficiency disorders consist of wide spectrum, including mental retardation, impaired physical development, increased prenatal and infant mortality, hypothyroidism, cretinism and goiter.

One of the first signs of iodine deficiency is the enlargement of thyroid. This is a condition called goiter. Goiter is defined as an enlargement of the thyroid gland and cretinism is a term used for a severe form of iodine deficiency characterized by severe mental retardation. Thyroid slowly grows larger as it tries to keep up with human body’s demand for more thyroid hormone.

Unexpected weight gain is another sign of an iodine deficiency. It may occur if the body does not have enough iodine to make thyroid hormones.

This is because thyroid hormones help control the speed of metabolism, which is the process by which human body converts food into energy and heat.

The most severe damage due to iodine deficiency occurs from the fetal period to the third month after birth, during which iodine deficiency can produce cretinism, an irreversible form of mental retardation.
Iodine deficiency disorder: Causes and symptoms

Goiter

Iron and Iodine in Human Body

A number of minerals or elements are required for normal body functions. Human need minerals to satay healthy. People get minerals by drinking water and eating food.

Minerals play significant roles in virtually every metabolic process occurring within the body.

Iron is required, since it is an essential part of both the blood pigment, hemoglobin, and muscle pigment, myoglobin.

Some body enzymes also have composites that include iron. Deficiencies of iron cause anemia. It is the most common nutrient deficiency, affecting more than 1.2 billion people.

Liver, animal muscle tissues, eggs, oats meal, wheat flour, cocoa, and chocolate are good source of iron. Approximately 10.0 mg of iron are required daily.

For many people that meal is breakfast, which may also include citrus juice whose vitamin C may increase the absorption of nonheme iron.

Iodine is required by all vertebra animals, including the human, since it is a component of the hormone, thyroxine, produced by the thyroid gland.

Thyroid hormone is constructed from iodide and the amino acid tyrosine and has two form thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) based on the number of iodide atoms.

This hormone regulates metabolic levels. Deficiency of iodine leads to low level metabolism, lethargy, and goiter. Iodine deficiency has existed for centuries.

Requirements of iodine are believed to be about 0.1 mg daily. In food iodine is mostly in its ion form – iodide. Sea food and salt water fish are the beat sources of iodine. In areas where the water is known to be deficient in iodine, iodized table salt may be used in place of regular table salt.
Iron and Iodine in Human Body