Iodine Supplement
The Use of Iodine and Iodine Supplements Iodine has one very crucial function - thyroid health. It is needed for the proper functioning of the body's thyroid gland and is responsible for the making of thyroid hormones - thyroxine and triodothyronine, which controls metabolism. Therefore, an undersupply of this vital nutrient can result to slow mental reaction, weight gain, and the lack of energy. Moreover, if the body does not get enough of this vital mineral, the thyroid enlarges in an attempt to increase its hormone production. Should this happen, a growth develops in the front of the neck called a goiter. How can Iodine and/or an Iodine Supplement Benefit You? Iodine is needed by the body to perform the following functions: Signs of Deficiency of Iodine In addition to a goiter, an iodine deficiency has damaging consequences on fetal and infant development. An iodine-deficient pregnant woman increases the risk of cretinism - a severe birth defect in babies, characterized by mental retardation and growth abnormalities. Newborn babies born to iodine-deficient women require immediate attention of iodine supplements to prevent cretinism. For this reason, iodine levels are routinely tested in newborn babies.
In addition, an iodine deficiency could lead to hypothyroidism, an under active thyroid, which causes a variety of symptoms including the following: However, there are many other causes of hypothyroidism. In the past, nutritional deficiencies of iodine were more common, mainly in areas that were lacking in soil such as mountainous areas. This is because iodine comes from soil just like its colleagues, other trace minerals. In the 1920's, the introduction of fortified table salt helped eliminate this serious problem. However, experts are concerned that an iodine deficiency may be back on the rise.
Additional Possible Benefits Therapeutic Uses of Iodine and/or Iodine Supplements Iodine dietary sources and/or iodine supplements are generally used as a prevention or early treatment of its deficiency disorders, which include hypothyroidism, goiter, and cretinism.
In addition, iodine supplements have also been used as a treatment for fibrocystic breast changes. Other therapeutic uses for iodine include using it as a douche may reduce vaginal inflammation as well as the itching and discharge that go along with vaginitis. It is also used topically for burns and wounds.
Dietary Food Sources and Iodine Supplements Some of the richest food sources of iodine include: iodized table salt, kelp, dried seaweed, seafood, vegetables grown in iodine rich soil, onions, eggs, and milk (provided the animals were fed adequate amounts of iodine.) Iodine supplements come in various forms such as ammonium iodide, calcium iodide, potassium iodide, and kelp. Iodine is also found in multivitamins and mineral supplements. In general, people who live in low soil iodine areas and restrict their dietary intake of iodized salt and do not eat seafood, may benefit from iodine supplements.
Recommended Daily Allowance
Precautions Some food sources contain a substance called goitrogens. Goitrogens block the utilization of iodine and over time could promote goiter growth if consumed raw in large amounts. These foods include: kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, spinach, turnips, peaches, and pears. It is recommended that if you have an under-active thyroid, you need to consult your physician on the dietary intake of these foods sources, including dietary iodine supplements. Very high doses, (sometimes as little as 750 micrograms daily) may result in the following: In addition, very high doses can cause an overgrown thyroid gland, which is also a sign of deficiency.
People who are on prescription medications, and women who are pregnant or nursing, should consult with your physician before taking any kind of iodine supplement. It is recommended that anyone interested in starting any kind of supplementation speak with their physician before incorporating a dietary supplement in their daily dietary regimen.
How to Choose a Quality Iodine Supplement 1. Select a supplement from a manufacturer that follows pharmaceutical GMP compliance, which is the highest standard possible. This is CRUCIAL because dietary supplements in the U.S. are unregulated and, as such, purity and quality has been reported to be an issue. In fact, consumers only have a 1 in 5 chance of buying a product that actually contains the amount of ingredients stated on the label or one that is not contaminated. 2. Contact the company and ask if they have a certificate of analysis on file, confirming the potency of each batch. Avoid companies that do not provide you with this information. Companies that have high quality supplements will have this on file. You can also obtain this information by checking their quality assurance methods. 3. Be sure to read supplement labels. Check to see if the product contains fillers or additives such as: sugar, starch, gluten, silica (sand!) or any artificial flavors or colors. Natural kelp is a good source of supplemental iodine. 4. Check to see how long the company has been in operation. The longer the better because their less apt to take risks and ruin their reputation. 5. We believe for optimal health you should take your iodine supplements as part of a comprehensive scientifically balanced formula of vitamins, minerals, and other vital nutrients to reap the full benefits. Exception: If your physician has recommended a stand alone iodine supplement.
We hope this iodine supplement web-page was useful to you. To Your Health! The Editors Much more than Iodine Supplement can be found at our Mineral Information web-page |