Nutri Wise Jo | Iodine

Iodine is a trace element essential for the human body, which can be obtained naturally through food or dietary supplements.

Uses of Iodine:
The body uses iodine to produce thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine), which:

Daily Iodine Requirements

Age Group	Males (µg)	Females (µg)	Pregnant (µg)	Breastfeeding (µg)
Birth-6 months	110	110	-	-
7-12 months	130	130	-	-
1-8 years	90	90	-	-
9-13 years	120	120	-	-
14+ years	150	150	220	290

Key Sources of Iodine

Group	Examples
Proteins	Seafood, chicken, eggs, beans, soybeans, meat, cottage cheese
Dairy	Milk, yogurt
Vegetables & Fruits	Corn, green peas, prunes
Grains	Rice, pasta, bread, oats, iodine-fortified flour
Other Sources	Iodized salt

Iodine Deficiency
Iodine deficiency can lead to various symptoms:

In pregnant women, it may significantly affect the physical and mental growth of the fetus.
Goiter and hypothyroidism.
Unexplained weight gain.
Fatigue and weakness.
Hair loss.
Increased sensitivity to cold.
Irregular heart rate.
Irregular menstrual cycles in women.
Learning and memory difficulties.

People at Higher Risk of Iodine Deficiency:

Pregnant women.
Those consuming high amounts of goitrogenic foods (e.g., broccoli, cabbage, spinach).
People using non-iodized salt.
Those following a vegan diet.

Iodine Toxicity
Excessive iodine intake above the daily limit (often from supplements) can also cause symptoms:

Upper Daily Iodine Limits

Interactions with Medications
Iodine supplements may interact with certain medications, such as:

References:

Articles