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minerals (nutrition)
iodine (I)
Nutrition
definition
Iodine:
» overview:
A trace mineral which gets converted into iodide in the body and helps in the functioning of the thyroid gland
The body contains 20-30 mg of iodine with more than 75% found in the thyroid gland.
» metabolism:
Iodine is easily absorbed from the intestines. It is found in serum both in a free state and bound to protein. Stored in the thyroid gland, it is used to synthesize thyroid hormones. Iodine tends to be more involved metabolically with the regulation of estrogen actions on breast tissue.
Breast tissue does not have the necessary enzymes to oxidize iodide to iodine, thus it requires the free form of iodine.
Iodine should be used to describe free iodine. Iodide is the term used to describe iodine that is bound to another compound such as potassium.
Iodide tends to be more involved with thyroid function. Organic forms of iodine may be preferred to the inorganic iodides such as potassium iodide.
(Ghent WR, et al. Canadian J Surg 36, 453-6, 1993)
» Chinese:
Clears Heat; clears the Liver; dissipates masses.
» function:
Iodine is specifically involved with thyroid hormone synthesis
Via thyroid hormone helps regulate production of energy and stimulates the rate of metabolism
No other known functions have been discovered, however, gastric mucosa, salivary glands, choroid plexus, and lactating mammary glands seem to concentrate iodine as well.
» requirements:
RDA:
150 µg/day adults
175 µg per day in pregnancy
200 µg per day lactation
Average adult intake is between 200µg/day-600µg/day
The high daily intake of iodine is primarily due to excessive consumption of iodinated salt.
» food sources:
Kelp, dulse, agar and other seaweed (in tablet form), Swiss chard, turnip greens, garlic, watercress, pineapples, pears, artichokes, citrus fruits, egg yolks, seafoods, fish liver oils, mushrooms, Irish moss, artichokes, asparagus, mustard greens, steel cut oats, okra
Best Food Sources of Iodine:
Food Amount mg .
Kombu, dried strip 2 g 6,000
Arame, dried 1/16 c 2 g 6,000
Kelp 1 tsp 3,400
Dulse, dried 1/16 c 2 g 3,000
Haddock 3 oz 341
Cod 3 oz 341
Shrimp 3 oz 79
Halibut 3 oz 56
Herring 3 oz 56
Sardines 3 oz 30
(USDA: Composition of Foods. USDA handbook # 8. Washington DC, ARS, USDA, 1976-1986)
» deficiency:
Goiter: Low iodine intakes result in the development of goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland. WHO estimates that approximately 200 million people in the world have goiters. Some estimates report that endemic goiter exists in at least 12 European countries, including countries that require iodine supplementation. In the U.S. approximately 1/470 people have goiter with the rate being higher in women.
Goitrogens are naturally occurring substances found in foods which block absorption or utilization of iodine. Goitrogenic foods include cabbage, turnips, rapeseeds, peanuts, cassava, and soybeans. Cooking these foods inactivates their goitrogenic substances. Some studies suggest that certain waters may contain goitrogenic substances from rock origin or possibly from E. coli.
Cretinism
Hypothyroidism
» therapeutics:
Goiter: If the goiter is very chronic, it may require thyroid hormones to reduce the size of the thyroid gland. Less chronic goiter may be treated with 300-600 µg per day of iodine.
Fibrocystic Breast Disease/Syndrome: It has been found that using iodine intravaginally or orally may help. It may be that the iodine makes the breast tissue less sensitive to the effects of estrogen. In addition, it may work by enhancing the effect of thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones are known to help with FBD. (Marz, p. 142, 1997)
Hyperthyroidism may require 300-900 mg per day of iodine.
Atherosclerosis: Iodine is a great solvent of cholesterol, at least in vitro.
Asthma and bronchitis: Iodine can be used as an expectorant and as a mucolytic agent.
Lymphatic stasis (chronic lymphadenopathy), Sebaceous Cysts: Iodine used both orally and topically can be used to soften the tissues.
Salivary duct stone dissolution: Use SSKI 7-10 drops three times oper day for 1-2 weeks. (Marz, p. 142, 1997)
Keloid, Dupuytrens contracture, Peyronies disease can all be treated with topical iodine. This can be applied with arnica oil and DMSO.
Antiviral, antifungal, anti-bacterial: In patients with depleted immune function, use iodine over an extended period of time to enhance immunity. (Marz, p. 142, 1997)
Sarcoidosis
Estrogen metabolism: Iodine can be used to reduce the estrogen quotient converting estrone and estradiol to estriol in the liver. This may be useful in preventing breast cancer and also in the treatment of PMS.
Angina pectoris
Arthritis
» dosage:
Forms of iodine include SSKI (saturated solution of potassium iodine), Lugols Solution (sodium iodide): these 2 forms supply about 40-45 mg of iodide per drop: caseinated iodine (iodaminol), aqueous iodine, elemental diatomic or molecular iodine.
Dosage range:
15 drops per day and 1-8 drops per day for chronic conditions.
» toxicity:
Iodine may cause rashes, nausea, headaches, excess secretions or other allergic reactions.
Iodine has a wide margin of safety. Very high intakes have been found to inhibit the thyroid gland. Long term intakes of 20-30 mg per day may inhibit thyroid function. This may result in thyroid goiter. Some clinicians believe it takes much higher levels, up to 300 mg per day, to inhibit thyroid function.
footnotes
Ghent WR, et al. Iodine replacement in fibrocystic breast disease. Canadian J Surg 36, 453-6, 1993
Abstract: It was determined that breast tissue responds better to iodine. 70% of patients had positive effects while iodine produced fewer side effects compared to the iodide forms (such as acne, altered thyroid function).
Kirschmann and Dunne, pp. 73-74
Marz, Russell. Medical Nutrition From Marz. Second Edition. Portland, OR. 1997.
USDA: Composition of Foods. USDA Handbook #8. Washington DC, ARS, USDA, 1976-1986.