Description:
Iodine is needed only in trace amounts, it is used to make thyroid
hormone. Exposure to chlorine and fluoride can severely reduce iodine
levels. Iodine deficiency can lead to fatigue, hypothyroidism, weight
gain, achy muscles, and depression. Excessive iodine can result
in mouth sores, swollen salivary glands, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Complimentary Nutrients:
None.
Antagonists:
None.
Health Benefits:
Energy production, hair, nails, skin, teeth, thyroid gland, metabolism
of excess fat, and physical and mental development.
Therapeutic Uses:
Goiter, atherosclerosis, hair problems and hyperthyroidism.
Vitamin Therapies should be done with the supervision of a qualified
health care professional. In the panel on the left, under ailments
you can find more information about treatments for some of these
conditions. You can also locate therapeutic information on this
site by using the search engine - click on 'Search' in the panel
on your left - and entering words relating to the ailment you are
interested in.
Deficiency Indicators:
Nervousness, obesity, cold hands and feet, dry hair, and irritability.
Dosage:
| RDA |
Optimal Health |
Therapeutic Amounts |
| 150 mcg |
225 mcg |
600 mcg |
RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) are dosages developed by the
FDA. These amounts are designed to prevent deficiency symptoms.
For optimal health it is necessary to take a larger dose. The optimal
health amounts are for adults and children weighing over 100 lbs.
Children under the age of six should be given nutritional formulas
designed specifically for young children. The therapeutic amounts
to treat special conditions are usually much higher, and should
not be taken without the supervision of a qualified health care
professional.
Sources:
Good sources of iodine are: seafood, saltwater fish, kelp, sea
salt, and iodized salt. It is found in smaller amounts in: asparagus,
dulse, garlic, lima beans, mushrooms, sesame seeds, soybeans, spinach,
summer squash, Swiss chard, and turnip greens.
Comments:
Some foods block the uptake of iodine, if they are eaten in large
amounts. They include: Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale,
peaches, pears, spinach, and turnips.
