You’ve probably heard a lot of people talk about how Iodine is essential for thyroid health.
Something along the form of what’s below:
Without adequate levels of iodine, your body will not be able to produce the thyroid hormones that it needs. Without these thyroid hormones, you will be at risk of developing hypothyroidism and goiter, among many other maladies.
But have you’ve ever wondered what exactly Iodine is and how exactly it helps the thyroid?
This article gives a brief overview answering your questions regarding Iodine along with references to scientific studies.
What is Iodine, Anyway?
Naturally occurring in soil and seawater, iodine is an element that controls thyroid function.
It is vital to the production of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4, substances that enable the thyroid gland to perform its jobs of as tissue metabolism and central nervous system development in children (the numbers next to the thyroid hormones means how many Iodine molecules are bonded to it.)
According to a study of Chung in 2014, the body requires 150 to 200 mcg of iodine, with as much as 80% of these going to the thyroid.
Here are the recommended daily intakes for iodine, depending on age and condition, according to the National Institutes of Health:
| Age | Recommended Dietary Allowance |
| Newborn – 6 months | 110 mcg |
| 7 – 12 months | 130 mcg |
| 1 – 8 years | 90 mcg |
| 9 – 13 years | 120 mcg |
| 14 years and above | 150 mcg |
| Pregnant women | 220 mcg |
| Lactating women | 290 mcg |
Since the body cannot produce iodine, a diet rich in this element is recommended by experts because of its numerous benefits on the thyroid gland, among many other organs in the body.
Here are some good sources of iodine:
- Dairy Products. Cow’s milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream
- Saltwater fish, shellfish, shrimp
- Nori, Kelp, Dulse
- Iodized products, Iodized salt, iodized multivitamins
Now, before we get into why Iodine deficiency is bad for you and the benefits of proper, sufficient intake of Iodine, I believe it is also worth mentioning that some patients with Hashimoto’s Disease feel worse when taking significant amounts of Iodine.
That is not to say to outright avoid it – some patients feel better taking Iodine – and as you will read on you’ll find out why it’s so important.
But, if you have Hashimoto’s Disease (see Thyroid Advisor’s article on Hashimoto’s Disease if you don’t know what that is) it might be helpful keep that in mind and see how Iodine supplementation affects you.
Consequences of Iodine Deficiency to Thyroid Health
Pregnant women, contraceptive users, alcohol drinkers, tobacco users, individuals exposed to radiation and those taking selenium are just some of the many people at risk of developing Iodine deficiency.
If you belong to any of these groups – or if you are regularly unable to consume a diet rich in iodine – you may develop the following thyroid problems:
- Also known as enlargement of the thyroid, this occurs because of the body’s attempt to meet the demand for thyroid hormone production. People who suffer from this ailment can experience breathing and swallowing problems, as well as breathing difficulties when lying down, and perhaps a noticeable lump on the neck.
- A diet lacking iodine can lead to hypothyroidism because this element is needed to make thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency is the leading cause of hypothyroidism worldwide.
In addition to the aforementioned conditions, iodine deficiency can have dire effects on pregnant or breastfeeding mothers potentially leading to developmental issues.
Fortunately, doctors test Iodine levels in the blood during pregnancy checkups and afterwards to make sure it gets accounted for.
Benefits of Iodine on Thyroid Health
With iodine vital to thyroid health, it comes as no surprise that it yields the following benefits:
- Better brain function
Hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency can manifest in the forms of memory gaps, cognitive problems, and diminished alertness.
That’s because thyroid hormones, which are synthesized with the help of iodine, play a major role in cognition and brain development.
In a study by Zimmerman et al, results showed that iodine provision in deficient children resulted to improved visual problem-solving skills and information processing in the participants.
- Improves metabolism
As it has been mentioned, iodine is important for the production of thyroid hormones, which in turn play a big role in metabolism.
It follows that if you have a low-iodine diet, thyroid hormone synthesis will be decreased, and hypothyroidism might develop. This condition, according to a study of Mullur et al, is hallmarked by the signs of hypometabolism.
Symptoms include weight gain, high cholesterol levels, slower fat breakdown, and slower glucose generation in the body.
Additionally, Thyroid hormones stimulate one’s basal metabolic rate (BMR). In essence, the lower the BMR, the higher incidence of weight gain and obesity. Weight gain is also caused by the imbalance of the hormones estradiol, estrone, and estriol in the woman’s body.
However, iodine can bring back the balance of these hormones and inhibit the weight gain that occurs when these elements are out of sync.
Not only will iodine help normalize your thyroid function, it can help you enhance metabolism so you can achieve a healthier, fitter body.
Now wouldn’t you like to be healthy on the outside, as well as the inside?
- Balances hormones
If your diet is devoid of iodine sources, you can expect to suffer from low thyroid hormone levels in the body, otherwise known as hypothyroidism.
Unfortunately, this can lead to a low metabolic rate, and you can develop symptoms such as a reduced appetite, low heart rate, and muscle stiffness, to name a few.
With recommended amounts of iodine in the body, you can achieve a euthyroid state wherein your thyroid gland is properly functioning.
- Protects thyroid gland
Iodine is not only useful for hormone production; it paves the way for thyroid protection as well.
Central to this role is potassium iodide, a compound that protects the thyroid gland by blocking the absorption of radioactive iodine for as much as 24 hours.
The latter, which can be released in the event of a nuclear emergency, is easily absorbed by the thyroid gland. Think of the Fukushima event that happened in Japan in 2012. Such can result to tissue damage and other complications.
By taking potassium iodide, you can save your thyroid gland in the event that you were able to breathe, eat, or drink contaminated agents. But hopefully this is not something you have to worry about!
- Enhances energy levels
Iodine can help boost your energy levels. This is because it is an essential factor in the creation of thyroid hormones, which in turn control metabolic pathways that establish energy storage and balance.
Lack of iodine leads to the development of hypothyroidism, one of the symptoms of which is a low energy level.
With proper iodine supplementation in the diet, you can achieve normal thyroid function and increased energy levels.
- Lower cancer risk
Cancer cells grow at an exponential rate. However, iodine can stop it on its tracks by the virtue of apoptosis, or programmed cell death, according to Smyth’s research study titled ‘The thyroid, iodine and breast cancer.’
As mentioned in the title and the text of the study itself, the element is specifically helpful for lowering the cancers of the thyroid and the breast.
It should be remembered though, that goitrogens or products that inhibit thyroid hormone production such as soy and cruciferous vegetables should be avoided throughout the course of supplementation.
If not, iodine’s apoptosis activities will not be able to take place – and cancer cells might then spread throughout the different parts of the body.
Other Benefits of Iodine
Apart from the thyroid gland, Iodine offers the following bodily benefits as well:
- Improved Cardiovascular Health
Iodine found in desiccated thyroid has been shown to improve the heart health of many individuals.
A review of Hoption Cann in 2005 chronicled the many studies featuring Iodine’s role in improving the cardiovascular status of different patient populations.
Literature review showed that desiccated thyroid, which is rich in iodine, has been proven effective in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels in participants.
- Better Immunity
Do you get the sniffles regularly?
Then it means that your immune system might be compromised because of stress, lack of sleep, among many other factors. You need not worry though as iodine can help enhance your immunity.
Like Vitamin C, which is another one of the great vitamins for thyroid health, Iodine boosts antioxidant activity, so your body can defend itself from free radicals.
- Reversal of Fibrocystic Breast Changes
With symptoms such as lumpiness and breast discomfort, fibrocystic breast changes encompass non-cancerous changes in the mammary gland.
Although this is the case, it increases one’s risk of developing breast cancer.
Fortunately, iodine can reverse this change, as seen in many studies.
Results from a study by Eskin et al show that iodine deficiency in rats leads to fibrocystic breast changes, while iodine replacement reverses these changes.
Similar results were seen in Ghent et al’s study, wherein iodine treatment, specifically molecular iodine, yielded clinical improvements in the symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease.
- Wound Treatment
Leg and foot ulcers and gum infections, are painful and bothersome. If left untreated, any of these can lead to a systemic bacterial infection. Iodine can prevent such, when applied topically at the affected areas.
Apart from healing said wounds, iodine is known to reduce the chances of re-infection as well.
Iodine Precautions
While iodine is beneficial for thyroid health, keep the following precautions in mind should you decide to take iodine supplementation:
- Drink Moderately… Iodine Supplements, that is!
- Make sure to follow the recommended daily intake specified above. Avoid going above 1000 mcg per day as this can interfere with the normal functioning of your thyroid gland. Symptoms of iodine overdose include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, cyanosis, and a burning sensation in the mouth and throat.
- Consult with your Physician. This is especially the case for pregnant or nursing mothers. Going beyond the recommended daily allowance can have deleterious effects on the baby, such as hypothyroidism and goiter.
- Avoid “Tincture of Iodine.” Used to disinfect wounds, this is not intended to be ingested, at any cost! They should be used topically only, to treat the infections stated above. Orally taking in even a small amount can bring unwanted changes to your body, even death.
Iodine Interactions
If you are or if you plan on taking iodine supplements for your thyroid health, be wary of taking them with the following medications as it can cause untoward reactions.
- Anti-Thyroid Medications. If you have hyperthyroidism and currently taking drugs such as Methimazole, iodine supplements can have an additive effect and could lead to the development of hypothyroidism.
- Angiotensin-Converting (ACE) Inhibitors. Blood pressure drugs such as Fosinopril, Lisinopril, and Benazepril, when taken with iodine supplements, can lead to increased potassium levels in the body or hyperkalemia.
- This blood pressure medication contains high levels of iodine, and can lead to hyperthyroidism when taken with iodine supplementation.
- Used in treating mood disorders, this drug, when taken with iodine supplements, can lead to the further development of hypothyroidism.
- Potassium-Sparing Diuretics. Similar to the effect of ACE Inhibitors, Amiloride or Spironolactone intake with iodine supplements can lead to the development of hyperkalemia.
Similarly, if you are taking potassium iodide supplements alongside blood thinners such as Coumadin, the latter’s effect on the body is decreased.
This can lead to the development of blood clots which can get lodged in the small vessels of the lungs or the brain.
Iodine deficiency is a common problem in the world, and this often leads to poor thyroid health. For most patients, adding Iodine supplementation can help their hypothyroidism.
With the element’s numerous benefits on the thyroid gland – and other organs in the body – it is but recommended that you take iodine supplementation at doses prescribed by your physician.
References:
Complete Guide to Boosting Thyroid Hormones and Function Naturally. (2017). Retrieved August 19, 2017, from https://thyroidadvisor.com/complete-guide-to-boosting-thyroid-hormone-function-naturally/
Chung, H. R. (2014). Iodine and thyroid function. Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism, 19(1), 8–12. http://doi.org/10.6065/apem.2014.19.1.8
Ghent, W. R., Eskin, B. A., Low, D. A., & Hill, L. P. (1993). Iodine replacement in fibrocystic disease of the breast. Canadian Journal of Surgery,36(5), 453-460. Retrieved August 19, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8221402.
Higdon, J. (2001). Iodine. Retrieved August 19, 2017, from http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/iodine#reference68
Hoption Cann, S. (2006). Hypothesis: Dietary Iodine Intake in the Etiology of Cardiovascular Disease. Journal of the American College of Nutrition,25(1), 1-11. Retrieved August 19, 2017, from http://iodineresearch.com/files/cann_2006_iodine_in_cardiovascular_disease.pdf
Iodine. (2017). Retrieved August 19, 2017, from https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=19&contentid=Iodine
Iodine Deficiency. (2017). Retrieved August 18, 2017, from https://www.thyroid.org/iodine-deficiency/
Iodine Supplementation. (2015). Retrieved August 19, 2017, from http://www.kumc.edu/school-of-medicine/integrative-medicine/iodine-supplementation.html
Mullur, R., Liu, Y.-Y., & Brent, G. A. (2014). Thyroid Hormone Regulation of Metabolism. Physiological Reviews, 94(2), 355–382. http://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00030.2013
Office of Dietary Supplements – Iodine. (2011, June 24). Retrieved August 18, 2017, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-HealthProfessional/
Potassium Iodide. (2017). Retrieved August 19, 2017, from https://www.amesburyma.gov/sites/amesburyma/files/file/file/potassium_iodide_info.pdf
Effects of Vitamin C on the Thyroid. (2017). Retrieved August 19, 2017, from https://thyroidadvisor.com/effects-vitamin-c-thyroid/
Zimmerman, M. B., Connolly, K., Bozo, M., Bridson, J., Rohner, F., & Grimci, L. (2006). Iodine supplementation improves cognition in iodine-deficient schoolchildren in Albania: a randomized, controlled, double-blind study. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,83(1), 108-114. Retrieved August 18, 2017, from http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/83/1/108.long
