Unbelievable Facts About Iodine and its Role in Our Diet

Did you know that people in the United States obtain most of their daily intake of iodine from iodized salt and milk (Iodine the Nutrition Source, 2022)? Iodine is an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in allowing proper physiological functions, but is not made by the body (Chung, 2014). This often-overlooked mineral has many health benefits including making thyroid hormones, regulating body temperature and metabolism, and aiding in the development of bones and the brain (Office of Dietary Supplements, 2022).

Now, for those unbelievable facts about Iodine.

Why was iodine added to salt?

The reason iodine has been added to table salt is because iodine deficiency was a common problem in the United States before the early 1900s (Zelman, 2022). The addition of iodine to table salt significantly reduced the rates of iodine deficiency (Zelman, 2022).

Iodine and the thyroid gland

Thyroid cells are the only cells in the body that can absorb iodine (Sargis, 2022). Iodine is required for the production of thyroid hormones that are transported throughout the entire body (Sargis, 2022). These hormones are important in creating proteins, regulating activities of enzymes and normal metabolism (Chung, 2014).

Inadequate iodine

Although less common, iodine deficiency can still occur. insufficient intake of iodine can cause the thyroid to not be able to produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormones. This can result in hypothyroidism and in severe cases an enlarged thyroid. This can be tested for using a blood test that measures the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood (Office of Dietary Supplements, 2022).

Pregnancy and iodine

Consuming adequate iodine is essential to a healthy pregnancy. Sever iodine deficiency in pregnant women can cause the fetus harm such as intellectual disability, stunted growth, and delayed sexual development (Nasess, 2021). SEveral national and international organizations have recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women and infants take iodine supplements to ensure adequate intake of iodine (Naess, 2021).

Best sources of iodine

Iodized salt is the major source of iodine intake in more than 70 countries (Zelman, 2022). In fact, most countries fortify the food the produce with iodine to encourage adequate dietary intake in their population (Zelman, 2022). Food sources of iodine include seaweed and seafood. Dairy products can also have varying amounts of iodine (Office of Dietary Supplements, 2022). One-fourth of a teaspoons of iodized salt will provide you with 100 micrograms of iodine. This is an adequate amount for most people; however, iodine needs vary based on age (Zelman, 2022).

Sources

Iodine. The Nutrition Source. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/iodine/. Published 2022. Accessed July 25, 2022.

Chung H. Iodine and thyroid function. Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2014;19(1):8. doi:10.6065/apem.2014.19.1.8

Office of Dietary Supplements - Iodine. NIH.gov. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-Consumer/#h1. Published 2022. Accessed July 25, 2022.

Zelman K. Iodine a Critically Important Nutrient. Eatright.org. https://www.eatright.org/food/vitamins-and-supplements/types-of-vitamins-and-nutrients/i

Sargis R. How your thyroid works. endocrineweb. https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid/how-your-thyroid-works. Published 2022. Accessed July 25, 2022.

Næss S, Markhus M, Strand T et al. Iodine Nutrition and Iodine Supplement Initiation in Association with Thyroid Function in Mildly-to-Moderately Iodine-Deficient Pregnant and Postpartum Women. J Nutr. 2021;151(10):3187-3196. doi:10.1093/jn/nxab224

About the Author:

D. Singha is an ABSN student at Western Carolina University. She believes in a holistic approach to health, including integrative medicine.

What have we been up to on the farm?

This past week on the farm we harvested a lot to prepare for the rain that projected to come over the weekend. We harvested spaghetti squash, tomatoes, okra, calendula flowers, candy roaster squash, and small pumpkins. Later in the week, the carrots were thinned and sunflower seeds were collected. Stay tuned for exciting things happening on the farm next week!