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Iodine is necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, but it also strengthens our immunity. Therefore, we must provide the right amount of it with the diet. Unfortunately, it is not easy, and as a consequence, iodine deficiency is a very common ailment and affects people all over the world.
Iodine deficiency causes thyroid disease, weakens immunity and makes us catch colds more often. They can lead to brain disorders, learning and memory disabilities. Significant iodine deficiency in pregnant women threatens with irreversible underdevelopment of the fetal brain.
Where’s the iodine?
The greatest amounts of iodine are found in fish and seafood. It is much less in vegetables, fruits and grain products. Cabbage, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower even reduce the absorption of iodine from food. Currently, in many countries, as part of replenishing the deficiency of this element, mandatory iodization of table salt and infant formulas replacing mother’s milk is used. Iodine is also added to the feed of livestock.
We can also find it in mineral waters with an iodide concentration of 100–200 µg / l. Some amounts of this element can also be absorbed from the air through breathing and through the skin. Sea kelp seaweed is an excellent source of iodine, the natural habitat of which is, among others, the northern waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean along the coast of Japan. In Poland, preparations of this seaweed are available in pharmacies. The KELP Walmark dietary supplement is intended for children, adolescents, adults and seniors. It contains the optimal dose of iodine of natural origin.
Without iodine, the thyroid gland doesn’t work
Due to iodine deficiency, the thyroid gland is enlarged, i.e. the so-called goiter, the risk of other diseases of this organ also increases.
Iodine is necessary for the production of the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. They condition the proper development and functioning of the brain, nervous system and skeletal system. Iodine deficiency in pregnant women can cause irreversible fetal brain underdevelopment and cretinism. Thyroid hormones are also responsible for maintaining proper body temperature. They also affect the work of the cardiovascular system. They take part in the regulation of gastrointestinal motility.
Not only the thyroid
The lack of iodine to regulate the thyroid gland also causes a feeling of constant fatigue, problems with concentration and depression. Iodine is also one of the strongest antioxidants and has a protective effect against inflammatory and neoplastic processes. So it improves the body’s immunity. Iodine deficiency increases the susceptibility to respiratory infections. It also interferes with reproductive function and may cause problems with maintaining pregnancy. This element helps maintain healthy skin, and its lack results in hair loss and brittle nails.
The need for iodine
The human body needs 150-200 micrograms of iodine daily to function properly. Meanwhile, in Poland, the low consumption of sea fish prevents the proper supply of this element. Inhabitants of remote areas are often affected by the scarcity problem. The salt-free diet recommended for high blood pressure also limits the amount of iodine in the diet. Deficiency prophylaxis is e.g. regular consumption of dietary supplements with iodine of natural origin, e.g. in bladderwrack. Apart from being a natural source of iodine, this seaweed also contains other valuable elements. According to WHO guidelines, pregnant and breastfeeding women in particular should supplement their diet with iodine. However, it should be remembered that in a certain group of people excessive amounts of iodine may cause an overactive thyroid gland. Therefore, when supplementing with iodine, the recommended doses should never be exceeded.