What is it?
Iodine is a trace mineral essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which control the metabolism of the body, that is the rate at which you burn calories.
Function |
How it helps |
|---|---|
| Thyroid function |
The primary function of Iodine is in combination with the amino acid tyrosine in order to manufacture active thyroid hormone. |
| Weight control | The thyroid hormone controls the rate at which fats are burned to produce energy. People with an under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism) will be more prone to obesity. |
| Breast health | A lack of iodine in breast tissue may make the breast cells more sensitive to the hormone oestrogen, which in turn, triggers the growth of benign cysts which may cause pain and swelling in the breast. |
|
What is it used for?
|
|
|---|---|
| Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) | Weight control (if hypothyroid) |
| Fibrocystic breast disease | |
|
Best food sources
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Iodised salt | Seaweed (especially kelp and dulse) | Shellfish |
| Cod | Haddock | Garlic |
| Asparagus | Mushrooms | Lima beans |
| Soybeans | Spinach | |
Deficiency Symptoms |
||
|---|---|---|
| Hypothyroidism | Impaired mental developments | Heavy menstrual bleeding |
| Heavy menstrual bleeding | Goitre | Obesity |
| Brittle nails | Weak muscles | Hair loss |
Supplementation dosage range
150-500ug per day
Other information
Mild deficiency causes sluggishness and weight gain.
Cautions
- In general, daily doses exceeding 1000ug are not recommended unless under the strict monitoring of a doctor.
- High doses of iodine may cause a skin reaction resembling acne.
- If you take thyroid hormone medication, administration of high doses of iodine is not recommended unless on the advice and under the strict monitoring of a doctor.
- High doses of iodine are not recommended in patients taking lithium carbonate, unless on the advice and under the strict monitoring of a physician.
Factors which deplete levels, impair absorption and/or inhibit activity: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Raw cabbage & spinach | Raw cauliflower | Raw brussel sprouts |
| Soybeans | Peanuts | Millet |
| Mustard seeds | Peaches | Pine nuts |
