subject: The Importance Of Iodine In Thyroid Hormone Production [print this page] The most common thyroid problems arise from either overproduction or underproduction of the thyroid gland. These most common thyroid problems are both directly related to iodine as it plays a very important role in thyroid hormone production.
Hyperthyroidism is also known as an overactive thyroid disease where there is production of too much thyroid hormone. This can happen as a result of taking too much iodine, whether in diet or drug intake. An example of which drug is amiodarone, which is commonly used to treat persons with irregular heartbeats.
Hypothyroidism is also known as underactive thyroid disease where there is underproduction of thyroid hormones. This can happen as a result of iodine deficiency.
Iodine plays a very important role in thyroid hormone production. It is one of the essential minerals needed by the thyroid gland for production of thyroid hormones. The right amount of iodine is, therefore, needed for optimal thyroid function. .
Severe iodine deficiency is known to cause hypothyroidism, developmental brain disorders, and severe goiter. A less severe iron deficiency is known to be linked to both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and thyroid enlargements. From this, we can see the utmost importance of just the right amount of iodine in our system. .
Studies showed that a daily intake of 150 micrograms of iodine a day is needed for optimal thyroid function. The two thyroid hormones namely thyroxine and triiodothyronine are dependent on iodine, as well as, the amino acid tyrosine. .
How to Avoid Iodine Deficiency
Iodine sufficiency is usually a result of not having enough iodine in ones diet. Our body cannot make iodine. We have to rely on external means of getting it into our system. Iodine is naturally present in the soil but since most soils today are also iodine deficient, we have to opt for the iodized table salts to get our daily supply.
Iodine is also naturally present in seawater. It is also present in some foods but since iodine amount is not listed in food packaging, here are some of the foods that are rich in iodine:
Dairy products
Seafood especially shellfish
Meat
Breads
Eggs
Multivitamin containing iodine
Yogurt/Frozen yogurt/Ice cream
Seaweed
Soy milk/Soy sauce
Persons with known thyroid problems should always consult a physician first before taking any iodine supplement or medication. Any kind of iodine supplementation should be maintained at a safe level to prevent any adverse and opposite effects that could potentially make problems even worse.
