Iodine (I)

Also known as: Iodine is listed on the periodic table as I.

Most of the iodine in the body occurs in the thyroid gland. Iodine in the thyroid gland is necessary for the formation of thyroid hormones.

Home Remedies using Iodine:

Benefits and Uses of Iodine:

Iodine deficiency is rare, because in most countries, iodine (as iodide) is added to commercial table salt.

When iodine is deficient, the thyroid gland enlarges, forming a goiter, as it attempts to capture more iodine for the production of thyroid hormones.

Iodine deficiency causes the same symptoms as an under active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism (see Thyroid Gland Disorders: Hypothyroidism).

In adults, such symptoms include puffy skin, a hoarse voice, impaired mental function, dry and scaly skin, sparse and coarse hair, and weight gain.

If a pregnant woman has this deficiency, the growth and brain development of the fetus may be abnormal. Unless the baby is treated soon after birth, mental retardation with short stature (cretinism) develops.

If a nuclear radiation accident occurs, iodine deficiency increases the risk of thyroid cancer in children because the deficient thyroid gland collects the radioactive iodine.

Iodine in table salt or supplements are used to treat iodine deficiency.

The diagnosis of iodine deficiency is based on blood tests indicating low levels of iodine and thyroid hormones or a high level of thyroid-stimulating hormone or on the presence of a goiter.

Treatment consists of iodine supplements. Infants may also require supplements of thyroid hormone, sometimes throughout life.

Iodine is present in iodized table salt, and iodine supplements are also available.

Side Effects of Iodine:

Excess iodine is rare, but usually results from taking iodine supplements to treat a prolonged iodine deficiency.

Sometimes people who live near the sea eat a lot of seafood and drink water that is high in iodine, causing excess iodine in the body.

Iodine excess may cause the thyroid gland to become overactive and produce excess thyroid hormones. As a result, the thyroid gland enlarges, forming a goiter.

The diagnosis is based on symptoms and on high levels of iodine and thyroid hormones and a low level of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood.

Treatment involves using salt that is not fortified with iodine and reducing consumption of foods that contain iodine.