Iodine Part 2
Those who do not consume iodized salt often suffer from an iron deficiency. This results in a decrease in the production of the thyroid hormone and causes goiter, which is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. There are also certain foods that prevent the body from properly absorbing iodine.
These include soy products, cassava root, mustard and millet. If these foods make up a considerable part of your diet, you should consider talking iodine supplements to ensure a healthy level of the mineral in your body.
A deficiency in iodine can also cause other problems, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism can cause extreme tiredness, weight gain or depression, while hyperthyroidism can cause weight loss and changes in the heart beat. In infants, insufficient iodine can cause cretinism or mental retardation. Of these, cretinism can be cured by supplementing the iodine levels.
It is also possible to have iodine toxicity when you consume too much of the mineral. This can because of taking too much iodine supplement or an overdose of the mineral in medication. The symptoms of iodine toxicity include burning in the mouth or stomach, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a weak pulse. It can also cause coma.
It is highly unlikely that you would develop this toxicity due to the amount of the mineral in the food you eat. The recommended daily dosage of iodine supplements is 1000 mg per day for adults with lesser amounts for children and teens depending on their ages.
back to Iodine Part 1