Iodine

What is iodine?

Iodine is a mineral that the body needs and that we have a lot of in our thyroid gland, in fact over 80% of all iodine is found in the thyroid gland (thyroid). Iodine is, among other things, important for regulating the metabolism, and for growth and development in children. Iodine (I) is a necessary mineral and the body depends on a supply of iodine.

What does iodine do for the body?

Iodine is necessary for the formation of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are made in the thyroid gland and regulate metabolism and reproduction, as well as growth and development in children.

Sources of iodine in the diet

There are few natural sources of iodine. Fish is the best source of iodine. In addition, milk and dairy products contain iodine, as iodine is added to the concentrated feed for the cows. In addition, salt is often enriched with iodine.

Recommended daily intake of iodine

Children under 10 years: 70-120 µg.

Adults over 10 years: 150 µg.

Pregnant women: 175 µg.

Lactating: 200 µg.

µg=micrograms

For children under 10, the recommendations vary depending on age.

Breast milk contains the necessary minerals the child needs, so supplements are not recommended for children under 6 months unless a doctor or health nurse says otherwise.

What happens when there is a lack of iodine?

Iodine deficiency in fetal life or immediately after birth can lead to reduced mental development, reduced growth or a severe degree of disability called cretinism. In adults, iodine deficiency can cause goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland) and reduced metabolism.

People with a one-sided diet (with little fish and dairy products), pregnant women and young people may be more susceptible than others to iodine deficiency.

What happens with a high intake of iodine?

High iodine intake can lead to disturbances in the thyroid gland. This can result in both increased and decreased hormone production, so both high metabolism (hyperthyroidism = too much thyroid hormones) and low metabolism (hypothyroidism = too little thyroid hormones) can occur.