We’re focusing our attention on an essential nutrient that’s often overlooked – iodine. Iodine plays a vital role in our health, from supporting thyroid function to boosting metabolism. Join me as I delve into the fascinating world of iodine to discover its importance, where it comes from, and how to make sure you’re getting the right amount of iodine in your diet.
What is Iodine?
Iodine is a trace mineral that our body requires for the production of thyroid hormones. These hormones are involved in controlling the body’s metabolism, temperature, growth and development.
Iodine’s main job in the body is to ensure the thyroid gland functions properly. The thyroid gland uses iodine to make two hormones – Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are vital for regulating our body’s metabolism, which is how our body uses and stores energy.
Iodine is especially important during pregnancy and infancy because it plays a key role in brain development.
A lack of iodine can lead to a variety of health problems. In adults, iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
In severe cases, iodine deficiency can lead to goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland that causes a noticeable lump in the neck. For pregnant women, iodine deficiency can cause serious complications in the baby, including developmental problems and poor growth.
Health Benefits
Thyroid Health
Iodine is a component of thyroid hormone. These hormones play a key role in regulating our metabolism. When your body has enough iodine, it can produce these hormones efficiently, resulting in a healthier, more balanced metabolism.
Neurodevelopment
Iodine plays a crucial role in the development and functioning of the brain and nervous system, particularly during fetal growth and early childhood. A sufficient iodine intake during pregnancy has been linked to better cognitive function in children.
Energy Levels
Ever feel sluggish or tired? Your iodine levels may be the culprit. Since iodine is an integral part of our metabolism, a lack of iodine can reduce energy levels. By ensuring adequate iodine intake, it can help you maintain energy throughout the day.
Immune Function
Iodine strengthens our immune system. This is because iodine has potent antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic properties.
Detoxification
Iodine may assist in detoxifying the body. It has been shown to remove heavy metals like lead and mercury, as well as harmful chemicals like fluoride and bromide.
Reproductive Health
Iodine plays a key role in reproductive health too. It is essential for normal ovarian function and can prevent conditions like fibrocystic breast disease.
Skin Health
Did you know that iodine is also good for your skin? When used topically, iodine can help treat a variety of skin conditions, including inflammation, infection and scarring.
Side Effects
Thyroid Gland Inflammation
Overconsumption of iodine can cause inflammation of the thyroid gland, known as thyroiditis. This can lead to symptoms like pain in the neck, a hoarse voice and difficulty swallowing.
Thyroid Dysfunction
Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can occur due to excessive iodine. Both conditions can lead to a range of symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, and mood disturbances.
Stomach Upset
Consuming too much iodine can cause gastrointestinal upset. Symptoms include nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
Iodine-Induced Goiter
Ironically, while a lack of iodine can lead to goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland), an excess of iodine can also cause this condition. This is because too much iodine can disrupt thyroid hormone synthesis.
Allergic
Some people may have an allergic reaction to iodine, causing symptoms such as rash, hives or difficulty breathing.
Food Sources
Animal-Based Food Sources of Iodine
Plant-Based Food Sources of Iodine
- Seaweed
- Flaxseed
- Mushroom
- Green pea
- Chia seed
- Strawberry
- Navy bean
- Prune
- Corn
- Lima bean
Other Iodine Sources
Best Overall: Life Extension Sea-Iodine at Amazon ($6)
Best Seller: 1 Body Thyroid Support at Amazon ($31)
Best Budget: Nature’s Fusions Potassium Iodide 130 mg at Amazon ($60)
Best Overall: Life Extension Sea-Iodine
- Thyroid Health And Beyond – Iodine is a health-promoting trace element that is essential for good health, and it’s usually found within seafood & iodized salt. Our Sea-Iodine formula provides 1000 mcg to support healthy levels of this essential element.
- Trace Element Essential – The thyroid gland absorbs iodide from the blood to make & release the hormones into the blood. A healthy thyroid gland not only acts as your body’s thermostat, but it’s also one of the significant maintainers of metabolism.
- Healthy Benefits Without The Salt – Sea-Iodine provides 1000 mcg of this essential element without upping your salt intake by using a blend of organic marine algae to provide you with over 667% of the Recommended Daily Value of iodine.
- Ingredients Matter – Sourced using only the finest raw ingredients with the purity and potency your body deserves. The majority of our products are non-GMO, gluten-free, and manufactured in the USA-and a Certificate of Analysis is available.
- Live Your Healthiest Life – For over 40 years, we’ve been developing advanced, effective formulas made with the highest standards. Our formulations are created using the ingredients and dosages used in the studies that inspired them.
- Brand: Life Extension
- Flavor: Unflavored
- Primary Supplement Type: Iodine
- Item Form: Capsule
- Unit Count: 60 Count
Best Seller: 1 Body Thyroid Support
- Support Healthy Thyroid Function – with our powerful thyroid complex, which contains key nutrients that promote thyroid health and function.
- Support Thyroid Health – with our thyroid support supplement to support your body’s natural energy levels and help you feel more rested and energized throughout the day.
- Support Cognitive Function – which contains nutrients that are important for maintaining healthy thyroid function.
- Support Overall Wellness – with our proprietary blend, which contains ingredients such as ashwagandha root, magnesium, bladderwrack and cayenne pepper.
- Manufactured in the USA – contains no wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish or tree.
- Brand: 1 Body
- Flavor: Unflavored
- Diet Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Vegan
- Item Form: Capsule
- Product Benefits: Thyroid Support, Energy Management, Immune Support, Weight Loss Support
Best Budget: Nature’s Fusions Potassium Iodide 130 mg
- 700 Real Capsules: Use is the same as potassium iodate tablets, ki pills 130mg or other iodine supplements.
- Iodine For Protection – Potassium Iodide (KI) is a stable iodine salt. The body does not produce Iodine naturally, which makes 130 mg Potassium Iodide Pills perfect for emergency or survival kits.
- Guaranteed Pure – Our Potassium Iodine Drops, potassium iodide tablets, and potassium iodine pills use USP grade Potassium iodide crystals directly from the source. We offer 3rd party lab tests that test for heavy metals, potency, purity, and much more.
- Made In The USA: We are the only brand that sources, tests, produces, and ships everything from our own in-house FDA registered Food-Grade facility. That’s why we can offer the best quality and the best price. Our bottles never say “Manufactured For” like everyone else. We produce many iodine supplements including Potassium Iodide Pills and Potassium iodide 130 mg tablets.
- Brand: Nature’s Fusions
- Flavor: Unflavored
- Unit Count: 700.00 Count
- Item Form: Capsule
- Product Benefits: Health
Fun Facts
Fact 1: The Discovery of Iodine
Iodine was discovered in 1811 by a French chemist named Bernard Courtois. Courtois stumbled upon iodine while trying to produce saltpeter, an ingredient used in gunpowder. Accidental discoveries can indeed lead to monumental advancements!
Fact 2: Iodine and the Color Purple
Iodine gets its name from the Greek word ‘iodes,’ which means violet. When iodine is heated, it transitions directly from a solid to a gas (a process called sublimation) and gives off a beautiful purple vapor.
Fact 3: The First Effective Treatment for Goiter
In the early 1900s, iodine was found to be effective in treating goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland), making it one of the first treatments for the disease. The discovery was groundbreaking at the time and remains relevant today.
Fact 4: Iodized Salt and Public Health
The introduction of iodized salt in the 1920s was a major public health breakthrough. This simple step has significantly reduced the incidence of iodine deficiency disorders, particularly goiter and cretinism, around the world.
Fact 5: No Iodine, No Life!
Iodine is essential for life on Earth—especially human life! It’s vital for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate many key metabolic processes. Without iodine, these hormones couldn’t be produced, and life as we know it wouldn’t exist.
