Iodine

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Many salt shakers read; “This salt does not supply iodine, a necessary nutrient.” This makes can make one wonder, what is iodine? What makes it a necessary nutrient?
Iodine’s main use in the body is synthesizing hormones in the thyroid gland. When the thyroid does not get enough of this necessary nutrient, it will fail to produce hormones. This is known as hypothyroidism. Iodine deficiency is one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism. Iodine deficiency can be caused by, obviously a lack of iodine intake, however, substances such as halogens can also reduce iodine in the body. Overcoming iodine deficiency could be as easy as eating vegetables grown in iodine rich soil, or using iodized salt. For some people, iodine supplements are needed. Hypothyroidism can be caused by many substances in the environment, or an iodine deficiency, however it can be combated by an increased intake of iodine.

The thyroid is often referred to as the most important gland in the body. This is because it produces thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin hormones. These hormones regulate a variety of tasks including cellular activity, brain function, metabolism, immune system, and the stimulation of the heart. (Friedman) One may take all of this for granted, however it is very important to take care of the thyroid gland. To produce these vital hormones, the thyroid requires iodine. The thyroid follicular cells trap iodine (as Iodide, I- ) by absorbing it from the blood in exchange for Na+. Next, the thyroid gathers the iodine, concentrating it 30-50 times more than in the blood. The iodide is then used to synthesize T4 and T3, and these hormones are released into the bloodstream. (Nussey) Without iodine, none of this would be possible...

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Du Toit, J., and N. H. Casey. "Iodine as an Alleviator of Bromine Toxicity in Thyroid, Liver and Kidney of Broiler Chickens." Livestock Science 4.3 (2012): 269-74. Print.

Sang, Zhongna. "Exploration of the Safe Upper Level of Iodine Intake in Euthyroid Chinese Adults: A Randomized Double-blind Trial." The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2011): n. pag. Print.

"Avoid This If You Want to Keep Your Thyroid Healthy." Mercola.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2014.

Nussey, Stephen, and Saffron A. Whitehead. Endocrinology: An Integrated Approach. Oxford, UK: Bios, 2001. Print.

Evert, Alison. "Iodine in Diet: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 18 Feb. 2013. Web. 09 Jan. 2014.

"Hypothyroidism (underactive Thyroid)." Mayoclinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2014.

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