Iodine (I-)

Functions

• thyroid hormone formation
• regulates oxidation in cells

Deficiency

• hypothyroidism
  • disturbance in thyroid function
• goiter
  • enlargement of thyroid gland
• cretinism
  • stunting and mental retardation
  • in infants / newborn

Good Sources

Natural

• seafood
  • salt-water fish
  • seaweed
• dairy
  • milk
  • cheese
  • butter
• whole-grain cereal

Artificial

• iodized salt

Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA)

• Males and Females (11 yrs. and older)
  • 150 mcg
• Pregnant females
  • 175 mcg
• Lactating females
  • 200 mcg
• Children
  • 7-10 yrs.
    • 120 mcg
  • 4-6 yrs.
    • 90 mcg
  • 1-3 yrs.
    • 70 mcg
• Infants
  • 7 mths - 1 yrs.
    • 50 mcg
  • birth - 6 mths
    • 40 mcg

Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL)

• Adults (19 to 50 yrs)
  • 1,100 mcg

Intakes above UL may lead to negative health consequences.

Supplementation

• Not recommended
• Widely found in food
  • even if little iodized salt is used, probably enough iodine will be consumed.