Minerals

Iodine

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Iodine

  • Physiology
  1. Iodine (I) has atomic number 53 and atomic weight 126.90
  2. Non-metal in the halogen group
  3. Essential for Thyroid Hormone synthesis
  • Dosing
  • Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
  1. Men and women: 150 mcg daily
  2. Pregnancy: 220 mcg daily
  3. Lactation: 290 mcg daily
  • Precautions
  1. Iodine intake >500 mcg daily offers no benefit
  2. Iodine intake >1100 mcg daily may result in toxicity (inhibits Thyroid Hormone synthesis)
  1. Many Prenatal Vitamins contain 150 mcg Iodine
  • Sources
  • Dietary
  1. Iodized Salt (400 mcg per 1 tsp)
    1. Not all salt is iodized (check labeling)
  2. Dairy
    1. Cows Milk (60 mcg per 8 oz)
    2. Soy Milk
    3. Cheese
    4. Yogurt
    5. Ice Cream
  3. Seafood
    1. Pregnant women should avoid excessive fish (see Mercury Content in Fish)
    2. Saltwater Fish (e.g. Cod contains 100 mcg per 3 oz)
    3. Shellfish
  4. Miscellaneous
    1. Eggs
    2. Seaweed (e.g. kelp)
    3. Soy sauce
  • Resources
  1. Thyroid.org
    1. http://www.thyroid.org/iodine-deficiency/
  2. Wikipedia
    1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iodine
  • References
  1. (2015) Presc Lett 22(5): 25-6