Nutri Wise Jo | Iodine

Iodine is a trace element essential to the human body. It is needed in small amounts and can be obtained naturally from food or through supplements.

Uses of Iodine

The body uses iodine to produce thyroid hormones (thyroxine – T4 and triiodothyronine – T3), which are responsible for:

Regulating the rate at which calories are burned (metabolism)
Speeding up or slowing down heart rate
Regulating body temperature
Influencing gastrointestinal motility (how fast food moves through the digestive system)
Controlling muscle contraction
Managing the replacement of dead cells with new ones

During pregnancy and lactation, iodine is especially important for:

Daily Iodine Requirements

Major Food Sources of Iodine

Group	Examples
Proteins	Seafood, chicken, eggs, beans, soybeans, meats, cottage cheese
Dairy	Milk, yogurt
Fruits & Vegetables	Corn, green peas, dried plums (prunes)
Carbohydrates	Rice, pasta, bread, oats, iodine-fortified flour
Other Sources	Iodized salt

Iodine Deficiency

Symptoms of iodine deficiency may include:

People at higher risk:

Pregnant women
Those consuming high amounts of goitrogenic foods (e.g., broccoli, cabbage, spinach)
People who use non-iodized salt
Individuals following a strict vegan diet

Iodine Toxicity

Consuming iodine beyond the upper intake limit—typically from supplements—can lead to:

Upper Tolerable Limits for Iodine Intake

Interaction with Medications

Iodine from supplements may interact with:

Articles