Health and Fitness

Iodine is an essential micronutrient which helps in the formation of two different hormones – Triiodothyronine (T₃) and thyroxine (T₄). In minute quantity, iodine helps in the growth and development of the human body.The Adult human body usually contains about 50 mg of iodine. The normal blood level of iodine is 8-12 micrograms/dl.

Dietary sources

Sea foods are by far the richest sources of iodine. Any sea fish, sea salt, cod liver oil, halibut liver oil contain sufficient amount of iodine. Other foods like meat, beef, vegetables and cereals are also good source of iodine. More than 90% of the total iodine intake comes from the food we take; rest comes from drinking water.

There are some substances called ‘Goitrogens’ – which interfere with the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland. Thus, enough amount of thyroid is not produced leading to a disease called ‘Goitre’. The brassic groups of vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage etc.) contain goitrogens.

Deficiency

The most important disease in iodine deficiency state is called ‘Goitre’. There is less amount of thyroxin hormone in the blood, growth retardation, hypotension, cretinism, dwarfism and mental retardation are the main features of a goitrous state.

Daily requirement

A healthy young adult requires about 150 micrograms of iodine daily, which mainly comes from his food intake.