Iodine
Iodine
Iodine facts
- Iodine is required to make thyroid hormones
- Most iodine in the body is found in the thyroid
- Iodine is used in nuclear accidents
- Iodine levels are tested at birth
Iodine is required to make the thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), which are used to regulate all cells in the body, including metabolism of all nutrients that are absorbed from food and how cells use oxygen. The thyroid hormones play a significant role in the healthy growth, maintenance and reproduction of cells and enable proper nerve function. Iodine helps to keep the thyroid gland functioning normally and in a healthy and effective manner. The thyroid gland and the hormones it produces are vital for the healthy functioning of all cells in the body. If the thyroid gland is malfunctioning, it can cause a whole range of physical and psychological symptoms, so iodine is really important in maintaining a healthy thyroid gland and a healthy body overall.
Approximately 75% of all the iodine in the body is found in the thyroid, which uses it to ensure the health of the gland.
Iodine, in the form of potassium iodide, is used in the case of nuclear reactor accidents to protect the thyroid gland from damage (including thyroid cancer) by absorbing the radioactive iodine that is released.
Iodine deficiency in infancy can impair neurocognitive development, but there are few available indicators of iodine intake during this critical period. In many countries, access to newborns in maternity clinics in the first few days after birth is high. If spot urine samples could be collected, reference data for urinary iodine concentration (UIC) would be useful to evaluate their iodine status.
