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Iodine and the Thyroid
Elissa Hernandez
HW499-01 Bachelors Capstone in Health and Wellness
Instructor: Edward Eaves
07/29/2013
Introduction
 What is Iodine
 Why is Iodine Good for the Thyroid
 Where do we get Iodine
 Symptoms of Deficiency & Disease
 The Silent Epidemic
 Supplements
 Iodine Intake Recommendations
 Conclusion
What is Iodine?
 Iodine is an element needed for thyroid hormone
production and is considered a mineral. This mineral is
found in some foods and is not naturally produced by the
body.
 Most people are not getting enough iodine and is now
considered a rising epidemic.
 Iodine is an essential component to the thyroid and is a
critical determinant of metabolic activity.
Why is Iodine Good for the Thyroid
 Iodine is essential for the thyroid function.
 The thyroids function, is to make thyroid hormones that
secrete into the blood and carries through the tissues in the
body. The thyroid hormone keeps the body warm, use
energy, and helps the organs, brain, muscle, and heart to
function properly. The thyroid is what also helps regulate
the metabolism. Iodine supports hormone balance and fat
metabolism. (American Thyroid Association)
Where Do We Get Iodine From?
 In the United States Iodine is most common through
iodized table salt. However, this is a non-live source
form of iodine.
 Sea vegetables- Contain the highest levels and is a livesource form of iodine.
 Diary: eggs, milk, cheese
 Seafood
 Meats
 Fortified foods: breads, pastas
Symptoms of Deficiency
 Deficiency symptoms are always related to thyroid
function.
 Goiter is when the thyroid becomes enlarged because of
inadequate iodine. Symptoms of goiter are choking,
difficulty breathing and swallowing.
 Hypothyroidism is also caused by lack of iodine.
Symptoms include: Muscle and joint pain, neck
discomfort, hair loss, skin changes, constipation,
heavier and longer menstrual periods, high cholesterols,
anxiety, depression, inability to lose weight, and fatigue.
Symptoms of Deficiency
 Pregnancy related issues are also common symptoms of
iodine deficiency. The deficiency has been linked to
miscarriages, stillbirths, preterm delivery and
congenital abnormalities. Infants and children who are
severely deficient in iodine have lower I.Q’s and mental
retardation. There has been studies that have shown
cognitive improvement in children who supplemented
iodine between the ages of 9 and 11 years. (NIH)
The Silent Epidemic
 Iodine deficiency have reached epidemic levels and over
the past 40 years, it has increased tremendously. In most
normal healthy adults 74% of them are no longer getting
adequate iodine.
 Scientific research is now showing that commercial table
salts contain inadequate amounts of iodine.
 Because people are becoming more health conscience the
intake of iodized table salt is even less, adding to the
iodine epidemic which contributes to cancer, obesity,
breast health and cardiovascular health. (Piccone,
N.2011)
Supplements
 Live-Source Iodine
 Sea vegetables contain the highest levels of live-source
iodine. Kelp, Wakame, and Arame are the highest in their
iodine content. The brown algae is capable of
accumulating 30,000 times more iodine. (WHF)
 Xeno-X Quantum Dietary Supplement: Contains 820 mcg
of Iodine which is 547% of daily value
 Dulse Main Coast Sea vegetables: Contains 780% of daily
value in just 1/3 cup serving.
 Live-Source Iodine dramatically out performs non-live
source iodine! (QNH)
Supplements
 Non-Live Source
 Iodized Table Salt: Now known to be inadequate 47% DV
 Eggs: 1 egg 16% DV
 Milk: 1cup 37% DV
 Fortified Bread: 2 Slices 30% DV
 Canned Tuna: 3ounces 11% DV
 Raisin Brain Cereal: 1 cup 7% DV
Iodine Intake Recommendations
 Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs)
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Birth to 6 months 110 mcg
7 to 12 months 130 mcg
1 to 3 years 90 mcg
4 to 8 years 90 mcg
9 to 13years 120 mcg
14 and older 150 mcg
pregnant and lactating up to 290 mcg
In CAM modalities the recommended daily intake is far
greater and individualized per person. The daily intake
can be as much as thousands a day over a period of time.
Conclusion
 Iodine is critical in health and the health of the thyroid. The
rising epidemic of iodine deficiency is now considered a
major contributing factor to health issues such as goiter and
hypothyroidism. Recent research has even suggested that
iodine deficiency is also linked to obesity, cognitive
impairment, multiple cancers, fibromyalgia, and psychiatric
disorders. Breast health is also now being considered to be a
major link of iodine deficiency.
 Making sure we get adequate intake and a live-source iodine,
will help prevent disease, obesity, and the rising epidemic.
References
 Office of Dietary Supplements National Institute of Health, Dietary
supplement Fact Sheet: Iodine
USA.Govhttp://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-HealthProfessional
 American Thyroid Association June 4, 2012 What is Iodine Deficiency?
http://www.thyroid.org/iodine-deficiency/
 Sea Vegetables The World’s Healthiest Foods 2001-2013 The George
Mateljan Foundation
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=135
 Xeno-X Quantum Supplement Quality natural health Quantum Nutrition
Labs http://www.qnhshop.com/Xeno-X-Quantum-90Vcaps-Special.html
 Piccone, N. October 2011 The silent epidemic of Iodine Deficiency Life
Extension Magazine Report
http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2011/oct2011_The-Silent-Epidemic-ofIodine-Deficiency_01.htm