Our bodies need of iodine 20 to 30 milligrams. About three quarters of this found in the thyroid gland, while me remainder is distributed throughout the body, mostly in the fluid that bathes our cells.
Thyroid Gland
It is high concentration in the thyroid gland, iodine is very important for the proper functioning for that gland. It is a necessary constituent of the thyroid hormones, which are used to regulate physical, mental growth, the functioning of the nervous system and muscles, circulatory activity, and the metabolism of all nutrients. Hypothyroidism can lead to significant increases in cholesterol levels, homocysteine levels and is implicated in about 11% of cases of high cholesterol levels. Correcting hypothyroidism can lead to a 31% drop in cholesterol and homocysteine levels.
Other Uses
At present data indicates that iodine may have functions in other parts of the body. Example, study of iodine-deficient children in China suggests that hearing loss may be an iodine-deficiency disorder. In extra, iodine supplements are used in the event of a nuclear accident to prevent the absorption of radioactive iodine by the thyroid gland, protecting against thyroid damage.
Food Sources: Food sources of iodine are sea foods, including fish, and plants. Seaweed is high in iodine, with as much as 50,000 micrograms in a 3-ounce serving. Most land vegetables are rather slow in iodine, unless they are grown near the seacoast or in soils enriched with iodine-containing fertilizers.
The iodine content of meat, dairy products, eggs depends upon the iodine content of the animals diet. Livestock destined for consumption may be encouraged to lick salt blocks that contain iodine so that their meat will be higher in this mineral.
Dietary source of iodine is iodized salt, 1 gram of which supplies about 75 micro grams in iodine.
