Iodine and the Thyroid Elissa Hernandez HW 499

Iodine and the Thyroid Elissa Hernandez HW 499 -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 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: 1 cup 37% DV Fortified Bread: 2 Slices 30% DV Canned Tuna: 3 ounces 11% DV Raisin Brain Cereal: 1 cup 7% DV

Iodine Intake Recommendations Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs) 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 13 years 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 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-Health. Professional 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-90 Vcaps-Special. html Piccone, N. October 2011 The silent epidemic of Iodine Deficiency Life Extension Magazine Report http: //www. lef. org/magazine/mag 2011/oct 2011_The-Silent-Epidemic-of. Iodine-Deficiency_01. htm