What is iodine?
– Iodine is a chemical element (as are oxygen, hydrogen, and iron). It occurs in a variety of chemical forms, the most important being: iodide (I-); iodate (IO3-), and elemental iodine (I2). It is present in fairly constant amounts in seawater but its distribution over land and fresh water is uneven. Deficiency is especially associated with high new mountains (e.g., Himalayas, Andes, Alps) and areas of frequent flooding, but many other areas are also deficient (e.g., Central Africa, Central Asia, much of Europe).
This Public Health Statement is the summary chapter from the Toxicological Profile for iodine. It is one in a series of Public Health Statements about hazardous substances and their health effects. A shorter version, the ToxFAQs™, is also available. This information is important because this substance may harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present. For more information, call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-888-422-8737.
Iodine is a non-metallic mineral which humans require in trace amounts for proper development and growth. It exists in most soils, and is taken up by plants which are in turn ingested by humans and animals. Most of the body’s stores of iodine are located in the thyroid gland, which requires iodine for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Why is iodine necessary? advertisement Iodine is used by the thyroid gland to produce hormones which regulate all key metabolic functions including blood cell production and nerve and muscle function. Because our body heat is primarily derived from muscle contraction, these hormones also regulate body temperature. Iodine is also useful to help prevent wounds from becoming infected, and iodine tablets provide an inexpensive way to purify water in emergency situations. What are the signs of a deficiency? Signs of iodine deficiency include an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), and weight gain, as well as symptoms of hypothyroidism such as fatigue and intolera
Iodine, the 53rd element in the periodic table, is a key ingredient in thyroxine, a hormone produced in the thyroid gland. When a pregnant woman’s diet lacks iodine, her fetus may suffer inadequate brain development because thyroxine production is inhibited. Thyroxine promotes complex brain development and thus directly affects an infant’s intelligence. Although iodine is a critical nutritional supplement, very little of the substanceabout 0.001 g (0.02 grain) each dayis required to prevent iodine deficiency disorder. Microsoft Encarta 2004 The ‘agreed’ healthy intake rate of iodine for a human adult is 60-120mcg per day (rounded off to 100mcg as an RDV). More is required during pregnancy and lactation, and a healthy range could be from 100 to 1000mcg per day.
