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Iodine Daily Intake

Gender Age Intake
0-6 months Male 110 mcg/day
0-6 months Female 110 mcg/day
7-12 months Male 130 mcg/day
7-12 months Female 130 mcg/day
1-3 years Male 90 mcg/day
1-3 years Female 90 mcg/day
3-7 years Male 90 mcg/day
3-7 years Female 90 mcg/day
7-11 years Male 100 mcg/day
7-11 years Female 100 mcg/day
11-18 years Male 120 mcg/day
11-18 years Female 120 mcg/day
18 years and over Male 150 mcg/day
18 years and over Female 150 mcg/day

This chemical element is a trace mineral which is found naturally in living organisms. It is essential for the proper metabolism of cells. Thus, iodine is important for normal process of converting eaten food into energy.

Useful Properties

Iodine takes part in producing thyroid hormones which regulate metabolism and growth. It is also very important for proper functioning of the brain.

Iodine Deficiency

Though most animal and plant foods contain this mineral, iodine deficiency exists in over fifty countries of the world. It occurs because in some regions there is little iodine in the sea and soil. Moreover, modern people eat too many refined products.

Deficiency in iodine increases the risk of mental slowness, lethargy, weight gain, cretinism, high cholesterol, depression, goiter, fatigue, and other health issues.

Remember, that hypothyroidism can be cause by too little and too much iodine.

Side Effects

Poisoning with iodine is pretty rare, but high intake of the mineral can hurt the thyroid gland.

Iodine Absorption

Often iodized salt remains the main source of this mineral, but there are also many other iodine-rich foods, like cod, sea weed, and shrimp. Dairy products and eggs contain much iodine too. All these foods are easily digested and absorbed.

Recommendations

A healthy and balanced diet provides enough iodine for the human body. If you do not like seafood, use iodized salt, eat eggs and dairy products.


Iodine Uses

Effective for
Iodine deficiency, Radiation exposure, Thyroid conditions, Leg ulcers
Possibly effective for
Catheter-related infection, Conjunctivitis, Foot ulcers in diabetes, Inflammation of the uterus, Painful fibrous breast tissue, Breast pain, Soreness and swelling inside the mouth, Gum infection, Surgery, Radiation exposure, Thyroid conditions, Leg ulcers
Insufficient evidence for
Bleeding, Chyle in the urine, Eye infection, Fungal skin condition, Pneumonia, Wound healing

Top 11 Foods Highest in Iodine

  • Iodized salt
  • Cod
  • Seaweed
  • Sea bass
  • Shrimp
  • Fish sticks
  • Turkey
  • Tuna
  • Navy beans
  • Eggs
  • Milk