Iodine is necessary for the functioning of many processes in the human body, but the main role is played by the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Scientists have conducted a number of studies in which they found a direct relationship between a lack of microelements and poor development of mental abilities.

Napoleon also examined his soldiers for the presence of goiter in order to eliminate stupid men during the initial periods of service.

According to WHO ( World Organization Health) deficiency of this mineral occurs in a third of all inhabitants of our planet.

The microelement is essential because it is not produced in the human body, so it is necessary to regularly eat foods high in it.

A healthy adult body contains an average of about 30 mg. iodine, which performs many important functions:

• It is included in the hormones produced in the thyroid gland.
• It has a direct effect on the functioning of the central nervous system and the brain in particular.

It has a beneficial effect on mental recovery and has a calming effect.

• Participates in the processes of growth and development of organs and tissues, including in cellular biochemical processes.
• Strengthens the immune system and keeps it in good shape during epidemics.
• Serves as prevention against the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
• Serves as protection against excessive radioactive exposure.
• The trace element helps dissolve fatty acids, helping to get rid of cellulite, restores nail and hair growth, and also strengthens tooth enamel.

During blood circulation, iodine from the blood penetrates into weak microbial cells, neutralizing them and killing them. At the same time, passing through the thyroid gland, even the most persistent viruses become weakened and soon die on their own.

The main part of iodine is included in the functioning of the thyroid gland, which regulates many metabolic processes in the body. By being included in thyroxine and triiodothyronine, the mineral stimulates the synthesis of ATP, accordingly participating in phosphorylation processes.

Thus, the thyroid gland participates in general metabolic processes. With a deficiency of a microelement, serious complications in the patient’s health can occur, including mental retardation and the appearance of endemic goiter.

On average, an adult’s body should receive 160 mcg of mineral per day.

However, under stressful factors, such as increased sports activity, gestation or breastfeeding, it is necessary to almost double its intake from food.

During pregnancy, iodine affects the development and health of the baby, reducing the risk of serious genetic pathology.

Elements that interact with iodine

A trace element can influence the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals from the intestines, so it is important to know which elements are synergists and which antagonists of iodine.

In the human body, all elements interact with each other, helping or stopping the functioning of vital processes. With normal absorption of a mineral, over the course of a lifetime, less than a teaspoon of this element enters the body.

It reacts quite calmly to other chemical elements, but some substances affect its absorption.

Due to the fact that iodine belongs to chemical category halogens, it must not be combined with bromine, chlorine and fluorine, since such elements have the ability to displace the mineral from any chemical reactions and organic compounds.

Therefore, when using drinking water treated with chlorine or when using medications containing bromine, the absorption of iodine in the body is practically zero.

In addition, lithium is an antagonist of the microelement, which inhibits the functioning of the thyroid gland, and iodine, in turn, enhances by-effect from lithium use.

The mineral in the human blood in the thyroid gland is not able to function normally in the absence of selenium.

However, their high concentration leads to the opposite result. Therefore, it is necessary to follow the exact recommendations of doctors before taking dietary supplements containing different groups elements.

Daily iodine requirement

A vital microelement takes part in many metabolic and regulatory processes.

The norm for an adult is 20 mg throughout the body, with more than half of it concentrated in the thyroid gland. Iodine is also deposited in the lungs, muscles, and hematopoietic organs, and a small part remains on the skin and hair.

The maximum concentration of a mineral that can enter the body during the day is 1 gram; if this threshold is exceeded, it can cause a toxic reaction. Daily requirement in iodine differs for different age categories, depends on gender, weight and a number of other factors.

• In infancy, from birth to two years, it is enough to give the baby 50 mcg of the mineral.
• By the age of 12, a child’s body should receive at least 110 mcg of iodine every day, which is beneficial for mental development and relieves fatigue during heavy physical activity.
• In the female body, the norm for microelement intake is approximately 140 mcg.

However, this figure can vary greatly depending on where a person lives and what is included in his diet.

At proper diet, which combines foods with different microelements, vitamins and minerals, the body receives a sufficient amount of iodine necessary for normal life.

During pregnancy, the concentration of daily mineral intake should increase on average at least twice. This is necessary in order to provide the child with minerals and increase the supply of oxygen to newly formed organs and tissues.

• Men are recommended to eat 150 mcg daily. mineral, also based on your diet and area of ​​residence.

It should be borne in mind that the use of some dosage forms, capable of inhibiting the absorption of iodine into the blood, can cause a deficiency of the mineral in the body.

Lack of mineral in the human body

A small and untimely intake of the mineral into the blood can cause serious physiological disturbances in metabolic processes and in general human health.

The main reasons contributing to the development of hypothyroidism are:

1. Varied diets and poor nutrition based on foods that do not contain iodine in the required quantity;
2. Changes in the functioning of metabolism, that is, any chronic diseases;
3. High radioactive natural background;
4. Poor environmental conditions, air pollution and chlorinated water;
5. Allergic diseases.

According to WHO, 18–20% of all inhabitants of the Earth have iodine deficiency in their bodies. The consequences of this can be very serious:

• congenital developmental pathologies, the birth of children with congenital deformities and genetic diseases;
• lag in all parameters in mental and psychological development;
• diseases of the thyroid gland and the appearance of endemic goiter;
• increased cholesterol levels in the blood, which contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, resulting in an increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke;
• the occurrence of cancerous tumors.

The main symptoms by which a lack of a microelement in a person’s blood can be determined is weakness in the body; nervous breakdowns and regular depressive states; disorders of the thyroid gland.

It used to be that you could test your body's iodine levels at home. To do this, just apply a couple of lines of iodine pharmaceutical solution to the skin in the wrist area and leave it overnight. If no brown lines are found in the morning, it means that the body needs additional supply of the mineral through medications or dietary supplements.

However, this is a misconception, since with even a slight increase in body temperature, the stripes disappear faster.

To correlate the normal intake of iodine in the body, doctors prescribe a special diet based on foods with a high concentration of the mineral, as well as some medications and mineral supplements.

Dosage forms that replenish iodine deficiency

Several of the most popular ones are currently in use. effective medicines, capable of replenishing a patient’s severe mineral deficiency in a short period of time.

You can find it in pharmacies natural springs iodine, such as dried kelp and fucus. They are sold in capsule packaging, each containing about 50 mcg. microelement.

Among the dosage forms prescribed by specialists are:

This drug is used more often for the treatment of the thyroid gland and as a prevention of iodine deficiency. It is recommended to use it from an early age childhood, it is absolutely safe for expectant and nursing mothers.

• Antistrumin.

Prescribed for iodine deficiency in the natural environment, especially in northern and foothill areas. It prevents the development of endemic goiter and replenishes the necessary concentration of the mineral in human blood.

Before you start taking medications and dietary supplements containing large amounts of trace elements, you must consult your doctor, otherwise an overdose of iodine in the body may occur.

Excess of trace elements in the blood

Most often, excess concentrations of the mineral in the body can be found in iodine producers in natural conditions.

If more than 400 mcg of iodine enters the body daily, it causes a toxic reaction and leads to serious developmental disorders. The main symptoms of mineral poisoning are mainly difficulty breathing and drying out of the mucous membranes in the mouth and nasal cavity, which may result in:

1. Runny nose and expectorant cough;
2. Watery eyes;
3. Swelling of the salivary glands, resulting in uncontrolled increased salivation;
4. Acute inflammation of the eyes in the form of conjunctivitis, cataracts;
5. The appearance of a metallic taste in the mouth;
6. Gag reflex and constant nausea;
7. Dizziness and confusion;
8. Constant feeling of thirst.

If there is an excess intake of iodine in the body, specialists prescribe complex therapeutic actions aimed at eliminating the symptoms of the disease.

Often in such cases, medications are prescribed that inhibit the absorption of the mineral into the blood, which contain its substitutes, for example, chlorine or fluorine.

Foods with the highest iodine concentrations

The richest foods in terms of the amount of mineral per 100 grams are the gifts of nature, in particular seaweed and seafood. Therefore, residents of islands or coastal areas practically do not have iodine deficiency.

Among all the diversity, one can distinguish plant and animal sources of the mineral in nature.

However, when heat treatment, in unnatural and chemically processed food, the concentration of microelements and vitamins sharply decreases.

With proper preparation of your daily diet, you can compensate for the lack of iodine in the body without additional medicinal sources.

The mineral evaporates during high heat treatment, so it is recommended to cook or stew all products.

For example, seafood contains about 400 mcg. mineral per 100 grams, but only a third can be absorbed by the body after treatment. Only about 10 mcg is concentrated in milk and dairy products. microelement.

Plant sources of iodine are:

• seaweed or seaweed;
• walnuts are the record holder for iodine content in the composition, especially in their green young peel;
• among vegetables, potatoes are rich in minerals,
• Greens and mustard seeds;
• Swede.

It is believed that the products presented contain certain compounds that block the production of thyroxine and triiodothyronine. For example, when eating soy, the thyroid gland can increase more than 5 times; accordingly, the need for the microelement will increase several times.

Food table - where iodine is found

№	Product name	Iodine, mg/100g	% of the daily value per 100g.
1	Kelp	2500,0-3600,0	2033,3
2	Beans	32,7	21,8
3	Parsley (greens)	4,3-47,0	17,1
4	Spinach	15,9-20,8	12,2
5	Arugula	8,0-25,0	11
6	Sorrel	8,0-22,7	10,2
7	Pumpkin seeds	12,0-18,0	10
8	Garlic greens	14,5	9,7
9	Beans	12,10-16,30	9,5
10	Soybeans	8,20-19,70	9,3
11	Durum wheat	11	7,3
12	Celery (greens)	7,5-13,9	7,1
13	Pistachios	10	6,7
14	Cheremsha	9,3-10,1	6,5
15	Rye	9,3	6,2
16	Tarragon	9	6
17	Coriander (cilantro)	9,0	6
18	Basil	9,0	6
19	Salad	8	5,3
20	Soft wheat	8	5,3
21	Oats	7,5	5
22	Barley	5,0-8,9	4,6
23	Sunflower seeds	6,8	4,5
24	Millet	4,5-6,1	3,5
25	Corn	5,2	3,5
26	Unpolished brown rice	2,9-7,2	3,4
27	Buckwheat	5,1	3,4
28	Dill	2,3-5,5	2,6
29	Dried apricots	3,4	2,3
30	Chives	0,65-5,2	2

Iodine is a very useful and essential mineral necessary for normal life. healthy person. Therefore, it is necessary to include foods rich in the mineral in your diet every day to prevent the occurrence of iodine deficiency.

Trace element iodine – an important substance for the human body. It, like many vitamins, plays an important role. Without iodine, the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which are responsible for metabolism and growth, is impossible. A sufficient amount of the element can be obtained from food products. If there is a deficiency, it is necessary to take medications containing iodine.

Functions of iodine in the body

The body needs vitamins and minerals to function properly. Iodine is concentrated in the thyroid gland. With a sufficient amount of it in the body, unstable microbes are neutralized. As blood passes through the thyroid gland, persistent pathogens are weakened. A person's energy supply depends on the amount of iodine he consumes.

The trace element has a calming effect. By taking medications that contain iodine, you can overcome chronic stress and irritability. The presence of a microelement in the body is associated with mental abilities. This is due to its participation in oxidative processes that stimulate brain activity. In addition, the elasticity of the walls increases. People who consume iodine in sufficient quantities increase their resistance to colds.

The daily requirement for a microelement depends on the characteristics of the body and the age of the person. The compounds are excreted by the urinary system and salivary glands. The table shows the amount of compound that must be consumed daily.

Pregnant and lactating women are prescribed medications containing iodine. You can ask your medical professionals about which vitamin-mineral complexes contain the microelement. During pregnancy and lactation, the iodine requirement is 250 mcg. Vitamins are prescribed by a doctor individually.

Flaw

Deficiency develops when the element is supplied in an amount of less than 10 µg. In nature, the mineral compound is concentrated in the ocean waters. It is washed out from the soil by precipitation and wind. Cereal crops that grew on such soil are maximally enriched with iodine.

The reasons for the lack of iodine in the body are metabolic disorders, insufficient consumption of seafood, polluted environment, and increased sensitivity to allergens. In some cases, iodine deficiency is caused by excessive intake of microelements into the body, which reduce the absorption and utilization of the microelement. Such compounds include iron, manganese, calcium, lead, and chlorine.

When the body contains insufficient amounts of iodine, human reproductive function is impaired. Cases of stillbirth, mental and physical underdevelopment of newborn children are likely. During pregnancy, vitamins, microelements and folic acid are needed.

The presence of a microelement is one of the reasons for persistent immunity. With a deficiency, the body weakens and loses its ability to resist viral, bacterial and fungal infections. A person experiences drowsiness, increased fatigue, decreased memory and hearing. Iodine deficiency affects the skin. This is noticeable by a pale complexion and the presence of dry patches. People often complain of a feeling of cold, shortness of breath and pain in the heart area. Possible loss of body weight, development of edema, decreased intellectual abilities.

Iodine deficiency entails the occurrence of various pathologies, such as impaired synthesis of thyroid hormones, goiter, increased blood cholesterol, bradycardia, and stool disorders.

During pregnancy, your doctor will explain which foods contain iodine. This will help prevent possible intrauterine pathologies, such as mental and neuralgic defects. They often appear due to insufficient intake of iodine into the body of a pregnant woman during the first 6 months of pregnancy.

Oversupply

An excess of a microelement occurs due to an excessive amount of its intake and a violation of iodine metabolism. Excess microelement leads to hyperthyroidism. The general condition of the body is disturbed, muscle weakness and susceptibility to stressful situations appear. There is also increased sweating and a tendency to diarrhea. This leads to weight loss.

In case of hyperthermia - an increase in body temperature, the cause of which has not been established, you should check the iodine content in the body. A common manifestation of microelement deficiency is dystrophy and excessive hair loss. Long-term muscle weakness can lead to muscle atrophy.

A high concentration of iodine is dangerous due to direct poisoning. Connection in pure form toxic. Poisoning with a substance is no different from signs of an excess of other compounds: pain in the abdomen, vomiting, upset stool. At high iodine concentrations there are known cases fatal outcome which occurs due to shock and irritation of nerve endings.

People who work at work are susceptible to iodine poisoning hazardous industries. There the microelement is released in the form of vapor. The condition is accompanied by lacrimation, irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, tinnitus, and dizziness. Excess iodine over a long period of time leads to dysfunction digestive tract and inflammation of the mucous membranes.

Where is iodine found?

The need for a microelement is met in a normal diet through plant and animal products. Some of the compound is brought into the body with consumed water. Information about which foods contain iodine is shown in the table.

Iodine also enters the body with meat, buckwheat, vegetables and eggs.

Contents in preparations

The trace element iodine is important for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. It is part of the hormones it produces and regulates vital processes. If abnormalities are detected, the endocrinologist prescribes iodine-containing drugs. When deciding in what doses to take it, the doctor takes into account the individual characteristics of the patient. Pharmaceutical companies produce enough products to help compensate for the shortfall.

Klamin. The product is intended for the prevention and elimination of iodine deficiency. It, like vitamin tablets, can be taken for a long time, and if necessary, constantly. The form of the microelement is favorable for human body. When storing the drug, its properties are preserved. Preventing and treating iodine deficiency helps preserve good health and well-being.

Iodine-Active. The drug is an organic compound of a microelement embedded in a milk protein molecule. The idea of ​​the connection belongs to the Russian scientist Pavel Florensky. A person receives this analogue of the compound through breast milk.

Iodomarin. Used for the treatment and prevention of thyroid diseases. With optimal supply of microelements, the development of goiter is prevented. It is especially important to take preparations enriched with microelements for people living in areas with low content in the soil.

Vitamins and microelements are important for life, both for young growing organisms and for older people. It is impossible to compensate for their deficiency with the food consumed when vitamin deficiency lasts for a long time. Pharmaceutical vitamins and dietary supplements – reliable and correct solution this problem.

It is necessary for the synthesis of the thyroid hormone - thyroxine, as well as for the creation of phagocytes - patrol cells in the blood, which must destroy debris and foreign bodies in the cells. Phagocytes are capable of capturing and digesting foreign bodies, in particular microorganisms and even defective cells.

Iodine deficiency

Lack of iodine causes serious metabolic disorders, contributes to the development of Graves' disease and decreased immunity. Not only people, but also animals need iodine.

Why do some areas have too little iodine? The fact is that iodine compounds are easily soluble in water, so in mountains or rocky areas located far from the seas, they are simply washed away by rain and streams of water. For example, in Japan, on islands surrounded by the ocean, there is relatively little iodine in the water, in the air, and in the soil, but the main food of local residents is seafood, from where residents get required amount Yoda. And in Taiwan, where seafood is not traditionally eaten, Graves' disease is common, and even iodization of drinking water does not help reduce the incidence. In Poland, there was also once a great lack of iodine in Podkarpackie (15.5% of the population suffered from Graves' disease). Salt iodization helped reduce the number of patients to 2.9%. Children born to women with Graves' disease often have dwarfs or children with developmental delays and signs of cretinism.

Iodine deficiency, in addition to Graves' disease or mental retardation, can cause changes in chromosomes and contribute to the appearance of cancer. Graves' disease depends not only on a lack of iodine in the soil and vegetation, but also on a lack of cobalt.

The amount of iodine in plants depends on the content of this element in the soil and on the plant’s ability to concentrate it. But there are substances that cause Graves' disease. For example, cruciferous plants, as well as nitrates and nitrites, which can turn into nitrosamines. Aceto derivatives of nitrosamines cause enlargement of the thyroid gland.

We must remember that eating soy causes an enlargement of the thyroid gland (sometimes fivefold) and increases the need for iodine by 100%. This suggests that when used soy products should be included in the diet along with them sea ​​salt, ocean fish, onions and green onions.

Children and teenagers require more iodine than adults. Lack of iodine in the body causes serious metabolic disorders and contributes to the development of goiter. There are many compounds that have a similar effect, for example, some sulfonamide drugs.

The following should become a nutritional law: the less iodine in environment and food products, the more you need to care about introducing iodine-rich foods into your diet.

How much iodine does the body need?

It turns out that the body requires a negligible amount of this microelement - only 2-4 mcg per 1 kg of body weight (on average). For an adult man this will be 150-300 mcg per day, for a sick thyroid gland - 400 mcg. Young people going through puberty, pregnant and lactating women need especially a large number of iodine - more than 400 mcg. It should be remembered that part of the iodine is not excreted and is reused by the body.

Products containing iodine

In 1 kg of vegetables - 20 - 30 mcg of iodine, in 1 kg of grain - about 50 mcg, in 1 liter of milk - about 35 mcg, in 1 kg of cheeses, eggs, animal fats - 35 mcg, in 1 kg of fish - from 100 to 200 mcg iodine (maximum).

Boiled salt - “Extra” has lost iodine, unlike rock salt, which contains all the microelements necessary for life.

Water is still considered the richest source of iodine, although its content in water varies - either too much or too little. Baltic, Black Sea are rich in this element, and therefore people with thyroid disease benefit from staying on the Baltic and Black Sea beaches, while direct sunlight should be avoided so as not to provoke growth of the thyroid gland.

Iodine in the human body

Iodine is constant integral part plant and animal organisms. Iodine enters the human and animal body with food, water and air.

From food products Foods rich in iodine are: eggs, fish, milk. Near the sea, we partially meet the daily requirement of iodine from the air. When absorbed, iodine affects metabolism - it enhances oxidative processes and the functions of the thyroid gland.

With a lack of iodine, the formation (synthesis) of the thyroid hormone - thyroxine is disrupted, leading to the development of goiter. With increased thyroid function, the introduction of small doses of iodine has a beneficial effect on the body. In medical practice, iodine is used internally in the form of its salts (potassium iodide, sodium iodide), Lugol's solution, alcohol solution, tincture, and also in the form of various preparations.

Iodine is used not only for thyroid disease, but also for atherosclerosis, in the treatment of syphilis (in the tertiary period), for inflammatory processes respiratory tract, chronic poisoning with mercury and lead, for the prevention and treatment of goiter in places where goiter is widespread. To this end, to table salt, sold to the population in these places, add 1 - 2.5 g of potassium iodide per 100 kg of salt. Potassium iodide is also prescribed for mastopathy of the mammary gland and other neoplasms in the endocrine glands. Externally, iodine is used in the form of alcohol solutions or water infusion, as a disinfectant, absorbable and cauterizing agent for inflammatory diseases of the skin and mucous membranes, minor skin wounds, as well as in surgical practice for disinfecting the surgeon’s hands and the surgical field. IN medicinal purposes For diseases of the thyroid gland, radioactive iodine is used. This method is based on the ability of the thyroid gland to accumulate iodine. With radioactive radiation, the activity of the gland decreases, which can lead to a therapeutic effect.

To prevent atherosclerosis, traditional healers advise lubricating the body with iodine during the autumn-winter period as follows: using a cotton swab dipped in an alcohol or aqueous solution of iodine, draw a bracelet on the wrist of one hand, and the next day - on the wrist of the other, then draw the same bracelet first on one leg, and then on the other, continuing treatment for 10 days, followed by a break of 10 days, then you can start over.

To prevent and treat atherosclerosis, drink Lugol's tincture 1 drop per 1 glass of water 2 times a week.

For stomach poisoning or dysentery, hepatitis, drink iodinol, which can be prepared at home: pour into 1 liter of boiling water potato starch(on the tip of a teaspoon), previously dissolved in cold water. Allow to boil once, remove from heat and cool. Drop 5 drops of iodine (alcohol solution). Take: per 100 g of preparation, adding 10 drops of iodine. Drink before bed and the same amount immediately after waking up.

At colds do iodine inhalations. Iodine is used for burns and infections. However, with prolonged use of iodine and its preparations, increased sensitivity to it may appear and poisoning phenomena may develop - iodism (runny nose, urticaria, facial swelling, salivation, lacrimation, acne, etc.); all these manifestations may disappear after temporary cessation of iodine and its preparations. Therefore, iodine preparations should not be prescribed without the advice of a doctor.

The discovery of this chemical element occurred at the beginning of the 19th century. French chemist Courtois conducting experiments with ash seaweed I began to notice the rapid destruction of the copper boiler that I used to evaporate the ash. By combining ash vapors with sulfuric acid, dark purple vapors appeared.

After they settled, crystals of a dark shade with shine were formed.

A couple of years later, the famous chemists the Frenchman Gay-Lussac and the Englishman Davy began to study the resulting substance and gave it the name iodine, which means purple in Greek.

Microelement iodine and its characteristics

Iodine is a halogen located in the fifth period of the table chemical elements Mendeleev. Chemical formula element I, and the atomic number is 53.

Natural places of microelement localization

The microelement iodine is not found in nature in its pure form, but it is distributed throughout the environment. Iodine is included in the structure of various living organisms, sea water, soil, as well as in animal and food products. plant origin. The highest concentration of this trace element is found in seaweed.

Basic properties of iodine

To the basic physical and chemical properties iodine include:

• Solid state.
• Crystalline form.
• Dark purple or black-gray shade.
• Intense shine.
• Specific smell.

When a substance is heated, steam is produced purple, and when it cools, solid crystals form. In order to obtain the solution we are accustomed to, iodine should be heated under pressure.

How much iodine does a person need per day?

The presence of iodine in the body ensures the natural activity of the thyroid gland. The daily norm for an adult is about 200 mcg. For adolescents, pregnant and lactating women, the norm increases to 400 mcg.

What foods contain iodine?

The required amount of the microelement iodine can be obtained from food products, which should be included in daily diet. The most iodine-fortified foods include:

• Seafood.
• Sea fish.
• Certain types of vegetables: spinach, beets, lettuce, carrots.
• Legumes.
• Various varieties of nuts.
• Buckwheat grain.
• Millet.
• Fermented milk products.
• Certain types of fruits: persimmon, grapes, plums, feijoa.
• Blueberry.
• Dried porcini mushrooms.

Heat treatment and long-term storage negatively affects the amount of iodine in products, significantly reducing it.

Positive effects of iodine on the body

Iodine is an integral element of oxidative processes, which result in stimulation of brain activity. The highest concentration of this microelement in the body is observed in the thyroid jelly and plasma. Iodine neutralizes unstable microbes, which helps reduce irritability and stress. It has a positive effect on the walls of blood vessels, increasing their elasticity.

At dietary nutrition, aimed at weight loss, iodine is one of the main helpers. It stimulates mental activity, energy production, improves metabolism and lipid metabolism. Under its influence, the condition of the skin, nail plates, hair and teeth improves.

Iodine: deficiency in the body

Residents of regions where there are insufficient natural sources of this microelement are at greatest risk of iodine deficiency. Another factor in the development of iodine deficiency in the body is poor nutrition.

Main signs of iodine deficiency:

• Increased fatigue.
• General weakness of the body.
• Migraine.
• Rapid weight gain.
• Weakened memory.
• Visual and hearing impairment.
• Conjunctivitis.
• Insufficient hydration of mucous membranes.
• Increased dryness of the skin.
• Irregular menstrual cycle.
• Decreased libido.

Excess iodine in the body

An excess of iodine in the body, just like its deficiency, has negative impact. It is highly toxic, so all work with it is carried out using personal protective equipment. Severe intoxication is manifested by sharp pain in the stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The initial stage of excess iodine is accompanied by the manifestation of the following symptoms: skin rashes and rhinitis, allergic reaction, increased sweating, asomnia, swelling of the mucous membranes, tachycardia, increased activity of the salivary glands, tremor of the upper extremities.

The most negative consequence of excess iodine in the body leads to the development of Graves' disease.

Iodine in human life

The most common use of iodine is in medical practice. Its alcohol solution is used for disinfection skin, as well as to stimulate the healing and regeneration process. It also helps reduce inflammation caused by bruises and abscesses. For colds, iodine solution is used to gargle or an iodine mesh is applied to warm the chest when coughing. These are medicinal properties Yoda.

Iodine is also used in other areas of human activity. In forensic science, this microelement is used to identify fingerprints. It is also a component of light sources and is necessary for the production of batteries.

The stunning aroma of sea air leaves a distinct taste on your lips... of a miracle? Even a few days on the coast can do a lot: vacationers feel an unprecedented surge of vigor and strength, a thirst for adventure and the spirit of free sailors awakens in them. It's simple: the miracle actually tastes like iodine. A person who breathes healing air normalizes the functioning of the thyroid gland. True, she’s not the only one. Our review today is just about iodine. This means that we will talk exclusively about him.

Functions of iodine

What are the functions of iodine, why is our body unable to do without it? Why do some people love seafood, but others are disgusted by it?

Man is crafted in a cunning way: his body is most often able to sense what is needed. this moment he needs more. Can't live without fish? Do you love the salty, specific taste of seaweed? This means that at this stage you simply need iodine-containing products. Thanks to them:

1. Thyroid hormones are produced and the thyroid gland functions;
2. All metabolic processes in the body proceed correctly;
3. Iodine is also responsible for human growth and the normal course of intrauterine development of the fetus (which is why pregnant women need a larger dose than ordinary people).

And the lack of this microelement causes a sharp deterioration in memory and intellectual abilities. If a child does not receive enough iodine, this can even lead to the development of cretinism. Adults (mostly older people who lack iodine, who do not monitor their own diet and have thyroid problems) become unreasonably irritable, as they say, “fall into insanity.”

Information about what daily norm Yoda. Naturally, “adult” from “children’s” differs significantly:

• Children under 10 years of age should receive no more than 100 mcg per day. this microelement;
• The “adult” norm is 200 mcg;
• For pregnant women, doctors recommend increasing it to 250 mcg.

Did you know?

Excess iodine in the body is extremely dangerous (see below for more details). However, those wishing to sell in large quantities iodine-containing preparations convince us of its absolute harmlessness. And in confirmation they cite data on the Japanese: they say that their daily intake is 2000 mcg, but in reality they consume one and a half times more in food, and at the same time they are the healthiest nation.

Alas, the point here is not so much in iodine, but in the fact that it is the Japanese who are the most scrupulous about their own health, regularly conducting all kinds of examinations, even such an unpleasant gastroscopy (which of us will voluntarily be dragged to it without urgent need?). Take, for example, intestinal cancer: in the early stages, it is completely curable. Statistics say: among the Japanese it occurs just as often, but it is “picked up” by doctors faster. Accordingly, there is practically no mortality from it...

But let's return to iodine: no matter how much you eat foods containing it, you will not have an overdose. If only because the body itself will feel that it has had enough, an unpleasant sensation of mild nausea will arise. Moreover, if we are talking about iodized salt: this trace element is outdoors extremely unstable and disintegrates almost instantly. This means that all that remains is the characteristic smell that we feel when we open the pack. Therefore, the Japanese, alas, are not quoted as an example - they do not eat pills, but... what exactly? The next subsection, which lists foods rich in iodine, will talk about this.

Having learned about its indispensability, it is worth finding out which products contain iodine. After all, you won’t be full of the well-known iodine-containing seaweed!

Yes, this is not necessary: ​​although kelp is a storehouse of benefits, it is not the only one rich in valuable microelements. Iodine is also found in sea ​​fish, crabs, mussels and other seafood. By the way, they also contain a lot of (beauty vitamin). Among “ours” it is worth highlighting regular beans, walnuts, kernels apricot kernels And apple seeds. And also green vegetables (especially watercress) - at least a little, but they are there too. When stewing vegetables, use sea salt, purchased at the pharmacy - in this regard, it is healthier than simple iodized salt. And, if possible, have a fish day once a week! In the unforgettable times of the USSR, such a day was Thursday. The nutritionists who recommended it knew what they were doing—at that time, people with thyroid problems were rare. And they (let's be honest!) were much smarter than the current younger generation.

Symptoms of iodine deficiency in the body

What can a lack of iodine lead to? What are the symptoms of iodine deficiency in the body? Let's find out if it's time for us to come to our senses!

Slow mental development (if we are talking about children), memory problems, enlarged thyroid gland, tendency to swelling, unhealthy pallor of flaky skin, permanent weakness and desire to sleep, emotional breakdowns... Symptoms of iodine deficiency at the initial stage can be confused with classic vitamin deficiency: “This feeling that I don’t want anything at all!” Do you feel any of the above? Are your household members annoying, and even your beloved cat no longer evokes affection? It's time to donate blood for hormones, thereby checking the condition of the thyroid gland. And, of course, adjust your diet, because if not caught in time, iodine deficiency can even lead to cancer!

A nuance: a lack of B vitamins (especially) causes a similar effect. This is why tests are so important to make an accurate diagnosis.

Excess iodine in the body: scary or not?

What can excess iodine in the body lead to? Is it worth paying attention to it? Let's find out what the experts say about this!

And they say that the so-called. “elemental” iodine is extremely toxic, and even in not very large doses can lead to death. Its excess in the body can be observed not only with uncontrolled use of drugs, but also with hyperthyroidism. Graves' disease may develop (although this is not necessary); impact on nervous system similar to the symptoms that occur with iodine deficiency. Weakness and sweating, sudden weight loss, fever, joint pain, hoarse voice - excess iodine in the body with problems with the thyroid gland manifests itself like cancer. And it can lead to these diseases.

To summarize: The microelement we need so much must be supplied to the body in strictly dosed quantities.. A step to the left is a step to the right. Therefore, it is best to receive it in the form natural products without getting involved with questionable dietary supplements. How to cook deliciously seaweed at home, the video will tell you, because it contains maximum amount useful iodine: