Function of Iodine in the Body
In the thyroid gland, iodine is primarily involved in the production of thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Thyroid hormones are particularly involved in tissue growth, cell division, as well as cell differentiation. Furthermore, they influence the metabolism of fat, carbohydrates, and protein.
Occurrence of Iodine
Iodine is present in foods mainly as iodide and is absorbed by plants from the soil or water. Due to the iodine-poor soils in Germany, there is a significant iodine deficiency here. To compensate for this, it is permitted to add iodine to table salt. In Germany, an iodine content of 15 to 25 mg per kg of salt is allowed. With an average iodine content of 20mg/kg, 5g of salt contains approximately 0.1 mg of iodine. Health advisors recommend a daily intake of 0.2 mg of iodine, which corresponds to about 10 g of iodized salt. Among the best "natural" sources of iodine are seawater fish or shellfish, but also cod liver oil. Health experts advise pregnant women to take additional iodine in the form of effervescent tablets to ensure adequate supply to the embryo.
Iodine Deficiency
In cases of iodine deficiency, the thyrocytes can no longer produce hormones. The thyroid gland tries to compensate for this by producing more gland cells for hormone production. Through this, it enlarges and goiter formation (struma) occurs. About a third of Germans suffer from an enlarged thyroid gland.
If this is not treated and/or there continues to be insufficient supply of the mineral, this can lead to hypothyroidism. A malfunction of the thyroid gland has serious metabolic disorders and consequently also developmental disorders as consequences. If large amounts of iodine are absorbed, it can lead to irritations of the skin and mucous membranes, known as "iodism". Accompanying symptoms include colds and bronchitis.
Overview of Trace Elements
| Chromium |
| Iron |
| Fluorine |
| Iodine |
| Copper |
| Manganese |
| Selenium |
| Zinc |