Importance of Iodine in women

Iodine deficiency is a major problem that is affecting many parts of the world especially the areas whose food supply has low iodine levels. Iodine is one of the most important elements in the human body; it is the essential element that is required to ensure that there is a healthy production of thyroid hormone (Biban & Lichiardopol, 2017). A deficiency in iodine is likely to cause hypothyroidism which is a condition whereby the body is not able to make thyroid hormones.  Iodine is not something that the human body make, it should be acquired through diet and it is hence very important to take a balanced diet. The importance of iodine is often overlooked, because most people do not understand how important the element is. The issue of iodine deficiency was a major problem within the United States in the early 1900s something that was solved by the addition of iodine in the common table salt (Briden, 2016). Even though many people are able to acquire iodine today, the issue of iodine deficiency is on the rise especially among women and in most cases this goes undiagnosed.

The role of Iodine

Iodine is responsible for the production of the thyroid hormone that is essential in both the adult and childhood life. The hormone helps in the regulation of various metabolic processes most especially those ones that are involved in matters of brain and other organs development as well as energy disbursement. Women particularly require more iodine because of the maternal roles which puts them at the great risk of deficiency (Burns et al., 2018). Iodine is important for many tissues with the human body and this includes the ovaries, uterus and even breasts and much of the iodine is normally concentrated in those tissues because it is an important antioxidant. Iodine is greatly required by women because it affects ovulation and oestrogen, the ovaries contain a great amount of iodine than all the other organs with the exception of the thyroid and this is what helps to promote healthy ovulation (Briden, 2016).  Iodine helps to reduce ovulation pains, it boosts progesterone and helps prevent ovarian cysts.  Iodine is one of the treatments that are given for oestrogen dominant symptoms because it helps in promoting the healthy detoxification of oestrogen (Briden, 2016).

Iodine is also greatly important in all phases of human development which includes before birth and thus without enough iodine levels, women find it hard to conceive because their bodies do not have enough iodine to make thyroid hormones for herself and the baby (Burns et al., 2018).  Women who have deficient iodine levels have almost half conceiving success chances, as compared to the women whose iodine levels are adequate. If a woman is able to conceive without enough iodine levels, there is a high chance of one getting a miscarriage because their bodies do not have enough elements to sustain the required development of a baby (Lindorfer et al., 2015).

Adequate intake of iodine and development of the thyroid hormones are important for the brain development of a foetus. Without enough iodine, there is the risk of the foetal brain growing at a reduced rate which in turn slows down the production of myelin which is required in the conduction of the nerve impulse (Briden, 2016). The brain of a baby begins to develop as early as the second month even before a woman recognizes that she is pregnant and it is hence very important for a woman to get enough iodine even before one conceives. Inadequate iodine levels in a mother can lead to lower IQ, mental retardation and in extreme cases even an irreversible brain damage on a child (Biban & Lichiardopol, 2017). Iodine is still required the baby even after birth since the child is still developing, the mother still requires to ensure that they have sufficient iodine levels since breast milk is the only food source for the baby. Enough iodine intake for the baby helps to keep the thyroid hormone in a stable range which in turn ensures that the child is able to utilize energy and have a normal growth rate. A child that has a low thyroid hormone level is likely to have a low growth rate and they could develop muscular disorders and other physical problems (Burns et al., 2018).

Iodine is also important during menopause, this is the time when the thyroid is sluggish and so little detoxification occurs which can be very uncomfortable. Iodine in this case is needed to helps support the thyroid thus making it function better and reduce the intense menopause symptoms (Lindorfer et al., 2015).

Iodine supplements

Supplements are important and are appropriate for the individuals that have higher iodine requirements such as pregnant women or those individuals that do not consume sea foods or dairy products. Supplements are the perfect supply of iodine for individuals that cannot get a good source of iodine. Supplements are advantageous in that they are easily accessible and one can take the required amount with fear taking too much or less amount (Lindorfer et al., 2015). There are two common forms of iodine supplements that are perfect for women including;

• Potassium iodide (KI)
• Molecular iodine (I2)

Between the two, I2 is the better form for women health because it is less likely to cause thyroid problems. The supplements contain about 150 micrograms of iodine which is the recommended amount for the normal woman (Pearce, 2013). The prenatal vitamins always contain iodine, this is however not enough for lactating mothers and they are expected to include foods that supply the rest of the required iodine in their diet. Supplements should only be taken by women, pregnant or lactating after a recommendation from a physician because too much exposure to extremely high levels can be harmful.

The recommended daily iron for various types of women

Childbearing age; 150 micrograms

Pregnant; 220 micrograms

 Lactating; 290 micrograms

Menstruating; 150 micrograms

In menopause; 150 micrograms

Side effects of excess iodine intake

There are other adverse effects that can be associated with excessive intake of iodine supplements including; inflammation of the salivary glands, intestinal upsets, sore teeth and gum and severe allergic reactions (Sharma & Toshyan, 2017). Other serious side effects include acne, where an eruption of acne for some people can happen after an increased intake in iodine supplements. Excess intake of iodine can cause the swelling of the thyroid gland also known as goitre something that can also happen with iodine deficiency. Excessive intakes of supplements such as KI can also greatly reduce the ability of the thyroid to absorb and retain radioactive iodine which can cause cancer. The risks of experiencing side effects with the use of iodine supplements is only prevalent if the recommended dose is exceeded, the medication should be taken in the right doses for several days or if an individual already suffers from the thyroid disease.

Foods that contain iodine

The daily requirement iodine intake amount for a normal woman is 150 micrograms, for the pregnant or lactating women, the amount increases to 250 micrograms because they need enough for them and the baby. Iodine is readily available in various foods most especially sea foods and dairy products such as cow’s milk, yogurt, white fish among others (Sharma & Toshyan, 2017). Others foods such as eggs, cheese and some meat also provide some smaller amounts of iodine. For vegetarians, there are some challenges in getting iodine but seaweed has great amounts of iodine though they can have some minerals that are dangerous for a baby (Pearce, 2013). The easiest way to get iodine is through iodized table salt that delivers about 600 micrograms of iodine for every teaspoon. Iodine rich foods and the amount of iodine per serving;

• Sea vegetables; 16 micrograms to 2,984 micrograms of iodine
• Yogurt; 75 micrograms
• Iodized salt; 71 micrograms
• Dairy milk; 56 micrograms
• Enriched beans; 45 micrograms
• Eggs; 24 micrograms

Iodine deficiency is something that can be prevented through correct education on the importance of iodine and the foods that women can take to boost their iodine levels. The elimination of iodine deficiency is a major goals of World Health Organization and this is something that can be achieved with the provision of iodine supplements for region that are most affected. The elimination of iodine deficiency will greatly help decrease mental health disorders among infants and improve the overall wellbeing of society. Women of all ages should make an effort to have their iodine levels analysed and also ensure that they take adequate iodine in their diets in order to help improve their reproductive health. 

 

 

Reference

Sharma, J. B., & Toshyan, V. (2017). Iodine Deficiency in Pregnancy. Indian Obstetrics &

Gynaecology, 7(1), 8–9. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=123507643&site=ehost-live

Pearce, E. N. (2013). Monitoring and effects of iodine deficiency in pregnancy: still an

unsolved problem? European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 67(5), 481–484. https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2012.215

Burns, K., Yap, C., Mina, A., & Gunton, J. E. (2018). Iodine deficiency in women of

childbearing age: not bread alone? Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 27(4), 853–859. https://doi.org/10.6133/apjcn.102017.02

Lindorfer, H., Krebs, M., Kautzky-Willer, A., Bancher-Todesca, D., Sager, M., & Gessl, A.

(2015). Iodine deficiency in pregnant women in Austria. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 69(3), 349–354. https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2014.253

Biban, B. G., & Lichiardopol, C. (2017). Iodine Deficiency, Still a Global Problem? Current

            Health Sciences Journal, 43(2), 103–111. https://doi.org/10.12865/CHSJ.43.02.01

Briden, L. (2016). Why Iodine Is One Of The Most Crucial Supplements For Women’s

Health - Reset.me. Retrieved from http://reset.me/story/why-iodine-is-one-of-the-most-crucial-supplements-for-womens-health/