Iodine — description, methods of application, useful properties and contraindications. Products containing iodine
Iodine is used as a local antiseptic to disinfect cuts and abrasions. However, this element is important for humans because it is part of the thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland.
Iodine — what is it
 Crystal iodine. |
Iodine is a trace element in the body (15-20 mg in an adult), and it is also not enough in nature. It is found mainly in ocean water, from where it evaporates, and then falls to the ground with rain. In places remote from the sea, as well as on granite mountain ranges that recently survived glaciation (the Alps, the Andes), there is little iodine in the soil and rivers. Accordingly, in agricultural products and food for people living there, its content may be lower than normal. Since the 1920s, table salt has been specially iodized in the USA. This has almost completely done away with one of the most severe forms of mental retardation there — cretinism.
Useful properties of iodine
Iodine is unique among the minerals we need in that it seems to perform only one function in the body — it allows the thyroid gland to synthesize its hormones — triiodothyronine and thyroxine (tetraiodothyronine). They regulate the metabolic rate of all cells and are extremely important for the development of most organs, especially the brain.
| Latest news |
| An analysis of 10 different studies conducted in countries with iodine deficiency has shown that iodine deficiency can affect motor skills, slow down reactions, dexterity, coordination of movements and muscle strength. It is also shown that the IQ (coefficient of mental development) in people with iodine deficiency is on average 13 points lower than with its normal amount. |
Prevention
Adequate iodine intake during the prenatal and neonatal periods prevents the appearance of certain forms of mental retardation in the child.
The main use of iodine
Unlike other mineral substances iodine obviously does not cure specific diseases, but it ensures the normal functioning of the thyroid gland, which contains about 75% of this element present in the body. Her hormones affect the rate of calorie burning by cells, and as a result, the oxygen demand of tissues, the development of the child, the growth of nails and hair, fat accumulation, the work of the muscular, nervous, reproductive systems. Iodine in the composition of organic supplements reduces pain in fibrocystic tumors of the mammary glands, but in this case, taking medications should be discussed with a doctor.
| Do you know? |
| It has been proven that the risk of iodine deficiency is increased with smoking, an unbalanced diet, a lack of selenium and vitamin A. |
Indications for the use of iodine preparations
 Seaweed tablets contain iodine. |
• Prevention of thyroid disorders.
• Probably fibrocystic tumors of the mammary glands.
Methods of using iodine preparations
• Doses
Our iodine needs are covered by regular food if there is enough fish or other seafood on the menu and iodized salt is used. This element is part of many multivitamin and mineral supplements. For any thyroid disorders, before taking iodine, be sure to consult a doctor.
• Reception scheme
Iodine-containing medications prescribed by a doctor can be taken at any time of the day.
Release form
• Ampoules
• Tablets
• Iodized salt
| For your information |
| Diet stores praise the benefits of sea salt, however, unlike ordinary iodized salt, it is not specially enriched with iodine, and its content in it varies greatly. |
Contraindications to the use of iodine preparations
• In developed countries, iodine deficiency is rare: take its supplements only as prescribed by a doctor.
Products containing iodine — food sources of iodine
In addition to iodized salt, any seafood, including fish and algae, is rich in this element. In the coastal regions, the soil is usually rich in iodine, and a lot of it is contained in local agricultural products — milk, fruits, vegetables, cereals.
To the section «Mineral substances — descriptions, properties and applications»
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