B I N A R A G A . I N F O

Iodine

Iodine is essential for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland, where it is used to manufacture the hormone thyroxine, which is important in regulating the body's energy metabolism. Iodine deficiency is not as common as it once was because people are no longer restricted to eating locally grown foods, and because of the increased use of iodized salt (sea salt which contains 25-40mg of iodine per kilogram).

In adults, iodine deficiency can result in goitre - an enlargement of the thyroid gland as it attempts to make more thyroxine. And chronic deficiency can result in the destruction of the thyroid gland. Babies born to iodine deficient mothers may develope cretinism - a severe form of mental retardation, characterized by retarded growth, a low metabolic rate, swollen features, thick lips, enlarged tongue, and a protruding abdomen.

Some people have an over-active thyroid and produce to much thyroxine. This is a serious condition that can be treated with drugs to lower the thyroxine level, or the thyroid can be destroyed and synthetic thyroxine administered periodically. Just as too little thyroxine is dangerous, so is too much. An overdose of iodine may also disturb the thyroid's regular functioning and produce goitre.

Good sources of iodine include iodized salt, fish, oysters, mussels, prawns, lobster, crabmeat, calamari, octopus, eggs, milk, meat, and vegetables grown on iodine-rich soil.