INTRODUCTION

What is iodine?

Iodine is a trace element.

Trace elements are those which is needed in small amount for our body. But our body cannot produce itself.

We take it in the form of dietic food or supplements.

Human body needs approximately one spoon of iodine in whole life but we can not preserve it in our body so regular intake of iodine in small amount is needed.

FUNCTION OF IODINE

Iodine is needed in production of thyroxine hormone produce by thyroid gland. Thyroid gland is located in our throat.

Thyroxine regulates the rate of oxidation in cells. If this regulation does not take place both physical and mental growth will be affected.

Iodine also helps in functioning of nerve and muscle tissue.

FOOD SOURCES

Mainly good amount of iodine is present in sea food and dairy products.

Amount of iodine is also depends on the nature of soil. Coastal soil contains more iodine as compare to hilly soil so vegetables cultivated in coastal area contains more soil as compare to hilly one.

EGGS

Eggs are good source of iodine.

Egg yolk contains major part of iodine.

16% of average iodine of a day can coverd by one egg.

SEAFOOD

If we have 2-3 times seafood a week it will help us to fulfil the requirement of iodine.

Tuna is the rich source of iodine.

Shrimp seafood is also a rich source of iodine and high in protein.

IODIZED SALT

Having iodized salt in our meal can also be a good source of iodine.

1/4 teaspoon of iodized salt can give us 71mcg of iodine.

DAIRY PRODUCTS

Dairy products are also good source of iodine.

Mostly iodine is found in animals and their products.

We can have it from cheese, milk, yogurt.

SEAWEED

Those who follows vegan diet can have seaweeds as a source of iodine.

Seaweeds like nori, kelp, wakame, kombu have iodine in good amount.

DEFICIENCY OF IODINE

If iodine level becomes low in our body the thyroid gland become larger. Because it trap more and more iodine from bloodstream as a result it swallow and forms goiter.

If the deficiency becomes long term it results in hypothyroidism. These problems are common in women and specially in pregnant women.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism includes hair loss, fatigue, dry skin and slowed reflexes.

Pregnant women needs more iodine for growth and development of fetus.

CONCLUSION

From this blog we conclude that iodine is needed for growth and development of our body. Main source of iodine are animal products like dairy products, fish and meat for those who follows vegan diet can have it from seaweeds and iodized salt. And deficiency of iodine can lead major health problem like goiter and hypothyroidism. So it is important for all of us to take care of our health and follows balance diet.