IODINE

General Description:

Actions:

  • used in the thyroid to convert an inert chemical called thyronine to powerful thyroid hormones
  • thyroid hormones control all energy production in the body

Deficiency:

  • 50 mcg./day is sufficient for most people
  • average American intake is 250 mcg for men and 170 mcg for females
  • inadequate iodine causes the thyroid gland to grwo, producing a goiter, as it is trying to provide more cells that produce the thyroid hormone
  • the mental retardation of cretinism is also caused by iodine deficiency
  • even breathing sea air each day will supply you with the infintesimal amount of iodine that you require each day
  • iodine is lost in sweat

Interactions and Toxicity:

Sources:

VITAMINS

MINERALS