Iodine... You Need Plenty, But Not Too Much

Iodine is an essential mineral that is required for the production of thyroid hormones but also plays a crucial role in brain development. We obtain iodine naturally from food and water, but the content can vary significantly from place to place. A deficiency of iodine contributes to goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), hypothyroidism, pregnancy, and developmental delay in infants. However, too much iodine can also contribute to thyroid dysfunction. 

The addition of iodine to table salt substantially reduced the incidence of goiter in areas of low iodine, such as the "goiter belt" in the United States. However, if iodized salt is eliminated from the diet, the risk of goiter will increase unless alternate sources are consumed.

Although iodine sufficiency can help reduce the risk of thyroid cancer following a nuclear disaster, high doses are administered 48 hours prior to or 8 hours after significant exposure to radioactive iodine to minimize cancer risk as much as possible. 

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