Iodine is a trace mineral, required in small yet vital concentrations in the body. Iodide is the ion, or charged form of iodine. The highest food sources of iodine are listed by the World's Healthiest Foods website as sea vegetables, yogurt, cow's milk, eggs, strawberries and mozzarella cheese. The site further notes that iodine is essential to human life because of its contribution to thyroid hormone development, a hormone that influences the activity of every cell in the body.
Breast Health
Iodine deficiency has been associated with abnormal breast cell changes, including cystic patterns as in fibrocystic breast disease, as well as in the rising rates of breast cancer. An article by Donald W. Miller, Jr., M.D., notes that both epidemiological and animal studies point out this correlation. Iodine deficiency, Miller notes, is rampant in the US because sources of iodine, which were once found in bread and dairy, have been extremely reduced or eliminated. Iodized salt, the main iodine contributor left in the American diet, is presently consumed by only 45 percent of the population. Miller compares the very low dietary iodine consumption now versus 20 years ago and the rising rates of breast cancer. Breast cells appear to have the same pump that the thyroid has that allows for the uptake of iodine. Iodine also appears to be involved with apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Miller reports that iodine supplementation reduces breast tenderness, nodule formation, hardening of the breast tissue and the number of large cysts developing in fibrocystic breast disease.
Goiter and Thyroid Health
Iodine is used in thyroid cells to convert the inactive form of thyroid hormone into its active form. Without sufficient iodine, the thyroid gland will still attempt to function normally, but its cells will enlarge because they are being overstimulated by the control centers in the brain. The enlarged, overworked cells will cause the gland to swell and a goiter will develop, notes the World's Healthiest Foods website. Long-term iodine deficiency can lead to a low functioning thyroid gland, also known as hypothyroidism. Paradoxically, it can also lead to hyperthyroidism.
Cervical Cancer Screening
The cervix can undergo abnormal changes that may be induced from infections, such as the human papilloma virus (HPV), nutrient deficiencies and lifestyle choices like cigarette smoking. In developed countries, screening for cervical cancer is performed via the Pap Smear done during the annual gynecological exam and follow-ups using cervical cell scrapings and biopsies. However, an "Up To Date" journal article by Lynette Denny, M.D., Ph.D., notes that such screening strategies are costly and may not be feasible in developing countries. Instead, the article suggests that iodine painted onto the cervix will reveal abnormal changes and can be a screening option available for countries where economics and infrastructure are limited.
Preventing Miscarriages and Birth Defects
Iodine deficiencies during and prior to pregnancy can negatively impact pregnancy outcomes. Outcomes that are influenced include the ability to carry the child to full term, namely miscarriages, stillbirths and preterm, low birth-weight babies, according to an International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (ICCIDD) article. Besides affecting the birth weight and survival of the child, the ICCIDD article notes that a mother's iodine state can directly influence the iodine state of her child. As such, an iodine deficient mother can cause permanent mental and physical retardation in her child before birth or learning impairments in the future. The ICCIDD organization supports the use of iodized salt to prevent iodine deficiencies.
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