Idd Iodine Deficiency Disorder

Contrary to the popular line trotted out in old medical textbooks, iodine has many roles in the body beyond acting as a precursor for thyroid hormones. From cellular sensitivity to aiding detoxification, the halogen element plays many roles. Dr. Guy Abrahams, a gyneocologist from the University College of Los Angeles and a specialist in iodine deficiency, points to a number of common maladies as iodine deficiency disorders, with a shortage of the mineral playing a central role in the complaint.

Iodine Deficiency

According to Dr. David Brownstein, the author of "Iodine: Why You Need It and Why You Can't Live Without It," iodine deficiency exists in 96 percent of the population. This appears to come as a result of changes to our food intake, increased exposure to competing halogen elements and lowered levels of nutrients in the soil. Halogen elements refer to specific metals that share chemical properties and a column in the periodic table. The physician explains that different individuals react in different ways to iodine deficiency, with a number displaying recognized iodine deficiency disorders.

Thyroid Problems

Hypothyroidism remains one of the most common iodine deficiency disorders. Brownstein explains that, although the low Recommended Daily Allowance of 150 mcg appears enough to create sufficient thyroxine in many individuals, certain people require more. Also, iodine in required in much higher doses in order to form iodo-lipids, important compounds that regulate oxidation in cells and avoid the development of auto-immune thyroiditis, a common cause of hypothyroidism.

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Abrahams explains that breasts cysts come as a result of estrogen imbalance, with the steroid hormone promoting excessive growth of tissue here. Weakening the effects of estrogen alleviates fibrocystic breast disease. Abrahams points out that more of the stronger forms of estrogen, such as estradiol, convert into the more gentle forms, such as estriol, when iodine status is optimal. Restoring iodine status appears a quick and reliable way of dealing with such cysts, a painful iodine deficiency disorders.

Immune System Imbalance

Iodine plays a major role in the function of the immune system. Brownstein notes how the mineral directly supports the body's resistance to pathogens through its anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial effects. These benefits, which still see iodine used as the compound of choice to sterilize patients wounds during surgery, can help prevent infections and also help eliminate chronic candidiasis. However, other subtle effects can have a major impact on the function of the immune system; iodine helps to preserve antioxidant status in the body, and can also reduce the formation of histamine, a chemical mediator in the inflammatory process. Regular infections and excessive reactions to allergens can also be considered iodine deficiency disorders.

Overcoming Deficiency

Abrahams looked into the dietary consumption of iodine across many populations and found that many nations who consumed very little iodine suffered from a high rate of Iodine Deficiency Disorders. He found that the Japanese population, who consume on average 13.8 mg of iodine per day as a result of eating seaweed, suffer from almost zero iodine deficiency disorders. With this in mind, he suggested a daily dosage of 12.5 mg of iodine, which represents two drops of Lugol's solution. Lugol's solution, a brown liquid named after the French doctor who invented it, contains both iodine and potassium iodide. Always speak to your physician before using supplements.