Iodine is not produced in the body, so it must be supplemented, but most of us get plenty of iodine in our foods. Iodine supplements are not often necessary in countries such as the United States, where table salt has iodine added to it. However, if you don't use salt or eat processed foods, there is a chance you could develop an iodine deficiency. In that case, using an iodine supplement can offer some specific benefits.
Thyroid Function
Iodine helps regulate thyroid function, as it is necessary for the production of certain thyroid hormones. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, up to 80 percent of the body's iodine is found in the thyroid, while the other 20 percent is spread throughout the body to other muscles, tissues and organs. Without enough iodine, the thyroid can not produce hormones, which results in low levels of necessary thyroid hormones. This leads to a thyroid that does not function properly, with symptoms of fatigue, dry skin and weight gain. Iodine supplementation may benefit the thyroid by allowing it to increase its production of thyroid hormones.
Breast Cancer Protection
Iodine has also been found to help protect breast tissue from developing breast cancer cells. A study in the April 2005 issue of the Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia reports that iodine is necessary for the health of the mammary glands and that it prevents the development of both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors and cell clusters in breast tissues. Researchers who performed this study go on to suggest that iodine supplementation be part of breast cancer therapy.
Healthy Baby
Pregnancy is the one time that using an iodine supplement is strongly recommended. According to a statement issued by the Public Health Committee of the American Thyroid Association (ATA), and reported by the National Institutes of Health, a developing fetus relies completely upon the mother's production of thyroxine (thyroid hormone) for proper development of the brain and for proper thyroid function later in the growing child. If the mother becomes deficient in iodine and begins to suffer from hypothyroidism, or low thyroid production, the fetus can suffer brain damage that is irreversible. Along with mental retardation, the ATA lists inadequate growth rate, hearing problems and speech difficulties as possible risks. Even a slight deficiency of iodine during pregnancy can result in low intelligence in the child. The American Thyroid Association recommends an additional daily dose of iodine, 150 micrograms daily.
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