Iodine is an important mineral for your body's metabolism and is required for a healthy thyroid gland. Malfunctions in the thyroid due to iodine levels can lead to weight loss or weight gain depending on whether you have too much or too little iodine. In addition, thyroid malfunctions may lead to other systemic problems such as decreased blood flow, low energy and increased cholesterol levels.
Thyroid Disease
The thyroid depends on correct levels of iodine to function properly. The function of the thyroid gland is to make thyroid hormone to meet your body's needs. To make thyroid hormone, the thyroid utilizes iodine. If iodine is not supplied in the diet, the thyroid can produce an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone.
Hyperthyroidism
Iodine deficiency may lead to hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism due to iodine insufficiency, however, is rare due to the widespread use of iodized salt in diets. Hyperthyroidism can cause weight loss because of a higher basal metabolic rate, or BMR, brought about by your overactive thyroid gland. According to American Thyroid Association, if the thyroid is extremely overactive, your BMR increases leading to increased energy requirements to maintain your weight. If you do not increase the calories consumed to account for the calories you burn, then weight loss will occur.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition presenting with symptoms indicating an under-active thyroid gland. Symptoms include fatigue, depression, constipation, puffy face and other signs of a slow metabolism. According to MayoClinic.com, severe iodine deficiency may cause hypothyroidism. Iodine deficiency, however, is uncommon in the United States and other developed countries since the addition of iodine to salt and other foods. If hypothyroidism is not caused by iodine deficiency, iodine supplements will not be beneficial in treatment.
Dietary Iodine
Iodine is available through diet and eating iodized salt. According to Medline Plus, the most effective way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is by eating a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods from several food groups. Less than a teaspoon of iodized table salt provides 95 micrograms of iodine. In addition, a 6-oz. portion of fish provides 650 micrograms of iodine. You can meet the daily recommendation of 150 micrograms a day for an adult by consuming seafood, iodized salt and plants grown in iodine-rich soil.
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