While most of the iodine in your body is found in your thyroid gland, your muscles contain this mineral too, as do your blood and ovaries. Iodine is essential for proper thyroid function, which aids in your body's growth and development, including that of your muscles. If you do not get enough iodine, you may experience muscle pain and other symptoms of hypothyroidism. Talk to your doctor about meeting the recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, for this mineral.
Importance of Iodine
Even though iodine is only a trace mineral, your body depends on it for several functions. It aids in the metabolism and utilization of nutrients, turning the food you consume into usable energy and then distributing this to all of your body's cells. Your thyroid function and the hormones the thyroid gland produces require iodine to function properly as well. Without enough iodine, your body may not develop or grow properly, and this includes muscle growth and tissue reparation.
Deficiency and Hypothyroidism
An iodine deficiency is rare in the United States, since this mineral is added to table salt; it is therefore not difficult to meet the RDA. However, if you do become deficient in iodine, your thyroid gland will typically become enlarged and you may also develop hypothyroidism. The symptoms of this condition include muscle and joint pain, constipation, depression, weakness, fatigue and unintentional weight gain. If left untreated, hypothyroidism may also result in hoarseness, decreased smell and taste, slow speech, thickened skin and a puffy face.
Recommendations and Sources
The RDA for iodine is 150 mcg a day, and you can get this by consuming a balanced diet. For instance, 1/4 tsp. of iodized table salt contains 95 mcg of iodine. Other food sources include plant and animal seafood like kelp and shellfish, as well as summer squash, turnip greens, lima beans, spinach and garlic. If you have a deficiency of iodine, your doctor might recommend you take a supplement -- either in the form of sodium iodide found in multivitamins, or in supplements that contain seaweed, such as bladderwrack.
Additional Considerations
If you believe you have an iodine deficiency or are experiencing muscle pain, growth problems or other symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, see your doctor. Tell her about the problems and symptoms you are experiencing, and she can help you determine the proper course of action. Also be aware that consuming high doses of iodine can result in hypothyroidism as well, and you should not exceed the RDA without first consulting with a licensed physician.
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