How Much Iodine To Increase Metabolism?

Iodine is a non-metallic element essential for maintaining your thyroid function. The thyroid gland, located in your neck, produces hormones that act on nearly every cell and tissue in the body. In this way, the thyroid hormones are vital to your metabolism, defined as the set of physical and chemical reactions in the body that convert and use energy. For your thyroid gland to function effectively, the Institute of Medicine recommends adults consume 150 mcg of iodine per day.

Iodine and the Thyroid

The cells in your thyroid gland are the only cells in your body that can trap, or absorb, iodine. The thyroid then uses iodine to produce thyroxine, also known as T4 because it contains four iodine atoms, and triiodothyronine, known as T3 because it contains three iodine atoms. The ability of your thyroid gland to produce just the right amounts of thyroid hormone depends upon many factors, including the level of thyroid stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary and the amount of iodine available. Too little iodine in your diet causes an iodine deficiency, which inhibits the production of thyroid hormones and leads to hypothyroidism, a condition that slows down metabolism. Increasing your intake of iodine can boost thyroid production and increase your metabolism.

Hypothyroidism

When your thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormones to support the needs of the body, it causes a condition known as hypothyroidism. Because thyroid hormones regulate the reactions involved with metabolism, a reduction in thyroid hormones slows down metabolism. Hypothyroidism causes symptoms including fatigue, sluggishness and weak muscles due to the lack of energy. It also causes bodily functions to slow down, causing constipation and sensitivity to cold. Patients who suffer from hypothyroidism experience an elevated blood cholesterol level, puffy face, hoarse voice and weight gain. Doctors can determine the cause of your hypothyroidism through blood and urine tests. A urine iodine excretion test that reveals an output of iodine of less than 100 mcg/L indicates an iodine deficiency, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Your doctor may prescribe iodine supplements or suggest increasing your dietary intake of iodine through food sources to treat your hypothyroidism and increase your metabolism.

Sources

The main source of dietary iodine is the intake of iodized salt. Although scientists developed the process of salt iodization nearly a century ago, it wasn't until the implementation of the universal salt iodization program in 1993 that nearly 70 percent of households in the world got access to iodized salt, according to the World Health Organization. Since iodine deficiency is the leading cause of preventable brain damage, this step toward increasing iodine consumption remains important to boosting metabolism and preventing disabling conditions. Other food sources of iodine include cod, tuna, cow's milk, eggs, navy beans and potatoes. Iodine supplements, in the form of potassium iodide, contain the recommended 150 mcg of iodine needed to keep your thyroid functioning and boost your metabolism, but taking these supplements increases your risk for iodine-induced hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. The increased amounts of thyroid hormone can cause your body functions to run at a higher than normal level. This can lead to symptoms including rapid heartbeat, nervousness, tremors, sweating, increased sensitivity to heat and difficulty sleeping. The increase in metabolism also causes unexplained weight loss even with an increase in appetite. Although symptoms such as weight loss may sound appealing, patients who suffer long-term hyperthyroidism can develop eye problems, brittle bones and heart problems. For this reason, doctors encourage you to avoid too much iodine. The Institute of Medicine sets the tolerable upper intake level for idodine of 1,100 mcg per day.