Your metabolism is controlled by two hormones produced by your thyroid gland. Your thyroid needs iodine to manufacture thyroid hormones, but very rarely an iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism and a slow metabolism. If your low thyroid function is caused by an iodine deficiency, iodine supplements may reverse your hypothyroidism and regulate your metabolism. But if you have normal thyroid function, taking extra iodine will not speed up your metabolism or cause weight loss -- and too much iodine can cause serious health problems.
Thyroid and Metabolism
Your thyroid gland is part of your endocrine system. It's a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your throat next to your vocal cords. Your thyroid produces two hormones, T3 and T4. These hormones control the speed your body uses energy and oxygen. If your thyroid slows production of these hormones, your metabolism slows down. Weight gain is a common sign of hypothyroidism; as your metabolism slows, you burn fewer calories. If you continue to consume the same number of calories as your metabolism slows you will gain weight.
Iodine Deficiency
Although 40 percent of the world is at risk for an iodine deficiency, it is very rare in the United States. Iodine is found in vegetables and animals that grow or feed on soil that was once underwater. Fish, seafood, eggs, soy milk and iodized table salt are good dietary sources of iodine. Iodized salt contains 400 micrograms of iodine per teaspoon; the American Thyroid Association recommends between 150 and 299 micrograms daily for optimal health.
Iodine and Hypothyroidism
If your hypothyroidism is caused by an iodine deficiency, than taking iodine supplements will provide enough iodine for your body to manufacture thyroid hormones and allow your metabolism to return to normal. The amount of iodine you need depends on how deficient you are. A urine test can measure your iodine levels. Again, in First World countries iodine deficiency is uncommon -- hypothyroidism is commonly caused by an autoimmune disorder. Additional iodine will not speed up your metabolism, even in causes of hypothyroidism, unless you are iodine-deficient.
Dangers
Excess iodine consumption can cause thyroid problems, burning in your mouth and throat, a metallic taste in your mouth, sore gums, inflammation of your throat, excessive saliva production, gastric distress and diarrhea. Iodine should not be used as a weight-loss supplement. Excessive iodine intake can actually cause hypothyroidism and slow your metabolism down, leading to more weight gain. If you choose to increase your iodine intake, do so slowly as sensitivity to iodine varies greatly from person to person.
References
- American Thyroid Association: Iodine Deficiency
- MayoClinic.com; Hypothyroidism -- Should I Take Iodine Supplements?; B. Nippoldt, M.D.; April 2010
- Medline Plus: Iodine; April 2011
- Women to Women; Iodine and Thyroid -- Worth a Second Glance; Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP; May 2011
- Natural News; How Iodine Accelrates Weight Loss by Supprting the Thyroid Gland; Dani Veracity; June 2005
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