Fish oil is taken as a preventative or treatment for a wide variety of disorders from depression to high blood pressure, but not all uses are supported by scientific evidence. Whether fish oil is an effective treatment for disorders caused by iodine deficiency depends on the specific formulation of fish oil.
What is Fish Oil?
Fish oil is collected from a wide variety of fish, including cod, tuna and mackerel. Fish oil supplements often contain vitamin E as a preservative, and may be formulated with other vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron and vitamin C. In low doses fish oil is considered safe for most people including children and pregnant women, according to the National Institutes of Health.
What is Fish Oil Used For?
Fish oil has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat high triglycerides associated with diabetes and heart disease. It may also be affective for several other disorders including arthritis, bipolar disorder and osteoporosis. While some people take fish oil to treat other problems such as gingivitis, liver problems and type 2 diabetes, it is unlikely to be an effective treatment.
Iodine
Iodine is a necessary nutrient that enables proper thyroid function. Iodine deficiency causes several disorders, including goiter, hypothyroidism, and cretinism. The recommended daily allowance of iodine for young children is 90 micrograms per day. Older children, ages nine to 13, should get 120 micrograms per day. People over 14 years old should get 150 micrograms per day of iodine. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should get between 200 and 300 micrograms of iodine per day.
Does Fish Oil Contain Iodine?
Whether a particular brand of fish oil supplement contains iodine depends on the type of fish from which it is made. Fish oil made from cod will contain more iodine than fish oil made from tuna because cod is naturally higher in iodine than tuna. Read the label carefully, or ask your pharmacist if you aren't sure whether a particular brand of fish oil contains iodine.
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