Iodine for Goiter

[Guest guest]

My daughter was prescribed Iodine drops (3 in water every day). Someone gave

her this article and I am sure you have covered this subject before. But, I

would like some input on this subject, as I have several of this symptoms;

hypothyroidism, scaly skin, tigling and numbness in the extremities, weight

gain, carpal tunnel and Raynaud's among several other things and would

consider Iodine.

 

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The article -

 

Iodine is vital for good thyroid function, which in turn is essential

for health. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy and early infancy can

result in cretinism (irreversible mental retardation and severe motor

impairments). In adults low iodine intake (or very high intakes) can

cause hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can manifest as low energy

levels, dry or scaly or yellowish skin, tingling and numbness in

extremities, weight gain, forgetfulness, personality changes,

depression, anaemia, and prolonged and heavy periods in women.

Goiter, an enlarged thyroid gland visible between the Adam's apple

and the collar bone, is often present. Hypothyroidism can also cause

carpal tunnel syndrome and Raynaud's phenomenon. Hypothyroidism can

lead to significant increases in cholesterol levels and homocysteine

levels is implicated in about 10% of cases of high cholesterol

levels. Correcting hypothyroidism can lead to a 30% drop in

cholesterol and homocysteine levels.

 

An iodine intake of less than 20 micro grams (µg) per day is

considered severe deficiency, 20 -50 µg/day is considered moderate

deficiency and 50-100 µg/day is considered mild deficiency.

 

Iodine is typically undesirably low (about 50 micrograms/day compared

to a recommended level of about 150 micrograms per day) in UK vegan

diets unless supplements, iodine rich seaweeds or foods containing

such seaweeds (e.g. Vecon) are consumed. The low iodine levels in

many plant foods reflects the low iodine levels in the UK soil, due

in part to the recent ice-age. About half the iodine consumption in

the UK comes from dairy products. In the US iodised salt is widely

used and some other foods are fortified with iodine. In Canada all

table salt is iodized. The UK has no iodine fortification strategy

for plant foods or salt.

 

Low zinc intakes exacerbate the effect of low iodine intake. Some

otherwise healthful foods contain goitrogens - substances which can

interfere with iodine uptake or hormone release from the thyroid

gland. These foods are generally only a concern if iodine intake is

low. Consumption of brassicas, such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts,

broccoli and cauliflower, increase the requirements for iodine,

especially if consumed raw. Soy beans, raw flaxseed, cassava (used in

tapioca), sweet potatoes, lima beans, maize and millet also increase

the requirements for iodine.

 

It is important not to over-consume iodine as it has a relatively

narrow range of intakes that reliably support good thyroid function

(about 100 to 300 micrograms per day). Someone consuming large

amounts of iodised salt or seaweeds could readily overdo it.

Excessive iodine has a complex disruptive effect on the thyroid and

may cause either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, in susceptible

individuals, as well as increasing the risk of thyroid cancer.

Hyperthyroidism may also occur, particularly in elderly people, due

to long term slight iodine deficiency as this may result in

additional nodules on the thyroid.

 

Hyperthyroidism may manifest as an enlarged thyroid (goiter), heart

rate irregularities, tremor, sweating, palpitations, nervousness and

increased activity and eye abnormalities. Some individuals

deliberately take kelp to try to lose weight by over stimulating the

thyroid. This is a dangerous practice.

 

Subclinical hypothyroidism, with raised thyroid stimulating hormone

(TSH) levels but mild or absent overt symptoms, has been found to be

more common among vegans than the general population. Most vegans

have low iodine intakes but a significant minority consume excessive

amounts of iodine from seaweed, particularly kelp. Both low and

excessively high iodine intakes in vegans have been linked to

elevated TSH levels.

 

The key to good thyroid function is adequate, but not excessive

iodine intake. Intakes in the range 100-300 micrograms per day are

desirable, though intakes up to 500 micrograms per day are probably

not harmful. If taking supplements go for about 100-150 micrograms

per day, to give a total intake of 150-200 micrograms per day. The

supplements supplied by The Vegan Society contain an average of about

150 micrograms, so four a week provides about the right amount. Most

supplements contain higher levels and should be restricted to two a

week.

 

If using seaweeds as an iodine source it is best to use seaweeds that

have been found to have a fairly consistent iodine content, such as

kelp (kombu). Consumption of more than 100g/year (by dried weight) of

most seaweeds carries a significant risk of thyroid disorder due to

iodine intakes in excess of 1000 micrograms per day.

 

Nori is low in iodine and several sheets a day can be eaten without

any concern about excess iodine. Frequent addition of small amounts

of powdered or crumbled seaweed to stews or curries while cooking, or

to other foods as a condiment, is an excellent way to provide

adequate iodine (in the absence of other supplementation) and is a

healthful practice for vegans. 15g of dried kombu or kelp in a

convenient container in the kitchen provides one year's supply for

one person.

 

Most vegans know that B12 deficiency can cause neurological

complications and tingling sensations or numbness. B 12 deficiency is

also a common cause of elevated homocysteine levels in vegans. It

should be noted that hypothyroidism (myxedema) can also cause nerve

damage, tingling sensations and elevated homocysteine and should be

considered as an alternative diagnosis for these symptoms.

 

Advice on how to check for goiter: www.aace.com/public/awareness/tam/

2006/pdfs/NeckCheckCard.pdf (Please note that this check card is in

PDF format, so you will need a PDF viewer such as Adobe Acrobat

installed on your computer).

 

Thyroid function can be readily tested by doctors based on a blood

sample and measurement of thyroid related hormone levels.