Iodine

What role does it play in the organism?
As a constituent of thyroid hormones, iodine plays an essential part in the organism.

What foodstuffs contain it?
Foodstuffs rich in iodine are sea fish and sea salt.

Who are exposed to iodine deficiency and what does this deficiency state cause?
Iodine deficiency emerges if the daily intake is < 20 µg. Mild iodine deficiency causes goitre, while its severe form causes mental and physical retardation (cretinism) in children, and leads to the deficient functioning of the thyroid gland in adults. In continental areas, such as Hungary, extensive regions are still iodine deficient.

What is the recommended intake for iodine?
The daily requirement is 40-150 µg for children depending on age and 150 µg for adults.

What are the health risks of excessive iodine intake?
In the case of an intake more than 10 times higher than the daily requirement may result in goitre, the iodine level increases in the blood, stomach irritation might occur and skin lesion may appear.