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Expert Q&A
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| By Alesia Hanson, RPh Registered Pharmacist | ||
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I've heard that vitamins containing iodine can be harmful. Is this true?
It is not true. Iodine is an essential in our diets. It is used by the thyroid gland in producing thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism. Individuals who don't get enough iodine in their diets can suffer from hypothyroidism and goiter.
Hypothyroidism causes fatigue, lethargy, cold sensitivity, apathy, weight gain and coarse skin. It also causes the pituitary gland to increase its activity and swell, which is a goiter. Pregnant women who don't get enough iodine in their diets have an increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. If the child does survive, he/she is likely to have irreversible mental retardation known as cretinism. Children deficient in iodine have learning disabilities. Iodine deficiency may also play a part in fibrocystic breast disease.
The recommended daily intake for iodine ranges from 150 to 200 mcg in the United States, depending on age and gender. Iodine is usually present in vitamins as ammonium iodide, calcium iodide or potassium iodide. Excess iodine is excreted in the urine."
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