Iodine

Iodine is a natural mineral that is found within all of the cells of the body.  Studies have shown that there are approximately 2 billion people in the world that suffer from iodine deficiency.  Iodine deficiency can lead to thyroid problems, mental retardation, depression, weight gain and various cancers.  Natural sources of iodine can be found in kelp, iodized salt, and certain kinds of seafood.  Iodine can be toxic if ingested in high amounts.  The daily Dietary Reference Intake recommended by the United States Institute of Medicine is between 110 and 130 µg for infants up to 12 months, 90 µg for children up to eight years, 130 µg for children up to 13 years, 150 µg for adults, 220 µg for pregnant women and 290 µg for lactating mothers.1 The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for adults is 1,100 μg/day (1.1 mg/day).2 1. http://iom.edu/en/Global/News%20Announcements/~/media/Files/Activity%20Files/Nutrition/DRIs/DRISummaryListing2.ashx 2. United States National Research Council (2000). Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. National Academies Press. pp. 258–259.