Treatment FAQ

when iodine treatment thyroid

by Edward Franecki DVM Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Because of this, radioactive iodine
radioactive iodine
Iodine-131 (131I, I-131) is an important radioisotope of iodine discovered by Glenn Seaborg and John Livingood in 1938 at the University of California, Berkeley. It has a radioactive decay half-life of about eight days.
https://en.wikipedia.orgwiki › Iodine-131
(RAI, also called I-131) can be used to treat thyroid cancer
. The RAI collects mainly in thyroid cells, where the radiation can destroy the thyroid gland and any other thyroid cells (including cancer cells) that take up iodine, with little effect on the rest of your body.
Mar 14, 2019

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Is taking iodine bad for thyroid health?

“That tiny amount of iodine enables the thyroid to manufacture just the right amount of the thyroid hormone thyroxine,” Lipman says. But ingesting excess iodine can cause health problems. It is particularly worrisome for people with thyroid nodules—bumps on the thyroid glands that can be very small and often go unnoticed.

What are the best natural remedies for thyroid?

5 Natural Remedies for Thyroid Issues

  1. Ashwagandha. So for starters, the No. ...
  2. Selenium. The No. ...
  3. B Vitamins. The next thing you want are certain types of B vitamins if you want to improve thyroid function. ...
  4. Probiotics. Four and five include probiotics. ...
  5. Proteolytic Enzymes. And then, last but not least are proteolytic enzymes. ...

What is the effect of iodine on thyroid?

Those at the highest risk include ( 4, 5, 6 ):

  • Pregnant women.
  • People who live in countries where there is very little iodine in the soil. This includes South Asia, Southeast Asia, New Zealand and European countries.
  • People who don’t use iodized salt.
  • People who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Why is iodine important for your thyroid?

The symptoms of low iodine levels are primarily detected through thyroid symptoms, such as:

  • a visible goiter
  • thyroid gland that’s painful or tender to the touch
  • breathing difficulties, especially when lying down
  • difficulty swallowing
  • fatigue
  • extreme feelings of coldness, despite normal temperatures
  • hair loss
  • depression
  • brain fog
  • unintentional weight gain

See more

What is the radiation used for thyroid cancer?

How long should I take thyrotropin before RAI?

How to treat RAI?

How long after radiation therapy can you go home?

What to do if you have any questions about the possible risks and benefits of your treatment?

Can you use rai for thyroid cancer?

Can iodine therapy be used for thyroid cancer?

See more

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When Should radioactive iodine be administered?

The therapy is usually given after removal of the thyroid gland to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue. A “tracer” dose of radioactive iodine can also be used to track remaining thyroid tissue and/or cancer that could have spread to other parts of the body.

When is radioactive iodine treatment used?

Radioiodine therapy is a nuclear medicine treatment. Doctors use it to treat an overactive thyroid, a condition called hyperthyroidism. They also may use it to treat thyroid cancer.

What happens after iodine treatment?

A swollen or tender neck and feeling flushed Some people may have a feeling of tightness or swelling in their neck for a few days after treatment. This is more common if you still had a large part of your thyroid gland when you have radioactive iodine treatment. Some people also feel flushed.

What should I do before radioactive iodine treatment?

You'll need to follow a low-iodine diet for at least 1 week before you start treatment. A low-iodine diet will make your radioactive iodine therapy more effective. If you have too much iodine in your diet, it can stop the thyroid cells from taking up the radioactive iodine.

Which is better radioactive iodine or surgery?

Surgery for hyperthyroidism was associated with a lower risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death as compared to radioactive iodine therapy during long-term follow-up, particularly in men.

How soon after thyroidectomy do you get radioactive iodine?

There is no urgency to rush into treatment with RAI. RAI can be given as early as 4-5 weeks following total thyroidectomy but can be delayed for months or even years following surgery. The papillary thyroid cancer must have the symporter for iodine and take up iodine to be effective.

How long do you have to quarantine after radioactive iodine treatment?

Avoid personal contact for about 3 to 7 days after treatment. In those first 3 days after therapy, you should stay a safe distance away from others (6 feet away, approximately). It's a good idea to avoid public places.

What time of day should you take iodine?

If strong iodine upsets your stomach, take it after meals or with food or milk unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If stomach upset (nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea) continues, check with your doctor.

How long does iodine stay in the thyroid?

How Well It Works. In almost all cases, your thyroid hormone levels will return to normal or below normal after radioactive iodine treatment. This may take 8 to 12 weeks or longer.

Will I gain weight after radioactive iodine treatment?

Treatment of hyperthyroidism with RAI or anti-thyroid medications is associated with an increased risk of gaining weight and even developing obesity. This risk is slightly higher with RAI therapy compared to medications.

What can you eat after radioactive iodine?

You can eat the following foods because they contain very low levels of iodine:fruits and vegetables including potatoes.cooked green vegetables.meat.ordinary table salt and sea salt.fresh bread.rice and dries pasta.non dairy spreads such as Vitalite, Pure and non dairy Flora.olive oil, vegetable oils and nut oils.More items...

How do I clean my house after radioactive iodine treatment?

The iodine-131 will wash out in the laundry. Vacuuming will pick up hair that is shed, which will have small amounts of radioactivity in it since our heads also sweat. The conservative approach would be to cover the chair with a sheet.

Ten things to consider before having radioactive iodine ... - TPAUK

My name is Liz. I have been a Nuclear Medicine Technologist for ten years. I would like to present to you the information you need in order to form your own educated decision on whether to go ahead with radio-iodine treatment of your thyroid.

Fact Sheet: Guidelines for Patients Receiving Radioiodine I-131 ...

What is radioiodine? Radioiodine (sodium I-131) is a form of radiation therapy that has been used for many years to treat thyroid conditions. It is safe and effective but requires you to observe certain precautions to decrease the small amount of radiation that other people may receive from your body and bodily fluids.

The Risks of Receiving Thyroid Surgery and Radioactive Iodine

Although it would be great if everyone with a thyroid or autoimmune thyroid condition was able to avoid conventional medical treatment in the form of prescription drugs, surgery, and other procedures, the truth is that these treatment methods are sometimes necessary. Everything comes down to risks vs. benefits, and while many medical doctors will do a good job of explaining the benefits of ...

Radioactive iodine therapy: 9 things to know - MD Anderson Cancer Center

Radioactive iodine therapy has been used in the treatment of thyroid cancer since the early 1940s. But how does it work? Which patients need it? And how has its use changed over the years? To learn more about this highly effective and well-established tool, we spoke with Jeena Varghese, M.D., who specializes in endocrine tumors.. What is radioactive iodine therapy?

Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Corona Virus Update: Saturday June 18, 2022. We have moved to the new Hospital for Endocrine Surgery. This hospital is dedicated to endocrine surgery--there are no COVID patients in our hospital--it does not have a medical ward--just thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal surgery.

How long does it take for iodine to be excreted?

Because 90% of ingested iodine is excreted through kidney within 24-48 hours21) , the median of spot UI concentrations is used as a biomarker for recent dietary iodine intake. Because it is impractical to collect 24-hour urine samples in field studies, UI concentrations (µg/L) are usually measured in spot urine collections. If a large number of samples are collected, variations in hydration among individuals and day-to-day variations in iodine intake generally balance each other, so that the median UI concentration of spot urine samples correlates well with the median from 24-hour samples and with the estimated UI excretion (µg/day) from creatinine corrected UI concentrations19). However, UI concentration of spot urine should not be applied to individuals because of the significant day-to-day variation in iodine intake4). Because of this variation, 10 repeat spot urine collections are needed to estimate an individual's iodine intake with acceptable precision22,23). Iodine nutrition can be assessed by dietary sources of iodine. Saltwater fish and seafood, and especially some types of seaweeds have high natural iodine content24). Milk and dairy products are important iodine sources for children. Drinking water drawn from certain aquifers or water disinfected with iodine can also be rich in iodine19). The large day-to-day variations make it difficult to quantify the usual iodine intake, and dietary assessment of iodine intake is not practical to determine19).

What happens if you don't have enough iodine?

Insufficient iodine during pregnancy and infancy results in neurological and psychological deficits in children. The intelligence quotient (IQ) of children living in severely iodine-deficient areas is, on average, 12 points lower than that of those living in iodine-sufficient areas1). Iodine deficiency remains the leading cause of preventable mental retardation worldwide33). In adults, mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency increases the incidence of hyperthyroidism due to toxic goiter34).

How to measure iodine in food?

A digestion or other purification step using ammonium persulfate (for urine) or chloric acid (for urine and food) is necessary before carrying out this reaction, to rid the urine of interfering contaminants32).

Where is iodine absorbed?

Most forms of iodine are reduced to iodide in the gut3). Iodide is nearly completely absorbed in the stomach and duodenum3,5). Iodine is cleared from the circulation primarily by the thyroid and kidney. Under normal circumstances, plasma iodine has a half-life of approximately 10 hours, but this is shortened if the thyroid is overactive, as in iodine deficiency or hyperthyroidism. The mean daily turnover of iodine by the thyroid is approximately 60-95 µg in adults in iodine-sufficient areas. The body of a healthy adult contains from 15 to 20 mg of iodine, 70%-80% of which is in the thyroid. In the basolateral membrane of the thyroid cell, the sodium/iodine symporter (NIS) transfers iodide into the thyroid across a concentration gradient 20-50 times that of plasma by active transport3,6).

What is the function of thyroid?

Thyroid function is crucial to the metabolism of almost all tissues and is critical for the development of the central nervous system in the fetus and children1). The effects of the thyroid come from two iodine containing-hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Iodine (atomic number, 53; standard atomic mass, 126.9) is a rate-limiting element for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. At present, the only physiological role known for iodine in the human body is in the synthesis of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland2).

Is iodine deficiency a thyroid disease?

The relationship between iodine deficiency and thyroid disease was known since early in the twentieth century. Iodine deficiency has been regarded as one of the most important preventable causes of brain damage worldwide3). In 2013, 30 countries remain iodine-d eficient; 9 are moderately deficient, and 21 are mildly deficient by defined by median urinary iodine (UI) in school-aged children4). While the prevalence of severe iodine deficiency was reduced recently, the problems of iodine deficiency remerged in vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and infants. Furthermore, some food or medications have very high iodine contents, which can result in thyroid dysfunction in some susceptible individuals.

Which glands secrete iodine?

The mammary gland concentrates iodine and secretes it into breast milk to provide for the newborn8). The salivary glands, gastric mucosa, and choroid plexus also take up small amounts of iodine. The NIS9,10)and pendrin9)have been reported in trophoblasts, and the placental iodine content is approximately 3% that of the thyroid11).

What is the best supplement for hypothyroidism?

Some alternative medicine specialists suggest iodine tablets or kelp supplements — which are high in iodine — for hypothyroidism. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) occurs when your body doesn't make enough thyroid hormones for your body's needs.

Can iodine deficiency cause hypothyroidism?

It's true that not having enough iodine (iodine deficiency) can cause hypothyroidism. But iodine deficiency has been rare in the United States and other developed countries since iodine has been added to salt (iodized salt) and other foods. If the underactive thyroid isn't caused by iodine deficiency, then iodine supplements give no benefit ...

Can iodine cause thyroid problems?

If the underactive thyroid isn't caused by iodine deficiency, then iodine supplements give no benefit and shouldn't be taken. In fact, for some people with an underactive thyroid, too much iodine can cause or worsen their condition.

Why is iodine important?

Iodine Sources. Iodine Deficiency. Excess Iodine. Iodine is an element that's required for the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. Since the body does not produce iodine on its own, it needs to come from dietary sources—and striking the right balance is key.

Where is iodine found in the body?

While the major portion of iodine is concentrated in the thyroid gland, the nonhormonal iodine is found in a variety of body tissues including the mammary glands, the eyes, the gastric mucosa, the cervix, and the salivary glands. 1 . 1:32.

What foods are high in iodine?

That said, there are certain risk factors for iodine deficiency that everyone should be aware of no matter where they live: 1 Pregnancy 2 A low- or no-salt diet 3 An iodine-poor diet high in goitrogenic foods such as soy, cassava, and cruciferous vegetables (e.g. cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower), which may significantly impact your body's ability to utilize any iodine it does get

Can iodine cause hypothyroidism?

This, though, is not without concern. 8 . For some people with abnormal thyroid glands, excessive iodine can trigger or worsen hypothyroidism. While initially, you may have more energy, high doses can cause an "iodine crash" that leaves you feeling exhausted and achy within a few days.

Is iodine deficiency rare?

Given the strong link between iodine and thyroid health, it's reassuring to learn that iodine deficiency is rare in the United States and other developed countries where iodized salt is used.

Is there a risk factor for iodine deficiency?

7 . That said, there are certain risk factors for iodine deficiency that everyone should be aware of no matter where they live: Pregnancy. A low- or no-salt diet.

Can iodine deficiency cause goiter?

Iodine deficiency is also linked to the development of goiter (thyroid enlar gement). The impact of too little iodine reaches further. Children born to mothers with severe iodine deficiency can suffer from stunted growth, severe and irreversible intellectual disabilities, and problems with movement, speech, and hearing.

How long does it take for thyroid to stop taking up radioactive iodine?

If you have too much iodine in your diet, it can stop the thyroid cells from taking up the radioactive iodine. Continue to follow this diet for 24 hours after your treatment is completed, or as instructed by your doctor. Read the resource for more information.

How long after radioactive iodine therapy can you get pregnant?

Pregnancy and radioactive iodine therapy. Don’t get pregnant or get your partner pregnant for at least 6 months after getting radioactive iodine therapy, or as long as your doctor tells you to. Use birth control after treatment for at least 6 months after getting this treatment.

What is the name of the service that takes up thyroid cells?

If you do, tell your doctor in Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service (MITS) before your treatment. This is sometimes called the Nuclear Medicine service. Radioactive iodine enters your bloodstream and is taken up by any thyroid- like cells. The radioactivity destroys the cancer cells.

How to treat thyrotropin alfa?

Your treatment plan will follow these steps that will take place over a few days: 1. On the first day, you’ll have blood tests. After those tests, you’ll see your doctor and get a thyrotropin alfa (Thyrogen ®) injection (shot) to help you get ready for your treatment.

Where does radioactive iodine leave the body?

Most of the extra radioactive iodine will leave your body through your urine (pee), and smaller amounts will leave your body in your saliva (spit), sweat, and bowel movements (poop).

How long does it take for thyroid pain to go away?

This is temporary and usually goes away within 8 weeks after your treatment. Try foods with different flavors to make sure you get the nutrition you need. Discomfort in your neck. This can happen during the first 2 to 3 weeks after your treatment, but it depends on the amount of thyroid tissue still in your neck.

Why does my mouth dry out after iodine?

Dry mouth. This is also caused by irritation or damage to your salivary glands. Dry mouth may happen if you’re taking a higher dose of radioactive iodine. Dry mouth can happen right after treatment, or it may happen for several months to a year after treatment.

What is the treatment for thyroid cancer?

The most common types of thyroid cancer (papillary and follicular) can usually be treated with large doses of radioactive iodine. (The dosages of RAI are much higher than with hyperthyroidism treatment.) The therapy is usually given after removal of the thyroid gland to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue. A “tracer” dose of radioactive iodine can ...

What is radioactive iodine used for?

Radioactive iodine (RAI) can be used for the treatment of overactive thyroid ( hyperthyroidism) and certain types of thyroid cancer . The term “radioactive” may sound frightening, but it is a safe, generally well-tolerated, and reliable treatment that targets thyroid cells so there is little exposure to the rest of your body’s cells.

How long does it take for iodine to flush out of the body?

Most patients need only one dose before their hyperthyroidism is resolved, which may take a few weeks to several months.

Is RAI good for hypothyroidism?

Permanent hypothyroidism (or underactive thyroid, when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones) is an expected side effect of RAI treatment for hyperthyroidism. Fortunately, hypothyroidism is much easier to treat than hyperthyroidism using hormone replacement therapy. This is a lifelong treatment that is safe, reliable and inexpensive.

How much iodine is in a thyroid capsule?

Thyroid Health capsules contain 160mcg of iodine and a daily dose is one to two capsules. Thyroid Health capsules also contain vitamin D, selenium and zinc, which are all required for a healthy thyroid gland, and adequate hormone production.

Why do women need iodine?

Women have a high requirement for iodine because it is necessary for healthy breasts and ovaries. Being deficient in iodine can increase your risk of suffering with cysts on your ovaries or in your breasts.

Why is iodine important for the brain?

The developing brain of a baby has a very high requirement for iodine and deficiency can cause lowered IQ and impaired hearing. As adults, we also need iodine to help concentration and cognitive function.

What hormones contain iodine?

You probably know that iodine is required for healthy thyroid gland function. It is actually used to manufacture thyroid hormones; the hormones T4 and T3 contain 4 and 3 molecules of iodine respectively.

What are the causes of thyroid problems?

Also, most thyroid problems are actually caused by autoimmune disease.

Where does iodine come from?

Most of the world’s iodine is found in the oceans; therefore any food that comes from the sea contains iodine. For this reason, fish and other seafood is a good source of iodine, as long as it really does come from the ocean and lives on its traditional diet. Farmed seafood is not as high in iodine. Seaweed is rich in iodine, but not a lot of people eat it regularly.

Can you take iodine with salt?

As you can see, not a lot of foods are a rich source of iodine. Even people who use iodised salt typically use salt very sparingly, so they still often don’t obtain enough. Taking an iodine supplement can ensure you’re receiving just the right amount. You can still take iodine if you are taking medication for an under active thyroid gland such as Synthroid or Armor; you just need to get the dose right.

How to maintain iodine levels?

Individuals in the United States can maintain adequate iodine in their diet by using iodized table salt, by eating foods high in iodine, particularly dairy products, seafood, meat, some breads, and eggs, and by taking a multivitamin containing iodine (see below). However, the amount of iodine in foods is not listed on food packaging in the U.S., ...

How to determine if you have iodine deficiency?

Iodine deficiency is diagnosed across populations and not specifically in individuals. Since iodine is released from the body through the urine , the best way to determine iodine deficiency across a large population is to measure the amounts of iodine in urine samples. Iodine deficiency is defined as a median urinary iodine concentration less ...

What is the goal of the Iodine Global Network?

Elimination of iodine deficiency has been a major goal of the Iodine Global Network, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization. Iodized salt has been the mainstay of the prevention of iodine deficiency worldwide.

Why does hypothyroidism occur?

HYPOTHYROIDISM – As the body’s iodine levels fall, hypothyroidism may develop, since iodine is essential for making thyroid hormone. While this is uncommon in the United States, iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide (see Hypothyroidism brochure ).

Why does my thyroid enlarge?

Worldwide, iodine deficiency is the most common cause of thyroid enlargement and goiter (see goiter brochure ). Within a goiter, nodules can develop.

What is the role of iodine in the body?

Iodine is an element that is needed for the production of thyroid hormone. The body does not make iodine, so it is an essential part of your diet. Iodine is found in various foods (see Table 1). If you do not have enough iodine in your body, you cannot make enough thyroid hormone. Thus, iodine deficiency can lead to enlargement ...

What are the problems of iodine deficiency?

Severe iodine deficiency in the mother has been associated with miscarriages, stillbirth, preterm delivery, and congenital abnormalities in their babies. Children of mothers with severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy can have intellectual disabilities and problems with growth, hearing, and speech. In the most severe form, an underactive thyroid can result in cretinism (a syndrome characterized by permanent brain damage, deaf mutism, spasticity, and short stature), although this has become rare worldwide. Iodine deficiency is the most common preventable cause of intellectual disabilities in the world. Even mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy, which may be present in some women in the United States, may be associated with low intelligence in children..

When is the next radioactive iodine treatment?

Ana Maria Kausel, MD. on July 20, 2020. If you are going to have radioactive iodine treatment for your thyroid disease, you will have to prepare in advance by following a low-iodine diet.

How to find out if a pill has iodine?

You can find information about the iodine content in any of your over-the-counter pills by checking the manufacturer's website or by asking your pharmacist. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before discontinuing any red-colored medicines.

What is radioactive iodine?

Radioactive iodine is taken as a pill to permanently reduce your thyroid gland activity. There are a few different thyroid conditions that may be treated with radioactive iodine therapy, including several types of thyroid cancer as well as some kinds of benign (noncancerous) hyperthyroidism. 2.

Where does iodine come from?

These include seaweed, some fish, and dairy. Most dietary iodine comes from foods that have iodine added, especially iodized salt, seasonings, commercial baked goods, and other processed foods. 6

Is iodine a nutrient?

Most commercial vitamin preparations have iodine added as an essential nutrient. Read labels carefully and ensure that you are taking an iodine-free vitamin while following the low-iodine diet.

Is low iodine bad for you?

There are no negative effects to eating low-iodine food. You might experience some positive effects, though, if you stick with the diet long-term. The recommendations for the DASH diet, which is used to treat hypertension, are similar to recommendations for a low-iodine diet, so you may see your blood pressure and cholesterol levels improve. 4

Is molasses a good source of iodine?

Blackstrap molasses ( unsulfured molasses is fine) Salt is the most common source of iodine, but low iodine has nothing to do with sodium, which is also found in salt. While you are on your low-iodine diet, sodium is fine, as long as it's from other sources.

What is the radiation used for thyroid cancer?

The radiation dose used here is much stronger than the one used in radioiodine scans, which are described in Tests for Thyroid Cancer. This treatment can be used to ablate (destroy) any thyroid tissue not removed by surgery or to treat some types of thyroid cancer that have spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body.

How long should I take thyrotropin before RAI?

Another way is to get an injection (shot) of thyrotropin (Thyrogen), which can make withholding thyroid hormone for a long period of time unnecessary. This drug is given daily for 2 days, followed by RAI on the 3 rd day. Most doctors also recommend that you follow a low iodine diet for 1 or 2 weeks before treatment.

How to treat RAI?

For RAI therapy to be most effective, you must have a high level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH or thyrotropin) in the blood. This hormone is what makes thyroid tissue (and cancer cells) take up radioactive iodine. If your thyroid has been removed, there are a couple of ways to raise TSH levels before being treated with RAI: 1 One way is to stop taking thyroid hormone pills for several weeks. This causes very low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism), which makes the pituitary gland to release more TSH. This intentional hypothyroidism is temporary, but it often causes symptoms like tiredness, depression, weight gain, constipation, muscle aches, and reduced concentration. 2 Another way is to get an injection (shot) of thyrotropin (Thyrogen), which can make withholding thyroid hormone for a long period of time unnecessary. This drug is given daily for 2 days, followed by RAI on the 3 rd day.

How long after radiation therapy can you go home?

Depending on the dose of radioiodine used and where you are being treated, you might need to be in the hospital for a few days after treatment, staying in a special isolation room to prevent others from being exposed to radiation. Some people may not need to be hospitalized. Once you are allowed to go home after treatment, you will be given instructions on how to protect others from radiation exposure and how long you need to take these precautions. These instructions may vary slightly by treatment center. Be sure you understand the instructions before you leave the hospital.

What to do if you have any questions about the possible risks and benefits of your treatment?

Talk to your health care team if you have any questions about the possible risks and benefits of your treatment.

Can you use rai for thyroid cancer?

Discuss your risks and benefits of RAI therapy with your doctor. Radioactive iodine therapy cannot be used to treat anaplastic (undifferentiated) and medullary thyroid carcinomas because these types of cancer do not take up iodine.

Can iodine therapy be used for thyroid cancer?

Discuss your risks and benefits of RAI therapy with your doctor. Radioactive iodine therapy cannot be used to treat anaplastic (undifferentiated) and medullary thyroid carcinomas because these types of cancer do not take up iodine.

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Mechanism of action

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When you consume iodine, it is quickly absorbed and entered into your bloodstream. Your thyroid, which has tiny cells that capture the circulating iodine, takes in and oxidizes it so it can begin to be used to create triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)thyroid hormones that make their way throughout the body to r…
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Contraindications

  • The American Thyroid Association recommends that all pregnant and breastfeeding women in the United States and Canada take a prenatal vitamin containing 150 mcg of iodine a day as part of an overall recommended intake of 220 mcg/day and 290 mg/day, respectively. Excess iodine, however, can be particularly dangerous in these women.
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Effects

  • The impact of too little iodine reaches further. Children born to mothers with severe iodine deficiency can suffer from stunted growth, severe and irreversible intellectual disabilities, and problems with movement, speech, and hearing.
See more on verywellhealth.com

Prognosis

  • Even mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy can lead to subtle intellectual deficits, although many children improve with iodine supplementation.
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Clinical significance

  • Fibrocystic breast disease, a benign condition characterized by lumpy, painful breasts mostly in women of reproductive age, is also associated with iodine deficiency.
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Epidemiology

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that two billion people, including 285 million school children, are iodine deficient. Among them, iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) affect some 740 million. In the United States, however, the risk of iodine deficiency is relatively low; incidence of IDD has dropped significantly since the iodization of salt first began in the 1920s. To further s…
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Risks

  • That said, there are certain risk factors for iodine deficiency that everyone should be aware of no matter where they live:
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Treatment

  • Some practitioners are almost knee-jerk in their insistence that anyone with a thyroid problem requires iodine supplementation; alternative practitioners may recommend iodine-containing herbs, like kelp or seaweed.
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Interactions

  • This can be particularly risky, in part because iodine supplements can interact with several types of drugs, including anti-thyroid drugs used to treat hyperthyroidism. Taking high doses of iodine with anti-thyroid medications can have an additive effect and could cause hypothyroidism.
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Adverse effects

  • In addition, large amounts of iodine block the thyroid's ability to make thyroid hormones. The conclusion of two studies, one published in 2006 in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), the other in 2014 in the journal Endocrinology and Metabolism, is that more-than-adequate or excessive iodine levels are unsafe and may lead to hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis (…
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Diagnosis

  • While iodine can be detected in urine, relying on such a test is not helpful, since 90 percent of the iodine you ingest is quickly expelled. Rather, doctors use thyroid tests to determine if your iodine intake is concerning or not. In addition, iodine deficiency is typically suspected based on the development of goiter, hypothyroidism, or congenital hypothyroidism (low thyroid function at birt…
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