Iodine prevents infertility and thyroid problems

Iodine is an essential mineral for the body, since it performs functions of:

• Prevent thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism, goiter and cancer;
• Prevent infertility in women as it maintains adequate production of thyroid hormones;
• Prevent cancer of the prostate, breast, uterus and ovaries;
• Prevent increased blood pressure in pregnant women;
• Prevent mental deficiencies in the fetus;
• Prevent diseases such as diabetes, heart problems and heart attack;
• Combat infections caused by fungi and bacteria.

In addition, iodine creams can be applied to the skin to combat and prevent infections, improve wound healing in the mouth during chemotherapy, and treat wounds and ulcers in diabetics.

Recommended quantity

The recommended amount of iodine per day varies by age, as shown in the following table:

Iodine supplementation should always be done under medical guidance, and is usually recommended in cases of deficiency of this mineral, goiter, hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. See What to Eat to Regulate the Thyroid.

Side effects and contraindications

In general, iodine is safe for health, but excess amounts of this mineral can cause nausea, stomach pain, headache, runny nose and diarrhea. In more sensitive people, it can cause swelling of the lips, fever, joint pain, itching, bleeding and death.

Thus, iodine supplementation should not exceed 1100 mcg per day in adult adults, and lower doses should be given for infants and children, and should only be given according to medical advice.

Foods rich in iodine

The following table shows foods rich in iodine and the amount of this mineral in 100g of each food.

In addition to these foods, salt in Brazil is enriched with iodine, a measure that helps prevent nutrient deficiencies and health problems like goiter.

See 7 Signs that you may be having problems with your thyroid to start treatment quickly.