Iodine is an essential trace element; the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine contain iodine. In areas where there is little iodine in the diet—typically remote inland areas where no marine foods are eaten—iodine deficiency gives rise to goiter (so-called endemic goiter), as well as cretinism, which results in developmental delays and other health problems.
While noting recent progress, The Lancet noted, "According to World Health Organization, in 2007, nearly 2 billion individuals had insufficient iodine intake, a third being of school age. ... Thus iodine deficiency, as the single greatest preventable cause of mental retardation, is an important public-health problem."[1]
In some such areas, this is now combated by the addition of small amounts of iodine to table salt in form of sodium iodide, sodium iodate, potassium iodide, and/or potassium iodate—this product is known as iodized salt. Iodine compounds have also been added to other foodstuffs, such as flour, water and milk in areas of deficiency.[2] Seafood is also a well known source of iodine.[3] Thus, iodine deficiency is more common in mountainous regions of the world where food is grown in iodine-poor soil.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iodine_deficiency
I know Wiki is a shite source, but this seems to be true. I didn't even think iodine was a necessary part of life, but it seems to be. Anyone have any experience in this area?
While noting recent progress, The Lancet noted, "According to World Health Organization, in 2007, nearly 2 billion individuals had insufficient iodine intake, a third being of school age. ... Thus iodine deficiency, as the single greatest preventable cause of mental retardation, is an important public-health problem."[1]
In some such areas, this is now combated by the addition of small amounts of iodine to table salt in form of sodium iodide, sodium iodate, potassium iodide, and/or potassium iodate—this product is known as iodized salt. Iodine compounds have also been added to other foodstuffs, such as flour, water and milk in areas of deficiency.[2] Seafood is also a well known source of iodine.[3] Thus, iodine deficiency is more common in mountainous regions of the world where food is grown in iodine-poor soil.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iodine_deficiency
I know Wiki is a shite source, but this seems to be true. I didn't even think iodine was a necessary part of life, but it seems to be. Anyone have any experience in this area?
