Spotlight on Minerals : IODINE

What is Iodine?

The Iodine Mineral is one of the family of trace minerals and as such, the body does not require large amounts of Iodine(unlike vitamin supplements). Iodine helps regulate the rate of energy production and body weight and promotes proper growth. It also promotes healthy hair, nails, skin and teeth (just like Vitamin C suplements).

Food Source
Iodine is added to most table salt so people generally get the required amount from just one teaspoon of iodized salt. Other Iodine sources include seafood and sea plants such as kelp and seaweed. Fruits and vegetables grown in coastal regions are other good sources of iodine and Vitamins. Processed foods are not a good source of iodine as they typically are not made with iodized salt.

Signs that are Iodine-deficient
The most notable symptoms of a deficiency include lethargy, slowed reflexes and a slowed metabolic rate. Skin can become dry and hoarseness can develop in the throat. The amount of fat in the blood supply can increase which is why obesity is one of the symptoms of an iodine deficiency. If the deficiency continues for a long time, the thyroid gland can become enlarged. An enlarged thyroid gland is called a goiter. A goiter develops when the thyroid gland is forced to work extra hard to produce adequate levels of thyroxine. Goiters usually protrude from the side of the neck. In children, a deficiency of iodine may cause mental retardation. Fortunately, this type of deficiency is rare in developed countries.

Fruits with high Iodine content (sorry no figures, because Iodine content is based on Iodine-content of the soil) :
1. Pineapple
2. Coconut
3. Strawberries
4. Mango
5. Dates

Vegetables with high Iodine content (again, no content) :
1. Artichokes
2. Spinach
3. Potato
4. Fennel
5. Hyssop