Iodine is an aspect that is made use of by the thyroid. Humans can not produce iodine, so it needs to be eaten. It is added to some foods and additionally to salt.
Iodine minimizes thyroid hormone and can eliminate fungi, bacteria, and other microbes such as amoebas. Iodine deficiency is one of the most typical and preventable global health issues. The majority of iodine is located in the ocean, where it is focused on sea life, specifically in seaweed.
Iodine is taken by mouth to stop and treat iodine shortage and its repercussions, consisting of goiter and some thyroid problems. A particular kind of iodine called potassium iodide is additionally United States FDA authorized to avoid thyroid damage after a contaminated crash.
Uses & Effectiveness
Likely Effective for
- Iodine deficiency: Taking iodine supplements by mouth, consisting of iodized salt, is effective for stopping and dealing with iodine deficiency.
- Radiation exposure: Taking iodine by mouth can safeguard the thyroid after direct exposure in a radiation emergency. However, it ought not to be used for general defense versus radiation.
Possibly Effective for
- Pink eye: Making use of eye drops consisting of iodine to decrease the threat of pink eye in babies. It additionally appears to aid in treating pink eye in grownups.
- Foot sores in individuals with diabetic issues: Using iodine in foot sores might assist in treating foot ulcers connected to diabetes.
- Swelling (swelling) of the lining of the womb (endometritis): Washing the vaginal canal with a remedy consisting of iodine in the form of povidone-iodine before a cesarean shipment minimizes the threat of swelling of the womb’s cellular lining.
Possibly Ineffective for
- Infections in individuals with catheters: Using povidone-iodine, where a dialysis catheter is put, doesn’t appear to function in addition to chlorhexidine for lowering the threat of a blood infection. Applying povidone-iodine before inserting a urinary catheter doesn’t minimize the risk of infection.
- Development and advancement in early babies: Feeding premature babies iodine supplements doesn’t boost their brain development nor reduce their danger of dying.
There is a rate of interest being used for iodine for various other purposes, but there isn’t sufficient reliable information to say whether it may be valuable.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Iodine is most likely secure for most individuals when absorbed in dosages less than 1100 mcg daily. Huge quantities or long-lasting use of iodine is perhaps risky. Grownups should stay clear of prolonged use of higher doses without correct medical supervision. Greater intake can enhance the threat of side effects such as thyroid issues. Iodine in larger amounts can trigger metal taste, discomfort of teeth and gum tissues, shedding in mouth and throat, stomach upset, and many other side effects.
When applied to the skin: Iodine is most likely secure for the majority of people when appropriately watered-down items are made use of. A 2% iodine remedy is an FDA-approved prescription item.
Unique Measures & Warnings:
Maternity and breastfeeding: Iodine is likely risk-free when taken by mouth in recommended quantities or when related to the skin properly using an authorized product (2% solution). Do not take greater than 1100 mcg of iodine daily if you are over 18 years of age; do not take more than 900 mcg of iodine daily if you are 14-18 years old. Iodine is perhaps risky when taken by mouth in high dosages. Higher consumption may create thyroid problems in the baby.
Kids: Iodine is likely safe when taken by mouth in appropriate dosages, depending upon age. Dosages need to not exceed 200 mcg daily for children 1 to 3 years of age, 300 mcg daily for children 4 to 8 years of age, 600 mcg daily for kids 9 to 13 years of age, and 900 mcg each day for teens.
Thyroid disorders: Extended usage or high doses of iodine may make certain thyroid conditions worse, consisting of hypothyroidism, an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), or a thyroid lump. Likewise, individuals with autoimmune thyroid illness may be specifically conscious of the hazardous impacts of iodine.
Special Preventative Measures and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Iodine is most likely risk-free for the majority of people when absorbed in dosages less than 1100 mcg daily. Huge quantities or long-lasting use of iodine is possibly risky. Adults need to prevent long-term use of higher doses without proper medical supervision. Greater intake can boost the threat of side effects such as thyroid issues. Iodine in bigger amounts can cause metallic preference, soreness of teeth and gum tissues, shedding in mouth and throat, stomach upset, and numerous opposite side effects.
When put on the skin: Iodine is most likely risk-free for most people when appropriately diluted items are used. A 2% iodine remedy is an FDA-approved prescription product.
Unique Measures & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Iodine is most likely secure when taken by mouth in suggested amounts or when applied to the skin suitably using an authorized item (2% option). Do not take greater than 1100 mcg of iodine daily if you are over 18 years old; do not take more than 900 mcg of iodine daily if you are 14-18 years old. Iodine is possibly harmful when taken by mouth in high doses. Higher consumption could trigger thyroid problems in the child.
Children: Iodine is likely safe when taken by mouth in appropriate dosages, depending on age. Doses need to not go beyond 200 mcg daily for kids 1 to 3 years old, 300 mcg for youngsters 4 to 8 years of age, 600 mcg for children 9 to 13 years of age, and 900 mcg for teenagers.
A type of breakout called dermatitis herpetiformis: Taking iodine can make this rash even worse.
Thyroid disorders: Extended use or high dosages of iodine may make certain thyroid conditions worse, consisting of hypothyroidism, an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), or a thyroid tumor. Likewise, people with autoimmune thyroid illness may be specifically sensitive to the unsafe results of iodine.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Beware of this combination
- Amiodarone (Cordarone) engages with IODINE
Amiodarone consists of iodine. Taking iodine supplements along with amiodarone could increase the levels of iodine in the blood. Excessive iodine in the blood can cause side effects that affect the thyroid.
- Lithium interacts with IODINE
Big amounts of iodine can lower thyroid function. Lithium can likewise decrease thyroid features. Taking iodine together with lithium could lower thyroid features excessively. Do not take big amounts of iodine if you are taking lithium.
- Medicines for an overactive thyroid (Antithyroid drugs) communicate with IODINE
Iodine can raise or decrease thyroid features. Taking iodine together with medicines for an overactive thyroid could alter the impacts of these drugs. Do not take iodine supplements if you are taking medications for an overactive thyroid unless recommended by a doctor.