In the body, iodine in addition to everything. Iodine as an essential mineral in the human body

History of iodine

The discovery of iodine dates back to 1811, the element was discovered by the Frenchman Bernard Courtois, who at one time was a specialist in soap and saltpeter making. One day, while experimenting with seaweed ash, a chemist noticed that a copper boiler for evaporating the ash was subject to rapid destruction. When ash vapors were mixed with sulfuric acid, vapors of a saturated violet color were formed, which, upon settling, turned into shiny crystals of a dark "gasoline" color.

Two years later, Joseph Gay-Lussac and Humphrey Davy studied the resulting substance and named it iodine (from the Greek iodes, ioeides - violet, violet).

Iodine - halogen, refers to chemically active non-metals, an element of the 17th group of the V period of the periodic table of chemical elements D.I. Mendeleev, has atomic number 53, the accepted designation I (Iodum).

Being in nature

Iodine is a fairly rare element, but, oddly enough, it is present almost everywhere in nature, in any living organism, in sea water, soil, products of plant and animal origin. Traditionally the most a large number of natural iodine is supplied by seaweed.

Physical and chemical properties

Iodine is a solid substance, in the form of crystals of dark purple or black-gray color, has a metallic luster and a specific odor. Iodine vapors - purple, are formed when the microelement is heated, and when it cools, they turn into crystals without becoming liquid. To obtain liquid iodine, it must be heated under pressure.

Daily requirement for iodine

For the normal functioning of the thyroid gland, an adult needs 150-200 mcg of iodine, adolescents, pregnant women and nursing mothers need to increase the amount of iodine entering the body daily to 400 mcg per day.

Main sources of iodine:

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It must be remembered that during culinary processing, up to half of the amount of iodine is lost, as well as during long-term storage.

Useful properties of iodine and its effect on the body

Iodine is an active participant in oxidative processes that directly affect the stimulation of brain activity. Most of the iodine in the human body is concentrated in the thyroid gland and plasma. Iodine helps to neutralize unstable microbes, thereby reducing irritability and stress (calorizator). Also, iodine has the ability to increase the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels.

Iodine will facilitate dieting by burning excess fat, promoting proper growth, giving more energy, improving mental alertness, making hair, nails, skin and teeth healthy.

Signs of iodine deficiency

Lack of iodine is usually observed in regions where natural micronutrients are insufficient. Signs of iodine deficiency are called increased fatigue and general weakness, frequent headaches, weight gain, noticeable weakening of memory, as well as vision and hearing, conjunctivitis, dry mucous membranes and skin. Lack of iodine leads to disruption menstrual cycle in women and a decrease in sex drive and male activity.

Signs of excess iodine

An excess of iodine is no less harmful than a lack of it. Iodine is a toxic trace element, and you need to be extremely careful when working with it to avoid poisoning, which is characterized by severe stomach pains, vomiting and diarrhea. With an excess of iodine in the water, the following symptoms are noted: allergic rash and rhinitis, increased sweating with a pungent odor, insomnia, increased salivation and swelling of the mucous membranes, tremors, palpitations. The most common disease associated with an increased amount of iodine in the body is Graves' disease.

The use of iodine in life

Iodine is mainly used in medicine, in the form of an alcohol solution - for disinfection of the skin, early healing of wounds and injuries, and also as an anti-inflammatory agent (an iodine cell is drawn at the site of bruises or during a cough to warm it up). Gargle with a diluted iodine solution for colds.

Iodine has found application in forensic science (with its help, fingerprints are detected), as a component for light sources, in the production of batteries.

For the normal functioning of the body, a person needs certain elements from food. In particular, it is necessary that the diet contains foods rich in vitamins, macronutrients and micronutrients. One of the most important elements for human health is iodine... Without iodine, the normal functioning of the pancreas, the most important organ responsible for digestion and regulation of blood sugar, is impossible. In addition, iodine is important for the thyroid gland, which is responsible for the functioning of the central nervous system, the process of assimilation of fats and carbohydrates, as well as for the condition of the skin and hair.

Hormones produced thyroid gland, are directly involved in the development of cells of the central nervous system, as well as skin and hair, therefore, pregnant and lactating women should receive the maximum dose of iodine. For them, the daily dose is about 210 mcg per day. It is enough for an adult 150 mcg of iodine.

Children under the age of two are required to provide at least 50 mcg of iodine. From two to six years of age, this dose should double. Well, schoolchildren need about 120 mcg of iodine per day.

Most of iodine is found in seafood... It is known that the inhabitants of the sea element are able to accumulate iodine from salt water. In particular, only 150 grams of seaweed, or kelp, can provide the daily dose of iodine that an adult needs. A fairly large amount of iodine is contained in fucus, but in our country it is quite difficult to find this algae in stores.

Cod liver is quite rich in iodine. Just 100 grams of this product contains about 350 mcg of iodine. Raw marine fish such as flounder, halibut or herring contain 100 to 200 micrograms of the valuable trace mineral. Approximately the same amount of iodine is found in 100 grams of squid, mussels, oysters and shrimp.

It should be remembered that iodine is a rather unstable compound that can evaporate during heat treatment. Therefore, it is advisable to use seafood not fried: it is recommended to stew or boil them.

Cheese and shelf products, which contain about 11 μg of iodine per 100 grams of weight, cannot be excluded from the diet. Potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, and sorrel contain approximately 7 mcg of iodine.

Persimmons, strawberries, lemons and grapes contain no more than 5 micrograms of iodine per 100 grams of weight. Therefore, nutritionists recommend purchasing fruits and vegetables that are grown on soils enriched with iodine.

We must not forget about such a valuable food product as chicken eggs... One egg contains not only proteins and fats valuable for the body, but also about 12 μg of iodine.

Many people try to make up for the iodine deficiency in their diet by consuming special iodized salt. Only two grams of this salt allows you to fully replenish the daily volume of this valuable trace element. Iodized salt was invented in America, where at the beginning of the last century there was a significant increase in the number of children born with cretinism (a severe form of mental retardation). Children with mental retardation were born in places where the soil, and therefore food, was not rich in iodine.

It is important to remember that iodized salt will only be effective if the food is salted after cooking. Otherwise, iodine will escape during heat treatment.

How is iodine deficiency manifested?

Insufficient intake of iodine in the body is manifested as follows:

  • the person becomes irritable;
  • migraines are observed;
  • reduced ability to concentrate;
  • decreased performance.

Lack of iodine and excess weight

The hormones produced by the thyroid gland are involved in a number of metabolic processes, in particular in the breakdown and storage of fats and carbohydrates. In the event that there is a lack of iodine in the diet, the thyroid gland changes its mode of operation. In the process of evolution, a special mechanism has developed: in the event that the body is threatened by a danger in the form of a lack of food, the endocrine system begins to "work" to create reserves. As a result, fatty deposits are formed, which often becomes the cause of obesity. At the same time, the production of growth hormones decreases: all metabolic processes in the body slow down in order to "wait out" the difficult period. This also affects the work of the nervous system: a person becomes inhibited, his memory deteriorates and his ability to concentrate decreases.

If the required amount of iodine does not enter the body for a long time, the following symptoms are observed:

  • the thyroid gland increases in size (goiter develops);
  • the work of the endocrine system suffers;
  • children have a lag in both physical and intellectual development;
  • drowsiness, constant feeling of tiredness, lack of energy;
  • deaf and dumbness;
  • violations of the reproductive system: impotence, infertility, fetal abnormalities, etc.

Disorders of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems can also be associated with a lack of iodine in the diet.

The famous statement of Hippocrates is known: “ There is medicine in a spoon, poison in a cup". And despite the fact that iodine is a vital element necessary for every person, its excess can cause serious disorders of the body. Excessive intake of iodine can lead to the following consequences:

  • paranoia;
  • allergic reactions;
  • hyperactivity;
  • decrease in body weight;
  • violations of potency.

Do I need to take iodine-containing drugs?

Only a doctor can decide whether a person needs to take iodine. Usually, taking preparations containing iodine is recommended:

  • during pregnancy planning;
  • during gestation and breastfeeding child;
  • newborns whose mothers suffer from iodine deficiency;
  • during heavy mental stress (during exams or when working on important projects).

Iodine is one of the most important elements necessary for the normal functioning of the body. However, we must not forget that an excess of iodine is no less dangerous than a lack of it. It is important for each person to eat right: only a balanced diet will provide the body with everything necessary for its normal functioning. Only a doctor can decide whether a person needs additional intake of preparations containing iodine.

Iodine in the body - Video


Zinc in the human body

Iodine level in human body affects the state of the thyroid gland.

It regulates metabolism and is responsible for the state of the hormonal system.

In case of deviation from the norm, cerebral activity is disturbed, and the immune system malfunctions.
The likelihood of developing endemic goiter increases.

  • Excessive consumption of foods rich in micronutrients;
  • The development of a tumor in the area of ​​the thyroid gland;
  • Metabolic disorders;
  • Plummer's syndrome;
  • Endocrine diseases;

reference: The presence of an overabundance may indicate: increased appetite, early gray hair, excessive sweating and sudden weight loss.

For more information on excess, you can

Deficiency reasons

A decrease in the concentration of a trace element in the body is a fairly common phenomenon. The main reason for its development is malnutrition, since the main amount of iodine enters the body with food. Deficiency reasons can also be:

  • Deviations in the work of the ovaries in women;
  • Endemic goiter;
  • Developmental delay in childhood;
  • Diseases in which there is a violation of brain activity;
  • Myxedema edema;

How to find out if there is enough iodine in the body?

The lack of iodine in the body should be diagnosed as early as possible, but how to determine the lack of iodine? To check the level of a substance, it is enough to visit an endocrinologist. He will send you for tests, with the help of which you can find out whether there is enough iodine in the body and how much it deviates from the norm. There are several ways to diagnose a micronutrient deficiency.

It is highly recommended to rely on symptoms. With a lack of substance, the following symptoms appear:

  • An increase in the volume of the thyroid gland;
  • Decreased performance, apathy;
  • Memory impairment;
  • Sharp weight gain with the same diet;
  • The appearance of puffiness;
  • Deterioration of the condition of nails and hair;
  • Painful sensations in the region of the heart;
  • Shortness of breath;
  • Decreased hearing;

Important: If there are deviations, you should be tested for hormones. With a lack of iodine, a hormonal imbalance occurs.

Medical methods for determining the concentration of iodine

Official medicine opposes home methods for determining the level of a substance in the body. The suspicion of a possible deviation is based on the corresponding symptoms. This is followed by a visual examination and palpation of the thyroid region. In certain cases, ultrasound may be needed.


The most complete information is given by the delivery of the analysis... The material can be the following:

  • Nail samples;
  • Hair;
  • Urine;
  • Home diagnostic methods

In contrast to determining the lack of other trace elements, for the diagnosis of iodine deficiency, it is often used test for a lack of iodine in the body at home... Before going to bed, it is necessary to draw three lines of different widths with iodine on the forearm - 2, 3 and 6 cm.In the morning, the result should be analyzed in accordance with the following data:

  • The absence of problems is indicated by the disappearance of the thinnest band;
  • The disappearance of two small stripes is a reason to revise the diet. More seafood should be included;
  • The complete disappearance of iodine lines indicates a progressive deficiency;

See the video for more details:

Another way is simpler. At night, an iodine mesh should be applied to the surface of the feet. The result is assessed in the morning, immediately after waking up. The level of deviation will depend on the intensity of the iodine mesh. Ideally, it should not wear off for 24 hours.

Carefully: It is forbidden to apply iodine mesh on the heart area, mucous surfaces and thyroid gland.

Daily consumption rates

Directly depends on age and body weight. On average, the body of a healthy adult contains from 12 to 20 mg of a trace element. Much depends on the region of residence. Residents of coastal areas require less iodine. For each age category, a certain daily intake of the substance is provided.

How is deficiency treated?

Deficiency treatment involves taking iodine-containing drugs, in accordance with the prescribed dosage regimen. It is established by the doctor on an individual basis. In no case should you neglect the recommendations of specialists. The most popular drugs include Iodomarin, Sodium Iodide, Microiod and Lugol's solution.

At an early stage of the development of pathology, the introduction into the diet will be sufficient. These include the following:

  • Shrimps;
  • Seaweed;
  • Feijoa;
  • Perch;
  • Pollock;

Other types of fish and seafood are also fine. The best digestibility of the substance is provided by milk. It is recommended to drink at least one glass a day. In the course of treatment, it is necessary to periodically take an analysis. to avoid oversaturation. The duration of the course of treatment depends on the intensity of the manifestation of the disease.


Attention: Taking iodine-containing drugs should be at the planning stage.

Vacation at sea is an effective preventive measure to prevent iodine deficiency. It is recommended to visit the sea at least once a year. If this is not possible, it is advisable to take a bath with sea salt.

Iodine plays a huge role in the human body.

He is responsible for:

  • breakdown of fats
  • blood pressure
  • heart rate
  • blood glucose
  • cell division

Symptoms of iodine deficiency

These include: a decrease in mental and physical activity, in hair loss, s apora, l thin nails, obesity, drowsiness, increased appetite, frequent colds, increased sweating, sleep disturbance.

The role of iodine in the body

It regulates the work of the endocrine system, and from there the activity of the gonads and pituitary gland, influencing all metabolic processes in the body.

Iodine is important in that it participates in the formation of the necessary cells in the body, thereby destroying foreign and damaged cells.

He also participates in the development of children and adolescents (protein synthesis, stimulates mental activity). Iodine o ensures the correct development of the fetus in pregnant women.

Such terrible diseases as infertility, low libido, miscarriage, impotence and menstrual irregularities are associated with iodine deficiency. It promotes the breakdown of fats, participates in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, and also saturates the body with energy.

With a sufficient content of iodine in the blood, irritability and nervousness decrease. He's at improves the condition of the skin, nails, hair and teeth.

Iodine is involved in the maintenance and regulation of the cardiovascular system. Supports memory, improves the assimilation of information.

How many important functions in the human body are covered by seemingly unimportant iodine.

Daily requirement

  • Children under one year old - 50 mcg
  • Children 1 to 6 years old - 90 mcg
  • From 7 years old - up to 12-120 mcg
  • From 16 to 60 years old - 150 mcg
  • Pregnant - 200 mcg
  • People over 60 years old - 100 mcg

Natural products containing iodine

Seafood is considered the leader, since the iodine content in them is very high. For example, seaweed contains 430 mcg.

There is also a lot of iodine in sea ​​fish (flounder, mackerel, salmon, herring),dairy products (milk, cottage cheese, cheese), walnuts, vegetables(tomato, garlic, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, beets, radishes), eggs(yolk)

How to determine the level of iodine in the body?

We carry out this experiment before going to bed.

Using a cotton pad dipped in iodine, draw three lines on the forearm: thin and translucent,clearly visible, distinct andthick, dark color.

Waking up in the morning, we evaluate the results:

If 1 line disappeared, and 2 others only turned pale, then you should not worry.

If only 3 lines remain, then you have a pronounced iodine deficiency.

Delicious recipe with foods containing iodine

Ingredients: beets (1 pc.) garlic (1-2 cloves) walnuts(2 pieces) mayonnaise (to taste)

Preparation

Cook the beets, peel the garlic and finely chop the walnuts. Next, grate the beets and chop the garlic. We mix everything thoroughly and use.

Iodine was first discovered in 1811 by the French chemist Bernard Courtois, who discovered it in seaweed ash. Since 1815, Gay-Lussac began to consider iodine as a chemical element.

Under normal conditions, iodine is a solid chemical substance, crystals from black-gray to dark purple in color, with a weak metallic luster and a specific odor. The modern scientific name for iodine is iodine. The element name was changed in the 1950s by the International Union of General and Applied Chemistry, the symbol J in element has been changed to I.

The role of iodine in the human body

Iodine in the human body is a very important element, without which our body cannot develop normally.

As a result, mental and physical development a person, there is an endemic goiter.

The functions of iodine in the body:

  • Cleansing the blood from microbes, it kills unstable microbes that have entered the bloodstream.
  • Enhancement of mental abilities.
  • Reducing Irritability By taking one teaspoon of blue iodine a day, you can relieve excessive irritability and stress.

Lack of iodine in the body, symptoms:

In the world, iodine deficiency affects about 1.5 billion people and about 70% of the population of Russia. In areas with severe iodine deficiency in the body, the average IQ is 20% lower. Everyone needs to monitor the iodine content in the body, and this is especially important for children and pregnant women.

Lack of iodine in the body of women (pregnant women):

  • congenital malformation of the fetus;
  • the birth of dead children;
  • infertility;
  • miscarriage;
  • backwardness of children in growth and development;

For all:

  • mental retardation;
  • risk of developing thyroid cancer:
  • decrease in physical and intellectual capabilities;
  • decrease in working capacity;
  • headache;
  • increased blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels;
  • weakening of immunity;
  • severe fatigue and fatigue;
  • irritability increases;
  • incomplete thyroid function;
  • endometrial goiter;
  • weakening of memory;
  • weight gain is possible.

An excess of iodine in the body

An excess of iodine is also very dangerous for the body, with an excess of iodine, an increase in the amount of mucus in the nose, the appearance of allergic symptoms: colds, hives, etc.

A person receives 90% of iodine from food, and the remaining 10% from air and water. In its pure form, one teaspoon of iodine is enough for 75 years of your life!

What are the daily norms for the use of iodine? Daily, according to the recommendations, it is worth consuming:

  • 50 mcg for babies up to 12 months;
  • 90 mcg for toddlers from 1 to 7 years old;
  • 120 mcg for children 7 to 12 years old;
  • 150 mcg for adults and adolescents 12+;
  • 200 mcg for pregnant and lactating women.

In what products contains iodine?

The richest foods with iodine are seafood. Basic foodstuffs containing iodine - fish, namely salmon, halibut, herring, tuna, cod, sea bass, flounder.

Its concentration is approximately 70 micrograms per 100 grams of raw marine fish.

In cod liver, it is slightly higher, about eight hundred micrograms per hundred grams. V fish oil 770 mcg per 100 grams.

To provide yourself with a daily intake of iodine, it is enough to eat 180 grams of cod daily.

Freshwater fish also contains iodine, but its concentration is very low, from 5 to 8 μg per 100 grams.

To meet the daily allowance of an adult, you need to eat about 2.1 kg of fish, it is difficult to find such a glutton.

eggs, milk, butter, beef, grains, vegetables: spinach, eggplant, garlic, sorrel, lettuce, tomatoes, green onions, onion, asparagus, potatoes, radishes.

For the maximum long-term preservation of iodine in products, it is necessary to follow the rules for their storage and processing.

With a strong boil, about 50% of iodine is released from meat and fish, and 30% from vegetables and fruits. With prolonged boiling, 25% of iodine comes out of milk. And yet the most effective and common way to get iodine into the body is the use of iodized table salt.

How to use iodized salt correctly:

  • it is better to add salt to the dish before use, and not during cooking, since when heated, iodine will almost completely evaporate from the dish;
  • do not use iodized salt for pickling or pickling, as pickles can taste bitter or ferment;
  • it must be remembered that iodized salt can retain its properties only in the first 3-4 months after production, so you need to look at the date of production on the package;
  • store salt in a dry, closed place, otherwise the iodine will evaporate.

Remember! Iodine is dangerous. Its lethal dose is only 3 grams. With such an amount of iodine, the kidneys and the cardiovascular system are affected. With a large inhalation of iodine vapors, a headache, a runny nose, a cough appear, and pulmonary edema is also possible. With direct contact with the mucous membrane of the eye, redness, lacrimation and pain in the eyes appear. If iodine gets inside, a headache, fever, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, brown plaque on the tongue, increased heart rate and pain in the heart appear. After a day, blood appears in the urine. Two days later, renal failure and myocarditis. Without hospital care and treatment, it is fatal.

How to check iodine in the body?

How to independently, without medications, determine the level of iodine in the body? Apply the iodine mesh to your skin from the inside of your wrist. Moisten a hygienic cotton swab with 5% iodine solution and draw a 1 x 1 cm mesh on the skin.

Scientists have calculated that it is such a mesh that is ideal for even distribution of iodine and its fast enough absorption. If the iodine mesh becomes invisible after 3 hours, then your body needs iodine very much, after 6-8 hours you have a slight lack of iodine, this is not so dangerous, if the mesh disappears after a day, then everything is fine in your body with the level iodine.

Also, the iodine grid is used as an anti-inflammatory agent. When exposed to the solution on the skin, it has an irritating effect, expands the skin capillaries, helps to reduce the stagnation of blood in the inflamed tissues and its outflow. The iodine net is used as an anti-inflammatory agent for diseases of the respiratory system, for pain caused by neuralgia, neurasthenia, osteochondrosis
.