NUTRITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Iodine is essential for the normal metabolism of cells. To meet the body’s demand for thyroid hormones, the thyroid gland traps iodine from the blood and converts it into thyroid hormones that are stored and released into the circulation when needed. Thyroid hormones regulate a number of physiologic processes, including growth, development, metabolism, and reproductive function. They are vital for the development of organs, especially the brain, reproductive organs, nerves, bones, skin, hair, nails, and teeth.

 

 

Biodine is also an excellent antiseptic and can be used to kill bacteria and fungi.

 

 

 

SYMPTOMS

Iodine deficiency include tiredness, cold hands and feet, weight increases, depression, mood swings, dry skin, brittle hair, hair loss, and joint stiffness. Thyroid enlargement, or goiter, is one of the earliest and most visible signs of iodine deficiency. The thyroid enlarges in response to persistent stimulation by TSH. In mild iodine deficiency, this adaptation response may be enough to provide the body with sufficient thyroid hormone. However, more severe cases of iodine deficiency results in hypothyroidism. Adequate iodine intake will generally reduce the size of goiters, but the reversibility of the effects of hypothyroidism depends on an individual’s stage of development.  Iodine deficiency has adverse effects in all stages of development, but is most damaging to the developing brain. In addition to regulating many aspects of growth and development, thyroid hormone is important for the myelination of the central nervous system, which is most active before and shortly after birth.