Iodine: Health Implications of Deficiency
Chris D. Meletis, ND1
Abstract
Iodine levels in the United States have dropped precipitously over the past few decades, whereas antagonists such as bromine,
perchlorate, and fluoride have become more ubiquitous. These changes have placed a nutritional burden on the human body and
increased the potential for pathophysiological change at the cellular level. This review examines the clinical and peer-reviewed
literature and provides perspective related to health-compromising trends that warrant close scrutiny in clinical practice and
future research mandates.
Keywords
iodine, fluoride, chlorine, bromine, thyroid, breast, prostate, cognition
Iodine is a trace element required in the diet to support various
physiological functions. It is found primarily in plants grown in
iodine-sufficient soil and in seafood, particularly kelp and saltwater
fish. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that
despite efforts at salt iodization, 2 billion people (approximately
29%) worldwide are iodine deficient.1 Health effects
of iodine deficiency are substantial, and deficiency is currently
the leading cause of brain damage.2 In addition, hypothyroidism,
goiter, cretinism, cognitive and neurological disorders,
gastric cancer, and breast disease have been associated with
iodine deficiency. The recommended daily allowance for
iodine in adults is 150 mg (0.15 mg) per day, and it is 220 mg
per day in pregnant women and 290 mg daily in lactating
women. Although recent reports suggest that the United States
population is iodine sufficient, other data indicate that subclinical
deficiency could exist.
