Iodine is a trace element that is definitely required for normal growth and development since it is a key component in the production of thyroid hormones. The human body cannot produce iodine, thus, it must be acquired through diet or supplementation. There are several health benefits associated with iodine, including the potential to use it as a nootropic supplement to enhance alertness, concentration, and cognition. The objectives of this article are to provide a comprehensive examination of the nature, health benefits, dose recommendations, side effects, potential drug interactions, and appropriate use of iodine.
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Nature of Iodine
Iodine, a halogen element with atomic number 53, belongs to Group 17 of the periodic chart. Iodine occurs naturally in a variety of forms, including iodide (I-), iodate (IO3-), and molecular iodine (I2). The main sources of iodine include seaweed, seafood, dairy products, different fruits, and vegetables.
The most prevalent form of iodine in the human body is iodide. The thyroid gland actively absorbs iodide and converts it to iodine. Iodine is then used to produce the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are crucial for regulating cognitive functions as well as growth, development, and metabolism.
Health Benefits of Iodine
1. Thyroid Hormone Synthesis
As mentioned, iodine is required for the synthesis of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Both hormones play important roles in the regulation of cellular energy production and metabolism, which affects a variety of physiological processes including body temperature, heart rate, and protein synthesis. Hypothyroidism can lead to cognitive deterioration, weight gain, depression, and exhaustion due to iodine shortage.
2. Potential Nootropic
According to recent studies, iodine may have nootropic properties that enhance cognitive abilities. Thyroid hormones, notably T3, have been shown to affect the brain’s dopamine, norepinephrine, and glutamate neurotransmitter networks. These neurotransmitters are essential for cognitive processes like learning and memory encoding.
T3 has also been found to have a direct impact on synaptic plasticity, which is the capacity of synapses to change in strength or weakness in response to changes in activity. Furthermore, it has been shown that T3 increases the expression of BDNF, a protein linked to synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and neuronal survival.
3. Neuroprotection’s effects
Iodine also demonstrates neuroprotective qualities that may reduce the likelihood of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Studies show that thyroid hormone deficiency can exacerbate the brain’s oxidative stress and inflammation, which can damage neurons and impair cognitive function. Consuming enough iodine to sustain healthy thyroid hormone levels contributes to preserving overall brain health.
Chemistry of Iodine
In Group 17 of the periodic table, the halogen element iodine is distinguished by its high reactivity and propensity to form diatomic molecules. Iodine has a molecular weight of 253.81 g/mol and is a rich purple-black, crystalline solid in its elemental state. Its boiling point is 184.3°C, while its melting point is 113.7°C.
Iodine has a high electronegativity (2.66 on the Pauling scale), and it forms potent ionic and covalent interactions with a number of other elements. Iodine can be found in a variety of oxidation states. The most prevalent of which are iodide (I-), iodine monochloride (ICl), iodine trichloride (ICl3), iodine pentoxide (I2O5), and +7. (iodine heptafluoride, IF7). Iodine molecules (I2) can combine with iodide ions (I-) in aqueous solutions to generate triiodide ions (I3-), which give the solution its distinctive yellow-brown hue.
Due to its highly reactive chemical characteristics, iodine can take part in a variety of metabolic processes in the human body. For instance, the manufacture of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones occurs when the thyroid gland oxidizes iodide ions to create molecular iodine, which is then integrated into tyrosine residues of the thyroglobulin protein.
Physiological Mechanism of Action of Iodine
Iodine is involved in the manufacturing of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are in charge of regulating metabolism, growth, and development as well as having an impact on cognitive processes. The primary physiological mechanisms of action of iodine are described in the stages below:
- Iodide Take-Up
Iodide ions, which make up the majority of dietary iodine absorption in the digestive system are carried by the bloodstream to the thyroid gland via the sodium-iodide symporter, where thyroid follicular cells absorb them (NIS). This dynamic transport system concentrates iodide ions into thyroid cells, paving the way for the production of thyroid hormone.
- Organification and Oxidation
Iodide ions are converted to iodine atoms once they have entered the thyroid cells by the enzyme thyroid peroxidase (TPO) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Following this, the iodine atoms are organized, or attached, to tyrosine residues in the thyroglobulin protein to create the molecules monoiodotyrosine (MIT) and diiodotyrosine (DIT).
- Creation and Release of Hormones
The thyroglobulin protein couples the chemicals MIT and DIT to produce the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. T3 is created by the connection of one MIT and one DIT molecule, while T4 is created by the coupling of two DIT molecules. Proteolytic enzymes then release T3 and T4 from the protein once thyroglobulin has been endocytosed into thyroid cells. Upon their release into the bloodstream, the hormones interact with thyroid hormone-binding proteins to travel to their intended target regions.
- Effect of Hormones on Target Tissues
T4 is a prohormone that can be converted to T3 by deiodinase enzymes, while T3 is the physiologically active form of thyroid hormone. Nuclear thyroid hormone receptors (TRs), which function as transcription factors in target tissues bind to T3, which then modifies the expression of target genes involved in a variety of physiological processes, including metabolism, growth, development, and cognition.
As an illustration, iodine’s critical involvement in thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism should be carefully looked into to utilize the full potential of iodine.
Optimal Dosage of Iodine
Iodine dosages should be based on a number of variables, including age, sex, and physiological status. The Institute of Medicine has established the following Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for iodine:
- Infants (0-6 months): 110 micrograms (mcg) per day
- Infants (7-12 months): 130 mcg per day
- Children (1-8 years): 90 mcg per day
- Children (9-13 years): 120 mcg per day
- Teens (14-18 years): 150 mcg per day
- Adults (19 years and older): 150 mcg per day
- Pregnant women: 220 mcg per day
- Breastfeeding women: 290 mcg per day
These numbers should be used as a general benchmark for iodine intake. However, every person’s needs are unique and should be discussed with a healthcare provider before beginning iodine supplementation.
Side Effects of Iodine
Iodine is necessary for human health, but excessive iodine can cause thyroid malfunction and either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and constipation are signs of iodine-induced hypothyroidism, whereas weight loss, elevated heart rate, anxiety, and tremors are signs of hyperthyroidism.
In rare cases, high iodine consumption can cause a goiter. Goitre will lead to the swelling of the thyroid gland. Compression of the surrounding structures as a result of this illness may make it difficult to breathe or swallow.
Also, people who have a history of autoimmune thyroid conditions like Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may be more vulnerable to the negative consequences of high iodine intake.
Potential Substance Interactions with Iodine
Iodine may interact negatively with several prescription drugs and other nutritional supplements. These are a few notable interactions:
- Anti-thyroid Drugs
Supplemental iodine may reduce the effectiveness of antithyroid drugs used to treat hyperthyroidism, such as methimazole and propylthiouracil. If you are using these medications, speak with a healthcare provider before beginning an iodine supplement.
- Diuretics
Mixing potassium-saving diuretics like spironolactone and triamterene with iodine supplements may raise the risk of hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels in the blood). In severe situations, this illness may result in cardiac arrest, muscular weakness, and erratic heartbeat.
- Lithium
Supplementing with iodine may make hypothyroidism worse in people that are taking lithium. Lithium is a drug frequently used for bipolar disorder. If you take lithium, speak with your doctor before beginning an iodine supplement.
Best Responsible Use of Iodine
Follow these recommendations for responsible use to maximize the advantages of iodine while reducing potential negative effects and interactions:
- Check Your Iodine Levels
Consult with a healthcare practitioner to determine your current iodine level before beginning iodine supplementation. Blood tests to assess urine iodine content and thyroid hormone levels will be included as part of the evaluation. Your doctor can then advise you on the right iodine supplementation dosage and form based on these findings.
- Choose a Reliable Source
Ensure quality, purity, and efficacy by choosing iodine supplements from reputed producers who follow good manufacturing principles (GMP) and use third-party testing. Moreover, pick iodine-containing supplements that come in the forms of potassium iodide or sodium iodide because studies have shown that these forms are particularly well-absorbed and used by the body.
- Track Your Development
While using iodine supplements, always check your thyroid hormone levels and iodine status to get the most advantages and prevent any unwanted side effects. Your healthcare professional can then assist you in choosing the right testing interval or alter your iodine dosage if necessary.
Iodine: Conclusion
Iodine throat spray or iodine ointment for wound healing are popular, however, in this article, iodine is introduced as an excellent nootropic that can improve your alertness and concentration. Iodine is a crucial element in the body as it is closely related to the synthesis of thyroid hormone. It is also said that iodine is involved in the mechanism of neurotransmitting, contributing its significance to the regulation of cognitive function and mental ability.
If you are planning to take iodine as a form of supplementation, you need to check your suitability and the optimal dosage with medical experts. These include checking your body’s iodine levels, thyroid hormone levels, and your existing prescriptions. This is because an overdose of iodine supplementation would hurt the body.
References:
- Choudhry, H., & Nasrullah, M. (2018). Iodine consumption and cognitive performance: Confirmation of adequate consumption. Retrieved from: Food Science & Nutrition, 6(6), 1341–1351.
- Gordon, R., Rose, M. C., Skeaff, S., Gray, A., Morgan, K., & Ruffman, T. (2009). Iodine supplementation improves cognition in mildly iodine-deficient children. Retrieved from: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 90(5), 1264–1271.
- Delange, F., & Lecomte, P. (2000). Iodine supplementation. Retrieved from: Drug Safety, 22(2), 89–95.
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
