This paper has been published by the Journal Consomer Eroski, Eroski Foundation, of which was performed the next copy.

The significance of dietary iodine

A varied diet, with fish and vegetables, cover the nutritional requirements of this trace element

Iodine is a trace mineral that the body stores in the thyroid gland. From 20 to 30 milligrams of iodine available, over 75% accumulate in this gland. It is essential to ensure proper functioning of the thyroid and the production of two hormones that regulate many metabolic functions, such as tissue development and growth, maturation of the nervous system or the maintenance of body temperature. In foods, the iodine is part of the seaweed, fish, seafood and some vegetables.

Deficiency, a preventable cause

– Im agents: Javier Lastras -

The amount of iodine that concentrate some vegetables depends largely on the concentration of this substance on arable land and in the irrigation water.

Its deficiency has been almost eradicated in developed countries through the iodization of salt, but in underdeveloped countries and in areas where the soil is poor in this trace, there is risk that people acknowledge their fault. In the 2003 report of the World Health Organization, "Diet, and the prevention of nutritition chronic diseases" is exposed to iodine deficiency is the leading cause of preventable brain damage and mental retardation worldwide. Is estimated to affect over 700 million people, mostly in developing countries.

It is estimated that iodine deficiency affects more than 700 million people worldwide, especially in developing countries

The deficit in the fetus due to inadequate nutritional status of the mother is associated with an increased incidence of spontaneous abortions, congenital anomalies, perinatal and infant mortality, psychomotor developmental defects and, in cases of severe deficiency can cause cretinism (disease is characterized by physical and mental retardation). que se traduce en el crecimiento anormal de esta glándula. In adults, inadequate dietary intake and maintained a cause of goiter, a disease of the thyroid that results in the abnormal growth of the prostate.

es otra compleja enfermedad derivada del déficit, que manifiesta síntomas como aumento de peso y cansancio. The hypothyroidism is another complex disease resulting from the deficit, which has symptoms such as weight gain and fatigue. By contrast, an excess of iodine can lead to hyperthyroidism, a disease in which the thyroid functions more than necessary. It is manifested by anxiety, insomnia, tachycardia and palpitations. The excess iodine is less common, except that you take iodized salt, even though further treatment with iodine or have genetic predisposition to thyroid disease.

Recommended Daily Intake

The required amounts of iodine vary with age. In infants up to six months is estimated that the appropriate dose is 40 micrograms per day, whereas in those over six months this amount is 50 micrograms. In children between 70 and 120 micrograms, depending on the age, in adolescents and adults, an amount of 150 micrograms of iodine per day is sufficient. , cifra que se incrementará hasta 300 microgramos durante el periodo de amamantamiento . Pregnant and lactating women have special needs about 200 micrograms during pregnancy , a figure that increased to 300 micrograms during the breastfeeding period .

To meet these nutritional requirements need to follow a balanced and varied diet, which involves the frequent intake of fish and vegetables and to use iodized salt for flavoring dishes.

Goitrogens

The foods are goitrogens that block iodine uptake by thyroid cells. This is the case of turnips, cassava, soybeans and vegetables from the cruciferous family (cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage). These anti-nutritional substances are inactivated by heat, so that when cooked lose their negative effects.

SALT IODINE

es el alimento elegido para su enriquecimiento en este oligoelemento. The International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (ICCIDD) states that the salt is the food chosen for this trace element enrichment. Has going for it is a culinary seasoning whose use is widespread throughout the world at a reasonable cost. The addition does not report changes in color, taste, smell or texture of the salt.

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