Introduction
Iodine (scientific notation: iodine) is a trace element which is necessary in the body for the production of thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones have an important function in growth and development. It is therefore important that enough iodine is absorbed through food.
Natural sources include sea fish and marine animals. In the population, however, too little iodine is absorbed through these foods, so that iodized table salt is used in food production. Salt containing iodine should also be used in the household. Iodine deficiency can lead to various thyroid diseases, such as goitre (goiter), which is an enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Function
The main function of iodine in the human body is to be the essential building material for thyroid hormones. These are called T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (tetraiodothyronine). T4 is also known as thyroxine.
The iodine supplied with food is absorbed by the thyroid gland. There the hormones are produced and released into the blood. In this way it fulfils important tasks in growth and development, for example of the bones and the nervous system, as well as in metabolism.
Without iodine, the body could therefore not function properly in many areas. Furthermore, a sufficient supply of iodine is important, as this directly counteracts excessive growth of the thyroid gland. Also possible illnesses and functional disorders of the thyroid gland can be prevented in this way. Scientific studies have also shown that the body uses iodine in the tear fluid and other secretions to kill germs and thus protect against infections.
Tasks
As a central component of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland, iodine fulfils a variety of tasks in the human body. This is made possible by the direct influence of the hormones on the function of almost all cells of the body. The iodine supplied with food is absorbed through the intestines and reaches the thyroid gland via the blood.
There it absorbs the iodine and together with proteins forms the thyroid hormones. These are stored in the gland and released into the blood as required by the body. There they are bound to certain transport proteins.
Once they have left the thyroid gland, the iodine-containing hormones reach all areas of the body with the blood and unfold their effect in the cells. As an essential component of the thyroid hormones, the trace element iodine is an indispensable factor for growth, development and metabolism. An essential task here is the regulation of a normal heat production of the body.
People with an underfunction of the thyroid gland tend to freeze quickly, whereas hyperthyroidism leads to heat intolerance. Thyroid hormones are also very important for bone metabolism and the formation of new bone substance. Especially in children, iodine in the form of the thyroid hormones is an important factor for normal development, especially of the brain and nervous system.
Therefore, especially during pregnancy and lactation, a sufficient supply of iodine to the mother is particularly important to enable the healthy development of the child. Furthermore, the iodine-containing hormones are, among many others, significantly involved in the regulation of blood pressure, heart rate and heart strength. The kidney function is also influenced.
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