How do you get Iodine into your diet and what is it for, I am vegan.?

Question

How do you get Iodine into your diet and what is it for, I am vegan.?

Answer 1

Iodine helps regulate thyroid function.

The easiest and most common source is iodized salt.

Answer 2

Iodine helps regulate the thyroid gland which controls metabolic functions like how your body burns off energy.  Seaweed is a good source of iodine, kelp, laver bread, nori etc or you could take a supplement suitable for vegans.

Answer 3

by eating salt... best to use kosher-salt  cant go wrong with it...

Answer 4

iodized salt

Answer 5

just buy iodized table salt, which is the best source.....or you could take a supplement.

iodine is required for the thyroid to function and release hormones that aid in regulating your metabolism.  if a person has a lack of iodine their thyroid will increase in size until it forms a large protrusion on the front of the neck, called a goiter.  this is caused because the thyroid cannot release the hormone it produces without the aid of iodine.  if the goiter gets too large it can cause difficulty swallowing or breathing.

here is a link to a picture of someone with iodine deficiency that has caused a goiter:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/norwoodmatt...

Answer 6

Iodine is vital for good thyroid function, which in turn is essential for health. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy and early infancy can result in cretinism (irreversible mental retardation and severe motor impairments). In adults low iodine intake (or very high intakes) can cause hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can manifest as low energy levels, dry or scaly or yellowish skin, tingling and numbness in extremities, weight gain, forgetfulness, personality changes, depression, anaemia, and prolonged and heavy periods in women.

An iodine intake of less than 20 micro grams (µg) per day is considered severe deficiency, 20 -50 µg/day is considered moderate deficiency and 50-100 µg/day is considered mild deficiency.

Consumption of brassicas, such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower, increase the requirements for iodine, especially if consumed raw. Soy beans, raw flaxseed, cassava (used in tapioca), sweet potatoes, lima beans, maize and millet also increase the requirements for iodine.

Answer 7

Iodine is an essential mineral required for good thyroid function.  Too little or too much can lead to hypothyroidism.

Vegans generally consume less iodine than the general population depending on their intake of iodized salt because Vegans consume foods which inhibit absorption of iodine such as soy products, millet and veggies like broccoli, cauliflower and collards.

The RDA for iodine is 150 mcg (1/2 tsp) of iodized salt or 1/10 tsp of kelp powder.

The upper limit for iodine is 1100 mcg.  If you consume seaweed, be careful not to use excessive amounts because it contains high amounts of iodine.

Use the website listed below as a good guide to vegetarian nutrition.

Answer 8

iodized salt is the best source, when you buy salt make sure it says iodized on the label.  It is used as an antiseptic and it aids in thyroid function.

Answer 9

I sometimes take tablets made from sea kelp.