The doctor told how much daily dose of iodine an adult needs
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of iodine for adults is 150 mcg per day, for pregnant women it is higher - from 220 to 250 mcg per day, and for lactating women it can be increased to 290 mcg per day. This was told by GMS Clinic therapist Elena Kasimtseva.She explained that the trace element iodine plays a crucial role in metabolism. It is oxidized with the formation of iodine-containing thyroid hormones, which are necessary to control growth, metabolism and many other functions of the body, as well as needed for the development of the brain of the fetus and newborn.
Iodine deficiency has long been recognized as a global problem and remains the leading cause of preventable brain damage in the unborn child, says the doctor. Lack of this trace element during pregnancy leads to hypothyroidism and impaired neurobehavioral development of infants.
At the same time, iodine is not synthesized in the human body and must be obtained from foods, food supplements, medicines and iodine-containing contrast agents.
According to the doctor, iodine overabundance is rare, so its effects are poorly understood. It can be caused by overconsumption of iodized salt, drinking water, iodine-rich milk, certain seaweeds and iodine supplements. Doses up to 1 mg per day are considered safe for most people. Ingestion of more than 1.1 milligrams of iodine per day can cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as more serious effects, which may vary from person to person because they depend on individual thyroid function.