Blog

RSS

Amount of Iodine needed daily

How the daily Iodine intake is calculated

In the Western world the RDA of iodine is based on providing enough iodine for the thyroid glands to produce the two thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It is necessary to consume it as the body can not produce iodine from other sources.

These two hormones are used in every tissue throughout the body where they control metabolism amongst other functions.

Simple Definition of Metabolism

“Biology: the chemical processes by which a plant or an animal uses food, water, etc., to grow and heal and to make energy"

Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metabolism

So the Thyroid hormones help the body use energy, stay warm and keep the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs working as they should.

However, in addition to helping the thyroid produce hormones, iodine is believed to be used in other organs, as some of them have a sodium-iodide symporter pump. This means that they are able to absorb and use iodine. However these functions are not accounted for in the RDA's.

Reason to introduce iodine slowly into the system
Before you view the RDA, a quick note on the the introduction of iodine into the system. This is for people who are deficient in iodine.

If someone has been existing with iodine deficiency then their body is used to operating on low levels of iodine. To avoid any adverse reactions from an increase in iodine consumption it is advisable to introduce the iodine slowly into the body and to be aware of the level available in the food that you are eating (find out natural sources of iodine here).

Also, though the occurrence is rare, in less than 1%, iodine consumption can cause allergies, swelling of the salivary glands and thyroid, and iodism.

Recommended Amounts of daily Iodine by Worldwide bodies

Age	Adequate Intake (µg/day)
7 – 11 months	70
1 – 3 years	90
4 – 6 years	90
7 – 10 years	90
11 – 14 years	120
15 – 17 years	130
≥ 18 years	150
Pregnancy	200
Lactation	200

Source: P33 EFSA Journal 2014; 12(5):3660

Iodine Global Network (IGN), WHO and UNICEF

Age (Years)	Daily Amount (Micrograms/mcg)
0 - 5	90
6 - 12	120
Older than 12	150
Pregnant and Lactating Women	250

(Source: Iodine Global Network, 3. How much iodine should we get?, http://www.ign.org/3-how-much-iodine-should-we-get.htm)

Food and Nutrition Board (FNB): Institute of Medicine of the National Academies

Age	Daily Amount (Micrograms/mcg)
Birth to 6 months	110
7 - 12 months	130
1 - 3 years	90
4 - 8 years	90
9 - 13 years	120
14 - 18 years	150
19+ years	150
Pregnancy	220
Lactation	290

Tolerable Upper Intake Levels

Age	Daily Amount (Micrograms/mcg)
Birth to 6 months	Not Possible to Establish
7 - 12 months	Not Possible to Establish
1 - 3 years	200
4 - 8 years	300
9 - 13 years	600
14 - 18 years	900
19+ years	1100
Pregnancy	900
Lactation	1100

Source: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-HealthProfessional/ Updated: February 11, 2016

To help you meet the RDA’s and to prevent excess consumption, it is good to know the dietary sources of iodine and the foods that can prevent the absorption of iodine within the body.