High iodine intakes can also cause thyroid gland inflammation and thyroid cancer. Getting a very large dose of iodine (several grams, for example) can cause burning of the mouth, throat, and stomach; fever; stomach pain; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; weak pulse; and coma.
Treatment of Iodine Excess
People with excess iodine are advised to use salt that is not fortified with iodine and to reduce their consumption of foods that contain iodine, such as seafood, seaweed, yogurt, and milk, and to avoid taking supplements containing iodine.
After ICM administration, iodine deposits remain elevated for up to 4–8 weeks in patients with healthy thyroid. The urinary iodine excretion increased by 300–400% from baseline to peak levels after 1.1 week and normalized by 5.2 weeks following ICM administration [37].
High iodine intakes are well tolerated by most healthy individuals, but in some people, excess iodine intakes may precipitate hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, goiter, and/or thyroid autoimmunity.
Without enough iodine, these thyroid hormones do not work properly and can lead to an under-active or overactive thyroid gland, causing the medical conditions of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism with various negative side effects in the body.
Can iodine be harmful? Yes, if you get too much. Getting high levels of iodine can cause some of the same symptoms as iodine deficiency, including goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland). High iodine intakes can also cause thyroid gland inflammation and thyroid cancer.
Normally, almost all ingested iodine is considered to be absorbed, and up to around 90% is excreted in urine when intake is sufficient.
Iodine can restore hair and eliminate the cause of hair damage. In fact, iodine literally destroys the fungus that damages the ends of the hair follicles. Iodine also has strong antiparasitic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that support scalp health.
Higher intake can increase the risk of side effects such as thyroid problems. Iodine in larger amounts can cause metallic taste, soreness of teeth and gums, burning in mouth and throat, stomach upset, and many other side effects.
Excess Iodine. For some people with abnormal thyroid glands, excessive iodine can trigger or worsen hypothyroidism. While initially, you may have more energy, high doses can cause an "iodine crash" that leaves you feeling exhausted and achy within a few days.
What happens if I take too much iodine? Taking high doses of iodine for long periods of time could change the way your thyroid gland works. This can lead to a wide range of different symptoms, such as weight gain.
Loading up on fresh fruits and vegetables, and skipping the iodized salt, kelp, egg yolks, and dairy products can help lower your iodine levels. And if your thyroid has been acting a bit sluggish, a reduction in iodine intake may be all it takes to get it back to normal.
Fruits: Few fruits like Strawberries, Cranberries and Pineapple are an excellent and rich source of iodine.
Symptoms of iodine deficiency and related thyroid disorders can include: Swelling of thyroid glands in the neck. A visible lump (goiter) on your neck. Weight gain, fatigue and weakness.
Low selenium and iodine levels may contribute to the development of anxiety and depression, independent of thyroid functions, in patients with ENG. In these patients, selenium and iodine replacement may be useful for the prevention of anxiety and depression, especially in deficient regions.
Iodine is a component of thyroid hormones and an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and differentiation agent. Iodine contributes to preserving the integrity of organs able to take up iodine, through effects mediated by many different mechanisms or pathways, with direct or indirect actions.
Excessive iodine intake may result in elevated blood glucose and blood pressure and has some influence on blood lipids, and may increase the risk of hypertension and diabetes.
Serious kidney damage can be caused by the iodine-containing “dyes” that doctors use to enhance the quality of medical scans. These dyes are called contrast agents, and are usually given intravenously before a CT scan, angiogram or other test.
The Relationship Between Iodine And Hair Loss
The relationship between hair loss and iodine actually has little to do with iodine deficiency, but excess iodine in fact may have a tertiary association with causing hair loss.
The best iodine supplement is generally recognized to be potassium iodide. However, getting the necessary amount shouldn't require supplementation unless you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Some “natural” iodine supplements like kelp may deliver erratic and sometimes toxic levels of iodine.
Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of thyroid disease and, if serious, can cause permanent brain damage and intellectual disability in babies. Iodine is a mineral found naturally in seawater and soil. The body needs iodine to make thyroid hormone in the thyroid gland.