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Iodine - a necessary nutrient
The thyroid is the body's central command center for hormones. It's a vital gland that can be easily disrupted by stress, poor dietary choices, and even genetic factors. But what keeps the thyroid functioning properly? Iodine.
Most people are familiar with common thyroid disorder symptoms, like goiters, but that's often where awareness ends. If the endocrine system seems confusing or you're unsure how to maintain healthy hormone levels, you're not alone.
In 7th-century China (specifically during the Tang Dynasty), raw thyroid gland pills and powders were used to treat goiters—a common and sometimes debilitating condition caused by a malfunctioning thyroid.
In Ancient Rome, travelers returning from the Alps told tales of "cretinism," a severe developmental condition linked to thyroid issues occurring in childhood or during pregnancy.
In the 19th century, in Bavarian regions like Miesbach and Salzburg, traditional German clothing called the "Tracht" featured a "Kropfband" or choker to conceal goiters or post-surgery scars due to their prevalence.
By the early 20th century, the U.S. faced a significant hypothyroidism crisis, leading to the creation of the "Goiter Belt"—an area around the Great Lakes stretching into the Midwest and Intermountain West.
In 2014, Synthroid, a synthetic thyroid drug, became America's top-prescribed medication, surpassing even cholesterol-lowering statins and acid reflux medications. These examples highlight iodine deficiency—one of humanity's most widespread medical issues, affecting roughly a third of the global population. It remains the leading preventable cause of intellectual and developmental disabilities worldwide. A 2008 study found that iodine deficiency alone costs Germany $1 billion annually in healthcare expenses.
Why does this happen? To grasp iodine deficiency, we must understand iodine itself. It's an essential micronutrient—tiny but critical. Without enough, serious problems arise because life originated in the sea, and our bodies retain some dependence on marine elements. Iodine is most abundant in seafood, coastal-grown crops, meat and dairy from iodine-rich soil-fed livestock, as well as vegetables like asparagus, garlic, pineapple, coconuts, leafy greens, and blackstrap molasses.
Lack of iodine leads to hypothyroidism, which manifests differently based on severity. For adults in modern, affluent societies, symptoms might include reduced metabolism, fatigue, cognitive issues, weight gain, depression, and hormonal imbalances. Extreme cases involve goiters—swollen thyroids, sometimes dramatically so. Prenatal iodine deficiency can cause severe physical and neurological issues, historically termed "cretinism," including dwarfism, thickened skin, bulging eyes, hair loss, infertility, and varying degrees of mental retardation.
Today, while this seems like a historical relic, it's still a pressing issue in parts of South America, inland China, Australia, New Zealand, Central Asia, and Europe. Yet, in developed countries, we rarely hear about it. Understanding this requires looking at something ubiquitous yet overlooked: iodized salt.
Iodine naturally occurs in unrefined sea salt, but only in trace amounts. Consuming toxic quantities would be required to meet needs. Commercial table salt undergoes refinement, removing most iodine. When salt contains iodine, it's intentionally added.
Iodine was identified as an element in 1811, and by 1820, its link to goiter size was established. By the late 1800s, iodine therapies helped manage hypothyroidism. Addressing widespread iodine deficiency required systemic solutions. Salt emerged as the ideal carrier due to its universal consumption, long history, symbolic importance, and stability.
In 1924, Dr. David Murray Cowie, a pediatrician at the University of Michigan, launched a campaign to iodize salt after observing goiter prevalence in the Great Lakes' "Goiter Belt." His efforts gained traction during the 1920s' growing interest in nutrition. Convincing manufacturers proved challenging, requiring government intervention.
After months of advocacy, Michigan's medical council authorized iodized salt production. Local producers began labeling salt with .01% sodium iodide. On May 1, 1924, iodized salt hit shelves. Morton Salt quickly expanded distribution nationwide. This marked one of history's largest public health initiatives.
Results were astonishing. Goiters declined, overall health improved, and IQ scores rose 15 points in affected regions. Governments worldwide adopted similar measures, drastically reducing hypothyroidism-related issues.
Costing just $1.15 per ton of salt, iodization is remarkably affordable. Public health experts estimate it costs about 5 cents per person annually.
Despite success, hypothyroidism persists globally. Russia hasn't widely adopted iodized salt. Arid regions like inland China and Australia struggle. Misconceptions persist in places like Pakistan, where myths about iodized salt being part of a Western conspiracy against Muslims prevail. In India, cultural conflicts over salt production since colonial times have led to high rates of deformities among salt workers.
Recently, hypothyroidism has resurged in Britain and the U.S., driven by changing diets, artisanal salt trends, misinformation, and shifts in dairy and bread industries.
For shoppers at Mama Jean's, getting adequate iodine is crucial. The recommended daily amount is 150mcg, though some advocate for higher doses. Quality seafood is ideal, but supplements are an excellent alternative if dietary iodine is limited.
Iodine supplements are a booming segment of the supplement industry. Benefits include increased energy, sharper cognition, reduced pain, improved mood, balanced hormones, and even weight loss. Mama Jean's offers a variety of options to support thyroid health, with knowledgeable staff ready to assist. Stop by and explore—don't let ignorance hold you back!
Contributors - R. Cummings, A. Harmon
All images sourced from Flickr Commons
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