Strong stable iodine tablet

Iodine Pharma Nord contains round, white tablets with a diameter of 8.5 mm. Each tablet contains 400 µg of iodine from potassium iodate. The tablets are intended for adults as well as children aged 11 years and older. The tablets are free from animal ingredients and are theresfore suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Iodine is an element and a vital trace element for humans. We get iodine from fish, shellfish, and seaweed. Nori seaweed, which is typically used in sushi, hardly contains any iodine. There is some iodine in eggs, primarily in the yolk, but only very small amounts in other foods. In many countries, table salt is enriched with iodine to make up for a general deficiency in the population. In Denmark, 1 gram of salt contains 13 micrograms of iodine. In the U.S., the iodine content in salt is 45 micrograms per gram. The UK, however, has not introduced this enrichment program.

Iodine absorption

Pure iodine has low solubility, and the absorption of iodine is dependent on the minerals zinc and copper. In contrast, potassium iodate is an ioidine salt that is well absorbed, and it is the most stable form of iodine.

Iodine excretion

Iodine from oral supplements is primarily excreted in the urine (97%) and feces. Iodine is also excreted through exhaled air, tears, and sweat, especially in connection with strenuous physical activity.

Iodine and thyroid hormones

Iodine is important for our metabolism and health because this mineral is part of two thyroid hormones, T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). The number three and the number four, respectively, refer to the number of iodine atoms present in the two hormones. Without iodine, the body cannot produce T3 and T4. It is the only known function of iodine. Because we cannot survive without these two hormones, iodine is vital.

The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck under the Adam's apple. This gland mainly produces T4, whereas T3 predominantly comes from the conversion of T4 to T3. The hormones control the body's metabolism. The more of these hormones that are secreted, the faster the metabolism.

Goitrogens

People are often warned against ingesting a group of substances called goitrogens. These are claimed to interfere with the body's iodine uptake and the formation of T3 and T4. These substances are found in cabbage plants, soy, rhubarb, and rapeseed, but these foods do not pose a problem for our metabolism unless they are ingested in very large quantities by people who are iodine-deficient at the same time.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated the evidence behind iodine and has acknowledged the following claims:

• Contributes to normal formation of thyroid hormones and a normal thyroid function
• Contributes to normal cognitive functioning
• Is part of a normal energy-yielding metabolism
• Contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
• Contributes to the maintenance of normal skin