Iodine-Source and Daily Requirement.

Essay by fidaulHigh School, 12th gradeB, January 2004

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This essay talks about Iodine. How much intake of it is required daily, why it is important, where it can be found,and how it is absorbed in the body. Basically, if you are looking for a grade 12 study report on Iodine source and daily requirement, then this essay is for you!

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Iodine is a mineral that is essential for human health. It should only be taken in small amounts. A good source of this mineral is kelp. Iodine helps to metabolize excess fat and it is very important for both mental and physical health. Iodine is an essential part of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland, Thyroid gland uses iodine for the synthesis of hormones called thyroxine and tri-iodothyonine. The thyroid hormones not only regulates metabolism but it also regulates body temperature, therefore it's essential for normal grown and development. These thyroid hormones are particularly important for early brain development and intelligence before and after birth.

Although everyone needs iodine to stay healthy, pregnant and breastfeeding woman have the most prenatal and multivitamin-mineral supplements. The richest source of iodine is present in clams, oysters, lobsters, and saltwater fish. Hence, seafood is among the most iodine-rich sources, especially seaweed. In the Western Diet, the most common source of iodine is iodized salt. A significant loss of iodine from salt can result from keeping iodized salt near cooking area or storing it uncovered. During cooking 20-60% of iodine is lost. Iodine level of food varies with the iodine status of the soil in which that food has been grown. For example, places where the soil is iodine deficient because of floods and deforestation people need to get supplementary iodine to meet their daily requirements. From drinking water, which is 10%, and from a well balanced diet, which is 90%...