Iodine loss due to drinking too much?

Study: Drinking too much can cause iodine deficiency

01/05/2011

Drinking a lot is important for your health, but it can also lead to iodine deficiency. Researchers at the Institute for Child Nutrition at the University of Bonn have found this out in a comprehensive study, in which they examined the relationship between iodine balance and fluid intake.

The more fluid intake, the higher the iodine loss
The research team headed by Professor Thomas Remer came to the conclusion that a too high fluid intake can lead to a critical loss of iodine. Scientists at the Institute of Child Nutrition analyzed the effects of drinking on the iodine balance by allowing subjects to follow a strict diet plan and providing only low-iodine drinks. At the same time Dr. Remer and colleagues found that with increasing fluid intake of the subjects, the excretion of iodine via the urinary tract also increased. „The losses are not big; however, the average iodine content of the drinks themselves is usually insufficient to make up for them“, Head of Department Professor Dr. Thomas Remer. In the publication of their study results in the current issue of the journal „Thyroid“ The scientists expressly point out that reducing fluid intake does not solve the problem. The experts still recommend urgently enough to drink - two liters of sugar-free drinks daily should still be the benchmark. „Drinking a lot is healthy. It relieves the kidney and facilitates the elimination of no longer needed metabolic products“, so the statement of the scientists in the context of their current publication

Prevent iodine deficiency through proper nutrition
The threat of iodine loss in the intake of large amounts of drink can in Dr. Remer are best counteracted by diet with iodine-rich diet. „Children and adults who consciously drink properly - so abundant - should therefore also consciously pay attention to a iodine-rich diet“, explained the expert. Because apart from the coastal regions, there is a natural iodine deficiency in Germany and so the consequences of the loss of iodine due to fluid intake should not be underestimated. Remer. The iodine deficiency in the population has only been remedied in recent decades - not least due to the increased use of iodized table salt. The World Health Organization (WHO) grouped Germany in a report from 2003 as „optimally supplied“ on. Only in pregnant women and breastfeeding in the opinion of the WHO in this country still ill health in the iodine supply. Dr. Remer and colleagues recommend that the iodine loss be compensated by drinking iodine-rich foods, whereby relatively high amounts of the mineral are naturally contained in, among other things, sea fish or dairy products.

However, it also offers foods that are specifically produced with iodine salt, including many ready-made foods such as sausages, bread, soups, cheese or pizzas, the experts said. It is recommended, however, that they are more likely to consume regularly (once a week), especially plaice, saithe or haddock, as these fish species contain a particularly high proportion of iodine.

Health consequences of iodine deficiency
Although the experts advise not to reduce fluid intake, the possible iodine deficiency for the health is a not to be underestimated risk. An iodine deficiency can lead to a variety of health problems, all of which are related to the body's thyroid function. Because iodine is important as a vital trace element, especially for the function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid reacts to an iodine deficiency directly through the limited formation of thyroid hormones. Thus, the hypothyroidism is one of the possible consequences of iodine deficiency, which may have further, still relatively mild health consequences such as the restriction of physical and mental performance, increased susceptibility to infections, changes in the hair and skin but also impaired digestion.

The situation becomes more threatening for the health with continued iodine deficiency, explained the scientists of the institute for child nutrition. Thus, chronic iodine deficiency expressed in an increase in the size of the thyroid gland, which leads to the formation of a so-called goiter (medical: goiter). This iodine deficiency drip, press with progressive growth on the food and trachea and on the blood vessels in the neck area. Difficulty in swallowing and breathing with corresponding feelings of tightness are the result, according to the experts. At the end of the process, nodules and permanent changes in the thyroid tissue are possible, warn Dr. Remer and colleagues. Moreover, the iodine supply is not only important for the thyroid, but also crucial for one „balanced hormone balance and growth and healthy development of the brain“, stressed Remer. Therefore, according to the experts: „Those who drink a lot should keep an eye on their iodine supply.“ (Fp)