Research published in Environmental Science and Technology Journal, (Dasgupta P, Liu Y, et al.) has revealed that iodized salt is not likely to contain the amount of iodine it’s supposed to, and even if it did, many Americans are cutting back on salting home-cooked meals.
Because excessive sodium intake can increase hypertension risks, many agencies now recommend reducing salt intake. A 1995 report found 58% of men and 68% of women reported never using salt, using “lite” salt, or rarely using ordinary table salt. In addition, the use of iodized salt is not mandatory in the U.S., and virtually all of the salt used in restaurants and processed foods in the U.S. is not iodized, leaving Americans at high risk for iodine deficiency.
Why should we be concerned? Iodine is necessary for the body’s production of thyroid hormones, which, in addition to regulating metabolic rate, direct brain development, making iodine critical starting in the first trimester of pregnancy through adolescence.
Lack of sufficient iodine is the leading cause of preventable mental retardation in the world. Even a mild iodine deficit in pregnant women, infants, and children, can lower intelligence by 10-15 IQ points, lessening an individual’s mental abilities throughout life.
Public-health studies over the past 30 years indicate that iodine levels in the U.S. population, particularly in women of childbearing age, are too low.
In an editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine entitled “Iodine Nutrition – More is Better,” thyroidologist Robert Utiger of Harvard Medical School urges that the recommended daily intake of iodine be increased to 300 to 400 mcg.
Medical research has proven that the highest source of dietary iodine is found in sea vegetables. Since eating sea vegetables is seldom part of our Western diet, more and more Americans are suffering from iodine deficiencies. The segment of our population MOST AT RISK…pregnant women and children.
This IS a preventable health problem…you can find a variety of sea vegetable sources on the Internet. The best source would be from a reputable company who tests every batch of their product.
The ONLY company I recommend is Life Force International, Life Force International has been manufacturing a liquid, organic, whole food product called Body Balance for over 22 years. Body Balance is a blend of 9 species of sea vegetables in a base of organic Aloe Vera. Body Balance has over 120 vitamins, minerals and vital trace-minerals essential for proper nutrition.
In fact, 2 ounces of Body Balance provides ~ 195mcg of Iodine. 4 ounces ~ 390mcg of Iodine. This is in alignment with Dr. Utiger’s recommended daily amount.
For more information about Body Balance please contact me:
John Obraza
805-646-1999
Email: healthy_lifestyle@roadrunner.com
