Does Salt Iodization Cause Hashimoto’s Disease?
When we buy salt, we often reach for the one with the note “iodized”. This means that iodine has been added to the salt. It is a microelement necessary for the proper functioning of the body. Both deficiency and excess of this element have serious health consequences, especially the thyroid gland. Many people are concerned that eating salt with added iodine leads to Hashimoto’s disease. Is it true?
Significant iodine deficiency causes hypothyroidism, including its most common form – Hashimoto’s disease. Long-term exposure to large amounts of iodine can also lead to Hashimoto’s disease. Excess of this element primarily promotes enlargement of the thyroid gland. It causes hyperthyroidism of this gland and increases the risk of developing thyroid cancer. So it turns out that the most important thing in iodine intake is to maintain the “golden mean”.
We acquire iodine from the environment and through our diet. It is present in the air, water, plants, and animals that we consume. The problem is that its amount is not evenly distributed in the environment. Our areas are not very rich in this element. Therefore, in order to improve the health of Poles, in 1997 the obligation to iodize table salt was introduced. It is salt intended for use in households (the obligation does not apply to many types of salt, e.g. Himalayan salt, sea salt, so read the labels, and salt used in the food industry).
Recent research on iodine’s effects on Hashimoto’s thyroiditis highlights its dual role in thyroid health. While iodine is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis, excessive intake may exacerbate autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s. A 2021 study published in Nutrients (https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/2/515) found that high iodine levels can increase oxidative stress and thyroglobulin immunogenicity, potentially worsening autoimmune responses. Another 2020 review in Frontiers in Endocrinology (https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2020.00478/full) emphasized the importance of individualized iodine intake, as both deficiency and excess can disrupt thyroid function. Additionally, a 2022 study in Thyroid (https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/thy.2021.0667) suggested that moderate iodine restriction might benefit some Hashimoto’s patients by reducing thyroid autoantibody levels. These findings underscore the need for careful iodine management in individuals with Hashimoto’s disease.
Does iodizing salt cause Hashimoto’s disease?
This is a popular myth. Iodizing table salt does not give so much element to the body to cause any harm. Although excess iodine can actually promote the development of Hashimoto’s disease or worsen its course, as research shows. This applies mainly to people who are genetically predisposed to develop the disease, especially with selenium deficiency. Polish experts agree that the benefits of a common salt iodization program outweigh the possible risks.
Is it worth supplementing iodine?
If hypothyroidism is not caused by iodine deficiency, there is no need for supplementation of this element. Do not take high doses of iodine, Lugol’s liquid or other preparations with iodine without consulting a doctor.
The daily requirement for iodine is:
- children up to 5 years of age: 90 μg,
- children 6-12 years: 120 μg,
- children > 12 and adults: 150 μg,
- pregnant and lactating women: 250 μg.
A simple way to check the level of this microelement in the body is to test urine for iodine concentration. In healthy people, kidneys excrete 90% of it. For adults, urinary excretion of iodine should be at least 100 micrograms per liter. It should not exceed 200-300 micrograms per liter.
Do we take the right amount of iodine with our diet?
Table salt is the main source of iodine in the diet. One teaspoon of iodized salt (5 g) contains about 150 micrograms of potassium iodide. Iodine constitutes about 77% of potassium iodide. This amount does not meet the daily requirement of an adult. The source of iodine is also a diet. Algae, sea fish, and seafood contain a lot of iodine. Plants that grew in soils with high iodine content also contain this element. The closer to the sea, the more iodine is found. The least amount of this element occurs in mountainous areas. Remember that you should not overdo it with salt. The WHO recommends limiting its consumption to 5 g per day…
Everything indicates that many people are at risk of iodine deficiency. The Krakow declaration on iodine was signed in 2018 by scientists from 27 countries. According to this declaration, iodine deficiencies occur almost throughout Europe. Children, pregnant women and pregnant women are particularly exposed to them. Scientists suggest in the document that governments should make it mandatory to add iodine to industrial salt. This salt is used as an additive to food products.
What salt should I use for Hashimoto’s disease?
Nutritionists currently recommend that you choose iodized salt regardless of whether you have Hashimoto’s disease or not. The Institute of Institute’s research shows that a diet without iodized salt lacks adequate iodine. This amount is too little compared to recommended standards. This increases the risk of deficiencies of this element.
The obligation to iodize salt has been introduced. Since then, the number of goiter of the thyroid gland has decreased significantly. The incidence of thyroid cancer has also decreased significantly. Of course, it is worth remembering not to exceed the recommended amount of salt. Its excess also promotes other diseases, such as hypertension. A reasonable approach seems to be to check the level of iodine in the body. It is also important to consult an endocrinologist who can professionally assess our need for additional iodine.