Iodine in Health and Disease

Iodine is an essential trace element, a key component of thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are critical determinants of metabolic activity, also necessary for the proper development of CNS and skeletal system in fetuses and children. Iodine also appears to have other physiological functions, namely in the immune response. When iodine needs are not met, thyroid hormone synthesis is compromised, resulting in a series of functional and developmental disorders called Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD).

Iodine is naturally present in various foods. But iodine deficiency is a major public health problem for many populations around the world, especially for pregnant women and young children (increased perinatal mortality and mental retardation). Strategies for controlling IDD are based on increasing the iodine supply through supplementation or food fortification and in particular the iodization of table salt, which has been the most used approach to correct disabilities in the general population.

The goal of this Research Topic is to collect recent information on the different aspects related to the role of iodine in health and disease, epidemiological information on the prevalence of deficiency in specific regions worldwide, nutritional sources and strategies to prevent Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD).

We welcome contributions (both original research and reviews) that offer original insights, critical perspectives or present new research addressing the following themes:
- Iodine levels in the general population and in specific groups
- Biochemical functions of iodine
- Diseases related to iodine deficiency
- Risk groups (of deficiency)
- Recommended daily doses (general population and specific groups)
- Nutritional sources
- Bioavailability
- Fortification and biofortification
- Supplementation (dietary supplements): clinical evidence of efficacy; health risks of overdose; interaction with medicines

Keywords: Iodine, deficiency, daily requirements, nutritional sources, bioavailability, supplementation, fortification, biochemistry, physiological functions

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.