About this Research Topic
Iodine is an essential dietary element which is required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones (TH), thyroxine (T 4 ) and triiodothyronine (T 3 ). T 4 and T 3 are iodinated molecules of the essential amino acid tyrosine and are involved in multiple steps of
growth, development, and differentiation of the human body. These hormones are necessary for protein synthesis as well as for other functions including calorigenesis, thermoregulation, and intermediary metabolism. They also promote glycogenolysis, intestinal absorption of glucose and galactose, as well as lipolysis, and the uptake of glucose by adipocytes.
Iodine deficiency is a worldwide public health problem involving two billion people living all around the world. As iodine is not produced in the body, daily intake is required from external sources. It is therefore easy to understand that dietary habits have a strong impact in the physiology of thyroid gland. This is especially true in the first weeks of life, as the developing fetus does not have a functioning thyroid until about 18- to 20-week gestation. During this time the fetus is totally dependent on the mother to produce thyroid hormones necessary for growth and neuropsychological development. Thus, maternal iodine intake is necessary for both mother and baby to thrive, and even mild iodine deficiency can lead to lower cognitive development. Although replacing iodine has decreased the incidence of hypothyroidism, some cases still persisted owing to the fact that other micronutrients that affect thyroid hormone function could also be involved.
Several other micronutrients such as as selenium and iron have to be taken into consideration especially in individuals with thyroid diseases or who are iodine deficient. As with iodine, they are only supplied by external sources. The adequate availability and metabolism of these three essential trace elements, iodine, selenium and iron, provide the basic requirements for the function and action of the thyroid hormone system in humans, vertebrate animals and their evolutionary precursors. Goitrogens have been shown to inhibit thyroid hormones synthesis in several ways, mostly by inhibiting iodine utilization. They are chemical substances that occur primarily in plant food. They can occasionally be present in contaminated drinking water. Goitrogens interfere in thyroxin synthesis by inhibiting the enzymes involved in the synthesis of thyroxin interfering in such way in as to disrupt thyroid physiology.
In certain countries, iodine excess is common due to the use of iodine rich foods such as sea food, or as the result of excessive supplementation with iodine salts. This is becoming an increasingly relevant problem which will also be explored in this Research Topic.
We welcome the submission of original research, meta-analysis or bioinformatic study, reviews, mini review, perspective, and opinion articles that address but are not limited to:
- Availability of Iodine and other micronutrients in food and water
- Consequences of iodine deficiency
- Iodine supplementation during childhood, pregnancy and lactation
- Iodine excesses and their effects
- Dietary goitrogens
growth, development, and differentiation of the human body. These hormones are necessary for protein synthesis as well as for other functions including calorigenesis, thermoregulation, and intermediary metabolism. They also promote glycogenolysis, intestinal absorption of glucose and galactose, as well as lipolysis, and the uptake of glucose by adipocytes.
Iodine deficiency is a worldwide public health problem involving two billion people living all around the world. As iodine is not produced in the body, daily intake is required from external sources. It is therefore easy to understand that dietary habits have a strong impact in the physiology of thyroid gland. This is especially true in the first weeks of life, as the developing fetus does not have a functioning thyroid until about 18- to 20-week gestation. During this time the fetus is totally dependent on the mother to produce thyroid hormones necessary for growth and neuropsychological development. Thus, maternal iodine intake is necessary for both mother and baby to thrive, and even mild iodine deficiency can lead to lower cognitive development. Although replacing iodine has decreased the incidence of hypothyroidism, some cases still persisted owing to the fact that other micronutrients that affect thyroid hormone function could also be involved.
Several other micronutrients such as as selenium and iron have to be taken into consideration especially in individuals with thyroid diseases or who are iodine deficient. As with iodine, they are only supplied by external sources. The adequate availability and metabolism of these three essential trace elements, iodine, selenium and iron, provide the basic requirements for the function and action of the thyroid hormone system in humans, vertebrate animals and their evolutionary precursors. Goitrogens have been shown to inhibit thyroid hormones synthesis in several ways, mostly by inhibiting iodine utilization. They are chemical substances that occur primarily in plant food. They can occasionally be present in contaminated drinking water. Goitrogens interfere in thyroxin synthesis by inhibiting the enzymes involved in the synthesis of thyroxin interfering in such way in as to disrupt thyroid physiology.
In certain countries, iodine excess is common due to the use of iodine rich foods such as sea food, or as the result of excessive supplementation with iodine salts. This is becoming an increasingly relevant problem which will also be explored in this Research Topic.
We welcome the submission of original research, meta-analysis or bioinformatic study, reviews, mini review, perspective, and opinion articles that address but are not limited to:
- Availability of Iodine and other micronutrients in food and water
- Consequences of iodine deficiency
- Iodine supplementation during childhood, pregnancy and lactation
- Iodine excesses and their effects
- Dietary goitrogens
Keywords: dietary goitrogens, iodine, iodine deficiency, iodine supplementation
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