A Review of High-Dose Iodine Safety: What Clinicians Need to Know
Iodine is an indispensable component in the biosynthesis of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4, prohormone) and triiodothyronine (T3, active hormone). Iodine must be obtained through the diet, as the body is unable to produce it. The risks posed by iodine deficiency are well recognized, but more widespread use of biomarkers for iodine status has demonstrated that iodine deficiency is still evident within subpopulations in high income countries, including areas with low goiter prevalence, and even in regions where iodine deficiency was considered eradicated.