Iodine Deficiency Disorders

Iodine deficiency is so prevalent that almost a ⅓ of the world's population suffers.  Iodine sufficiency is defined as ingestion of 150 ㎍ per day - or 200 ㎍ if pregnant or breastfeeding - by the World Health Organization.

In my opinion, these amounts are about 80 times lower than what should be ingested.

The following are some disorders caused by iodine deficiency:

Assessment of Iodine DeficiencyDisorders and Monitoring their Elimination copyright 2001 by the World Health Organization (pdf)

What is Iodine?

Iodine is one of the basic elements.  
It is one of only five naturally occurring halogens.  
A halogen is a non-metalic element and is the only group that occurs in all three natural states of matter at room temperature:

1. Fluorine - gas


2. Chlorine - gas


3. Bromide - liquid


4. Iodine - solid


5. Astatine - solid

Iodine is also the most dense element that is beneficially used in biological organisms. Iodine is also the only halogen then advance organisms must have to be healthy. All other halogens are detrimental to humans.
Iodine cannot be safely measured in a living human body.