Yet another paper which is highlighting the issues which can be caused by excess iodine intake.
In particular, read the Conclusion in the full paper.
Beyond thyroid dysfunction: the systemic impact of iodine excess
Aiman Khudair 1† Sara Anjum Niinuma 1† Haniya Habib 1† Butler 2*
1 School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain, Busaiteen, Bahrain
2 Research Department, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain, Busaiteen, Bahrain
As
an essential micronutrient, iodine plays a crucial role in several
physiological systems, particularly in the production of thyroid
hormone. While deficiency is widely recognized, the consequences of
iodine excess (IE) are less studied. IE, which may be caused by
iodine-rich diets, supplements, iodinated contrast media and salt
iodization, has been implicated in a range of adverse outcomes on
thyroid and systemic health. Examples include autoimmune thyroid
diseases like Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, driven by
immune cell polarization and gut microbiota alterations. Furthermore,
excessive iodine intake is associated with increased risks of
cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and atherosclerosis, due
to oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. It
contributes to the development of thyroid cancer, particularly papillary
thyroid cancer, through genetic mutations such as BRAF mutations and
enhanced cancer cell proliferation. Excess iodine intake has been
implicated to have neurotoxic effects, significantly impairing learning
and memory, negatively impacting neonatal brain development, and
potentially contributing to the progression of neurodegenerative
conditions. It also has a potential role in renal dysfunction in
vulnerable populations, due to overload from povidone-iodine in sterile
equipment. This mini-review aims to collate the adverse effects of IE,
beyond its effect on thyroid health, through investigation of the
cardiovascular, nervous, and renal systems. Through our consolidation of
the current literature, we hope to raise awareness and contribute to
the understanding of the multifaceted impact of excessive iodine intake.
Open access:
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2025.1568807/full
