DESCRIPTION: A recent laboratory trend reveals a 50% reduction in urinary iodine excretion between the 1970?s and 1990, or translated; a pandemic increase in iodine insufficiency in US citizens. While the primary function of iodine is the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland, many other organs require iodine for optimal function. Iodine deficiency is associated with reduced mental performance, fibrocystic breast disease and increased risk of breast cancer.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Describe the status of iodine insufficiency in the US compared to Japan
2. Challenge the current iodophobia in the medical community
3. Show the literature related to increase of risk of fibrocystic breast disease and breast cancer with iodine insufficiency
4. Present iodine sufficiency testing options and evidence based therapy