Nutrients

Editorial

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4 pages, 197 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Effects of Iodine Intake and Nutraceuticals in Thyroidology: Update and Prospects

by Daniela Bonofiglio and Stefania Catalano

Nutrients 2020, 12(5), 1491; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12051491 - 20 May 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3678

Abstract

Iodine is a microelement that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Iodine Intake on Human Health)

Research

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16 pages, 2929 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protective Effects of Myo-Inositol and Selenium on Cadmium-Induced Thyroid Toxicity in Mice

by Salvatore Benvenga, Herbert R. Marini, Antonio Micali, Jose Freni, Giovanni Pallio, Natasha Irrera, Francesco Squadrito, Domenica Altavilla, Alessandro Antonelli, Silvia Martina Ferrari, Poupak Fallahi, Domenico Puzzolo and Letteria Minutoli

Nutrients 2020, 12(5), 1222; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12051222 - 26 Apr 2020

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 4366

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) damages the thyroid gland. We evaluated the effects of myo-inositol (MI), seleno-L-methionine (Se) or their combination on the thyroids of mice simultaneously administered with Cd chloride (CdCl₂). Eighty-four male mice were divided into 12 groups (seven mice each). Six [...] Read more.

Cadmium (Cd) damages the thyroid gland. We evaluated the effects of myo-inositol (MI), seleno-L-methionine (Se) or their combination on the thyroids of mice simultaneously administered with Cd chloride (CdCl₂). Eighty-four male mice were divided into 12 groups (seven mice each). Six groups (controls) were treated with 0.9% NaCl (vehicle), Se (0.2 mg/kg/day), Se (0.4 mg/kg/day), MI (360 mg/kg/day), MI+Se (0.2 mg/kg) and MI+Se (0.4 mg/kg). The other six groups were treated with CdCl₂ (2 mg/kg), CdCl₂+MI, CdCl₂+Se (0.2 mg/kg), CdCl₂+Se (0.4 mg/kg), CdCl₂+MI+Se (0.2 mg/kg) and CdCl₂+MI+Se (0.4 mg/kg). An additional group of CdCl₂-challenged animals (n = 7) was treated with resveratrol (20 mg/kg), an effective and potent antioxidant. All treatments lasted 14 days. After sacrifice, the thyroids were evaluated histologically and immunohistochemically. CdCl₂ reduced the follicular area, increased the epithelial height, stroma, and cells expressing monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10). CdCl₂+Se at 0.2/0.4 mg/kg insignificantly reversed the follicular and stromal structure, and significantly decreased the number of MCP-1 and CXCL10-positive cells. CdCl₂+MI significantly reversed the thyroid structure and further decreased the number of MCP-1 and CXCL10-positive cells. CdCl₂+MI+Se, at both doses, brought all indices to those of CdCl₂-untreated mice. MI, particularly in association with Se, defends mice from Cd-induced damage. The efficacy of this combination was greater than that of resveratrol, at least when using the follicular structure as a read-out for a comparison. We suggest that the use of these nutraceuticals, more specifically the combination of MI plus SE, can protect the thyroid of Cd-exposed subjects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Iodine Intake on Human Health)

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9 pages, 975 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stable Iodine Nutrition During Two Decades of Continuous Universal Salt Iodisation in Sri Lanka

by Renuka Jayatissa, Jonathan Gorstein, Onyebuchi E. Okosieme, John H. Lazarus and Lakdasa D. Premawardhana

Nutrients 2020, 12(4), 1109; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12041109 - 16 Apr 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3556

Abstract

Universal salt iodisation (USI) was introduced in Sri Lanka in 1995. Since then, four national iodine surveys have assessed the iodine nutrition status of the population. We retrospectively reviewed median urine iodine concentration (mUIC) and goitre prevalence in 16,910 schoolchildren (6–12 years) in [...] Read more.

Universal salt iodisation (USI) was introduced in Sri Lanka in 1995. Since then, four national iodine surveys have assessed the iodine nutrition status of the population. We retrospectively reviewed median urine iodine concentration (mUIC) and goitre prevalence in 16,910 schoolchildren (6–12 years) in all nine provinces of Sri Lanka, the mUIC of pregnant women, drinking-water iodine level, and the percentage of households consuming adequately (15 mg/kg) iodised salt (household salt iodine, HHIS). The mUIC of schoolchildren increased from 145.3 µg/L (interquartile range (IQR) = 84.6–240.4) in 2000 to 232.5 µg/L (IQR = 159.3–315.8) in 2016, but stayed within recommended levels. Some regional variability in mUIC was observed (178.8 and 297.3 µg/L in 2016). There was positive association between mUIC in schoolchildren and water iodine concentration. Goitre prevalence to palpation was a significantly reduced from 18.6% to 2.1% (p < 0.05). In pregnant women, median UIC increased in each trimester (102.3 (61.7–147.1); 217.5 (115.6–313.0); 273.1 (228.9–337.6) µg/L (p = 0.000)). We conclude that the introduction and maintenance of a continuous and consistent USI programme has been a success in Sri Lanka. In order to sustain the programme, it is important to retain monitoring of iodine status while tracking salt-consumption patterns to adjust the recommended iodine content of edible salt. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Iodine Intake on Human Health)

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13 pages, 641 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Breast Milk Iodine Concentration Is Associated with Infant Growth, Independent of Maternal Weight

by Lindsay Ellsworth, Harlan McCaffery, Emma Harman, Jillian Abbott and Brigid Gregg

Nutrients 2020, 12(2), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12020358 - 30 Jan 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4590

Abstract

In breastfed infants, human milk provides the primary source of iodine to meet demands during this vulnerable period of growth and development. Iodine is a key micronutrient that plays an essential role in hormone synthesis. Despite the importance of iodine, there is limited [...] Read more.

In breastfed infants, human milk provides the primary source of iodine to meet demands during this vulnerable period of growth and development. Iodine is a key micronutrient that plays an essential role in hormone synthesis. Despite the importance of iodine, there is limited understanding of the maternal factors that influence milk iodine content and how milk iodine intake during infancy is related to postnatal growth. We examined breast milk samples from near 2 weeks and 2 months post-partum in a mother-infant dyad cohort of mothers with pre-pregnancy weight status defined by body mass index (BMI). Normal (NW, BMI < 25.0 kg/m²) is compared to overweight/obesity (OW/OB, BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m²). The milk iodine concentration was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We evaluated the associations between iodine content at 2 weeks and infant anthropometrics over the first year of life using multivariable linear mixed modeling. Iodine concentrations generally decreased from 2 weeks to 2 months. We observed no significant difference in iodine based on maternal weight. A higher iodine concentration at 2 weeks was associated with a larger increase in infant weight-for-age and weight-for-length Z-score change per month from 2 weeks to 1 year. This pilot study shows that early iodine intake may influence infant growth trajectory independent of maternal pre-pregnancy weight status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Iodine Intake on Human Health)

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17 pages, 1146 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Relationship with 24 h Urinary Iodine Concentrations of Young Adults in the Mountain West Region of the United States

by Demetre E. Gostas, D. Enette Larson-Meyer, Hillary A. Yoder, Ainsley E. Huffman and Evan C. Johnson

Nutrients 2020, 12(1), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010121 - 1 Jan 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5127

Abstract

Background: Iodine deficiency is not seen as a public health concern in the US. However certain subpopulations may be vulnerable due to inadequate dietary sources. The purpose of the present study was to determine the dietary habits that influence iodine status in young [...] Read more.

Background: Iodine deficiency is not seen as a public health concern in the US. However certain subpopulations may be vulnerable due to inadequate dietary sources. The purpose of the present study was to determine the dietary habits that influence iodine status in young adult men and women, and to evaluate the relationship between iodine status and thyroid function. Methods: 111 participants (31.6 ± 0.8 years, 173.2 ± 1.0 cm, 74.9 ± 1.7 kg) provided 24 h urine samples and completed an iodine-specific Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) for assessment of urinary iodine content (UIC) as a marker of iodine status and habitual iodine intake, respectively. Serum Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) concentration was evaluated as a marker of thyroid function. Spearman correlational and regression analysis were performed to analyze the associations between iodine intake and iodine status, and iodine status and thyroid function. Results: 50.4% of participants had a 24 h UIC < 100 µg/L). Dairy (r = 0.391, p < 0.000) and egg intake (r = 0.192, p = 0.044) were the best predictors of UIC, accounting for 19.7% of the variance (p ≤ 0.0001). There was a significant correlation between UIC and serum TSH (r = 0.194, p < 0.05) but TSH did not vary by iodine status category (F = 1.087, p = 0.372). Discussion: Total dairy and egg intake were the primary predictors of estimated iodine intake, as well as UIC. Iodized salt use was not a significant predictor, raising questions about the reliability of iodized salt recall. These data will be useful in directing public health and clinical assessment efforts in the US and other countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Iodine Intake on Human Health)

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14 pages, 8963 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sodium, Potassium and Iodine Intake, in a National Adult Population Sample of the Republic of Moldova

by Lanfranco D’Elia, Galina Obreja, Angela Ciobanu, Joao Breda, Jo Jewell and Francesco P. Cappuccio

Nutrients 2019, 11(12), 2896; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11122896 - 28 Nov 2019

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4554

Abstract

In the Republic of Moldova, more than half of all deaths due to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are caused by cardiovascular disease (CVD). Excess salt (sodium) and inadequate potassium intakes are associated with high CVD. Moreover, salt iodisation is the preferred policy to prevent [...] Read more.

In the Republic of Moldova, more than half of all deaths due to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are caused by cardiovascular disease (CVD). Excess salt (sodium) and inadequate potassium intakes are associated with high CVD. Moreover, salt iodisation is the preferred policy to prevent iodine deficiency and associated disorders. However, there is no survey that has directly measured sodium, potassium and iodine consumption in adults in the Republic of Moldova. A national random sample of adults attended a screening including demographic, anthropometric and physical measurements. Sodium, potassium and iodine intakes were assessed by 24 h urinary sodium (UNa), potassium (UK) and iodine (UI) excretions. Knowledge, attidues and behaviours were collected by questionnaire. Eight-hundred and fifty-eight participants (326 men and 532 women, 18–69 years) were included in the analysis (response rate 66%). Mean age was 48.5 years (SD 13.8). Mean UNa was 172.7 (79.3) mmoL/day, equivalent to 10.8 g of salt/day and potassium excretion 72.7 (31.5) mmoL/day, equivalent to 3.26 g/day. Only 11.3% met the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended salt targets of 5 g/day and 39% met potassium targets (>90 mmoL/day). Whilst 81.7% declared limiting their consumption of processed food and over 70% not adding salt at the table, only 8.8% looked at sodium content of food, 31% still added salt when cooking and less than 1% took other measures to control salt consumption. Measures of awareness were significantly more common in urban compared to rural areas. Mean urinary iodine was 225 (SD: 152; median 196) mcg/24 h, with no difference between sexes. According to WHO criteria, 41.0% had adequate iodine intake. Iodine content of salt table was 21.0 (SD: 18.6) mg/kg, lower in rural than urban areas (16.7, SD = 18.6 vs. 28.1, SD = 16.5 mg/kg, p < 0.001). In most cases participants were not using iodised salt as their main source of salt, more so in rural areas. In the Republic of Moldova, salt consumption is unequivocally high, potassium consumption is lower than recommended, both in men and in women, whilst iodine intake is still inadequate in one in three people, although severe iodine deficiency is rare. Salt consumed is often not iodised. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Iodine Intake on Human Health)

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15 pages, 2107 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Iodine Nutrition Status and Thyroid Disease-Related Hormone in Korean Adults: Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VI (2013–2015)

by Sohye Kim, Yong Seok Kwon, Ju Young Kim, Kyung Hee Hong and Yoo Kyoung Park

Nutrients 2019, 11(11), 2757; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11112757 - 13 Nov 2019

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5345

Abstract

This study aimed to observe the relationship between iodine nutrition status (dietary iodine intake and estimated iodine intake based on urinary iodine concentration (UIC)) and thyroid disease-related hormones. This study involved 6090 subjects >19 years old with valid UIC, assessed between 2013 and [...] Read more.

This study aimed to observe the relationship between iodine nutrition status (dietary iodine intake and estimated iodine intake based on urinary iodine concentration (UIC)) and thyroid disease-related hormones. This study involved 6090 subjects >19 years old with valid UIC, assessed between 2013 and 2015 by the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, using a stratified, multistage, clustered probability-sampling design. The estimated iodine intake in participants was measured using UIC and urine creatinine. To examine the effect of iodine intake on thyroid disease, the iodine intake was divided into Korean Dietary Reference Intakes groups, and logistic regression analysis was performed via the surveylogistic procedure to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The estimated iodine intake showed a significant positive correlation with dietary iodine intake (r = 0.021, p < 0.001), UIC (r = 0.918, p < 0.001), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (r = 0.043, p < 0.001), but a significant negative correlation with free thyroxine (FT4) (r = −0.037, p < 0.001). Additionally, as the estimated iodine intake increased, age, TSH, and UIC increased, but FT4 decreased (p for trend < 0.0001). The risk of thyroid disease was higher in the “≥tolerable upper intake level (UL ≥ 2400 µg/day)” group than in the “<estimated average requirement (EAR < 150 µg/day)” group in females (OR: 2.418; 95% CI: 1.010–5.787). Also, as iodine intake increased, the risk of thyroid disease increased (p for trend < 0.038). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Iodine Intake on Human Health)

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11 pages, 252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Joint Role of Thyroid Function and Iodine Status on Risk of Preterm Birth and Small for Gestational Age: A Population-Based Nested Case-Control Study of Finnish Women

by Alexandra C. Purdue-Smithe, Tuija Männistö, Griffith A. Bell, Sunni L. Mumford, Aiyi Liu, Kurunthachalam Kannan, Un-Jung Kim, Eila Suvanto, Heljä-Marja Surcel, Mika Gissler and James L. Mills

Nutrients 2019, 11(11), 2573; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11112573 - 25 Oct 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4466

Abstract

Normal maternal thyroid function during pregnancy is essential for fetal development and depends upon an adequate supply of iodine. Little is known about how iodine status is associated with preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA) in mildly iodine insufficient populations. Our [...] Read more.

Normal maternal thyroid function during pregnancy is essential for fetal development and depends upon an adequate supply of iodine. Little is known about how iodine status is associated with preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA) in mildly iodine insufficient populations. Our objective was to evaluate associations of early pregnancy serum iodine, thyroglobulin (Tg), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) with odds of preterm birth and SGA in a prospective, population-based, nested case-control study from all births in Finland (2012–2013). Cases of preterm birth (n = 208) and SGA (n = 209) were randomly chosen from among all singleton births. Controls were randomly chosen from among singleton births that were not preterm (n = 242) or SGA (n = 241) infants during the same time period. Women provided blood samples at 10–14 weeks’ gestation for serum iodide, Tg and TSH measurement. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for preterm birth and SGA. Each log-unit increase in serum iodide was associated with higher odds of preterm birth (adjusted OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.02–1.40), but was not associated with SGA (adjusted OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.86–1.18). Tg was not associated with preterm birth (OR per 1 log-unit increase = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.73–1.05), but was inversely associated with SGA (OR per log-unit increase = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.65–0.94). Neither high nor low TSH (versus normal) were associated with either outcome. These findings suggest that among Finnish women, iodine status is not related to SGA, but higher serum iodide may be positively associated with preterm birth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Iodine Intake on Human Health)

10 pages, 897 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Endemic Goiter and Iodine Prophylaxis in Calabria, a Region of Southern Italy: Past and Present

by Cinzia Giordano, Ines Barone, Stefania Marsico, Rosalinda Bruno, Daniela Bonofiglio, Stefania Catalano and Sebastiano Andò

Nutrients 2019, 11(10), 2428; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11102428 - 11 Oct 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4308

Abstract

Iodine, a micronutrient that plays a pivotal role in thyroid hormone synthesis, is essential for proper health at all life stages. Indeed, an insufficient iodine intake may determine a thyroid dysfunction also with goiter, or it may be associated to clinical features such [...] Read more.

Iodine, a micronutrient that plays a pivotal role in thyroid hormone synthesis, is essential for proper health at all life stages. Indeed, an insufficient iodine intake may determine a thyroid dysfunction also with goiter, or it may be associated to clinical features such as stunted growth and mental retardation, referred as iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs). Iodine deficiency still remains an important public health problem in many countries, including Italy. The effective strategy for the prevention and control of IDDs is universal salt iodization, which was implemented in Italy in 2005 as a nationwide program adopted after the approval of an Italian law. Despite an improvement in the iodine intake, many regions in Italy are still characterized by mild iodine deficiency. In this review, we provide an overview of the historical evolution of the iodine status in the Calabria region, located in the South of Italy, during the past three decades. In particular, we have retraced an itinerary from the first epidemiological surveys at the end of the 1980s to the establishment of the Regional Observatory of Endemic Goiter and Iodine Prophylaxis, which represents an efficient model for the surveillance of IDDs and monitoring the efficacy of iodine prophylaxis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Iodine Intake on Human Health)

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7 pages, 668 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Iodine Status in Schoolchildren and Pregnant Women of Lazio, a Central Region of Italy

by Enke Baldini, Camilla Virili, Eleonora D’Armiento, Marco Centanni and Salvatore Ulisse

Nutrients 2019, 11(7), 1647; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11071647 - 18 Jul 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3585

Abstract

The inhabitants of Lazio, similarly to those of other Italian regions, have been historically exposed to the detrimental effects of an inadequate intake of iodine. The latter is a micronutrient essential for the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones (TH). Iodine deficiency is responsible for [...] Read more.

The inhabitants of Lazio, similarly to those of other Italian regions, have been historically exposed to the detrimental effects of an inadequate intake of iodine. The latter is a micronutrient essential for the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones (TH). Iodine deficiency is responsible for a number of adverse effects on human health known as iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), the most common of which worldwide are goiter and hypothyroidism. In order to reduce IDD, a national salt iodination program was started in Italy in 2005. In this article we reviewed the available data regarding iodine intake in the Lazio population before and after the introduction of the national salt iodination program, in order to evaluate its efficacy and the eventual problem(s) limiting its success. On the whole, the information acquired indicates that, following the introduction of the program, the dietary iodine intake in the Lazio population is improved. There is, however, still much work ahead to ameliorate the iodine prophylaxis in this region. In fact, although a generally adequate iodine intake in school-age children has been observed, there are still areas where a mild iodine insufficiency is present. Moreover, two independent epidemiological surveys on pregnant women evidenced a low urinary iodine concentration with respect to the reference range conceived by the World Health Organization. These findings demonstrate the need for greater attention to the iodine prophylaxis by health care providers (i.e., obstetricians, gynecologists, pediatricians, etc.), and the implementation of effective advertising campaigns aimed at increasing the knowledge and awareness of the favorable effects of iodine supplementation on population health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Iodine Intake on Human Health)

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Review

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17 pages, 762 KiB

Open AccessReview

Interference on Iodine Uptake and Human Thyroid Function by Perchlorate-Contaminated Water and Food

by Giuseppe Lisco, Anna De Tullio, Vito Angelo Giagulli, Giovanni De Pergola and Vincenzo Triggiani

Nutrients 2020, 12(6), 1669; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061669 - 4 Jun 2020

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 15824

Abstract

Background: Perchlorate-induced natrium-iodide symporter (NIS) interference is a well-recognized thyroid disrupting mechanism. It is unclear, however, whether a chronic low-dose exposure to perchlorate delivered by food and drinks may cause thyroid dysfunction in the long term. Thus, the aim of this review was [...] Read more.

Background: Perchlorate-induced natrium-iodide symporter (NIS) interference is a well-recognized thyroid disrupting mechanism. It is unclear, however, whether a chronic low-dose exposure to perchlorate delivered by food and drinks may cause thyroid dysfunction in the long term. Thus, the aim of this review was to overview and summarize literature results in order to clarify this issue. Methods: Authors searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, institutional websites and Google until April 2020 for relevant information about the fundamental mechanism of the thyroid NIS interference induced by orally consumed perchlorate compounds and its clinical consequences. Results: Food and drinking water should be considered relevant sources of perchlorate. Despite some controversies, cross-sectional studies demonstrated that perchlorate exposure affects thyroid hormone synthesis in infants, adolescents and adults, particularly in the case of underlying thyroid diseases and iodine insufficiency. An exaggerated exposure to perchlorate during pregnancy leads to a worse neurocognitive and behavioral development outcome in infants, regardless of maternal thyroid hormone levels. Discussion and conclusion: The effects of a chronic low-dose perchlorate exposure on thyroid homeostasis remain still unclear, leading to concerns especially for highly sensitive patients. Specific studies are needed to clarify this issue, aiming to better define strategies of detection and prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Iodine Intake on Human Health)

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22 pages, 688 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nutraceuticals in Thyroidology: A Review of in Vitro, and in Vivo Animal Studies

by Salvatore Benvenga, Silvia Martina Ferrari, Giusy Elia, Francesca Ragusa, Armando Patrizio, Sabrina Rosaria Paparo, Stefania Camastra, Daniela Bonofiglio, Alessandro Antonelli and Poupak Fallahi

Nutrients 2020, 12(5), 1337; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12051337 - 8 May 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 7123

Abstract

Nutraceuticals are defined as a food, or parts of a food, that provide medical or health benefits, including the prevention of different pathological conditions, and thyroid diseases, or the treatment of them. Nutraceuticals have a place in complementary medicines, being positioned in an [...] Read more.

Nutraceuticals are defined as a food, or parts of a food, that provide medical or health benefits, including the prevention of different pathological conditions, and thyroid diseases, or the treatment of them. Nutraceuticals have a place in complementary medicines, being positioned in an area among food, food supplements, and pharmaceuticals. The market of certain nutraceuticals such as thyroid supplements has been growing in the last years. In addition, iodine is a fundamental micronutrient for thyroid function, but also other dietary components can have a key role in clinical thyroidology. Here, we have summarized the in vitro, and in vivo animal studies present in literature, focusing on the commonest nutraceuticals generally encountered in the clinical practice (such as carnitine, flavonoids, melatonin, omega-3, resveratrol, selenium, vitamins, zinc, and inositol), highlighting conflicting results. These experimental studies are expected to improve clinicians’ knowledge about the main supplements being used, in order to clarify the potential risks or side effects and support patients in their use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Iodine Intake on Human Health)

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19 pages, 289 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nutraceutical Supplements in the Thyroid Setting: Health Benefits beyond Basic Nutrition

by Salvatore Benvenga, Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen, Daniela Bonofiglio and Ernest Asamoah

Nutrients 2019, 11(9), 2214; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11092214 - 13 Sep 2019

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 13015

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in nutraceuticals, which may be considered as an efficient, preventive, and therapeutic tool in facing different pathological conditions, including thyroid diseases. Although iodine remains the major nutrient required for the functioning of the thyroid [...] Read more.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in nutraceuticals, which may be considered as an efficient, preventive, and therapeutic tool in facing different pathological conditions, including thyroid diseases. Although iodine remains the major nutrient required for the functioning of the thyroid gland, other dietary components play important roles in clinical thyroidology—these include selenium, l-carnitine, myo-inositol, melatonin, and resveratrol—some of which have antioxidant properties. The main concern regarding the appropriate and effective use of nutraceuticals in prevention and treatment is due to the lack of clinical data supporting their efficacy. Another limitation is the discrepancy between the concentration claimed by the label and the real concentration. This paper provides a detailed critical review on the health benefits, beyond basic nutrition, of some popular nutraceutical supplements, with a special focus on their effects on thyroid pathophysiology and aims to distinguish between the truths and myths surrounding the clinical use of such nutraceuticals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Iodine Intake on Human Health)

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