| MadSci Network: Chemistry |
Iodine is an element so it's not synthesized, instead it's extracted from natural resources such as seaweed and brine. This extraction process is performed in a factory that is specially designed to meet food standards. There's nothing to be worried about. However, if you're still concerned, there are many ways to achieve your necessary iodine besides iodized salt. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for iodine is 150 micrograms (mcg) a day for adults. Iodine content varies widely in foods, as shown in the following examples: Food source Iodine content (in mcg) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Salt, iodized, 1 tsp. 400 Bread, made with iodized conditioner, 1 slice 142 Haddock, 3 oz. 104 - 145 Cottage cheese, cup 26 - 71 Shrimp, 3 oz. 21 - 37 Cheddar cheese, 1 oz. 5 - 23 Non-iodized salt, 1 tsp. ~8 As you see above, my calculations show that you'd have to consume about 0.4 of a cup of non-iodized salt to get your daily allowance, which probably isn't a good idea. Resources: How iodine is extracted: http://ww w.npckk.co.jp/english/technology/iodine/prod.html RDA amounts: http://www.goaskalice.c olumbia.edu/2234.html Studies on the amount of Iodine in sea salt: http://www.saltinstitute.org/iodine-seasalt.html
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Chemistry.