The irreplaceable microelement - iodine - is of great importance for the human body. Hormones containing iodine and produced by the thyroid gland are responsible for vital functions: brain activity, metabolism, human development and growth. It is known that the taste of iodine in the mouth, which has a metallic character, can be caused by an excess of this element in the human body. Imbalance occurs as a result of external influx (with food or medicine), improper functioning of the thyroid gland (an excess of thyroid hormones is produced, of which iodine is an integral part), iodine poisoning (harmful factors in production or environmental damage), as well as malfunctions in the gastrointestinal tract intestinal tract and excretory systems of the body (liver, kidneys, sweat glands).
Natural iodine is good for health (according to WHO recommendations, the daily requirement is 150-300 mcg), if taken in small quantities. A lack or excess of iodine can lead to problems, the consequences are especially severe for children. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to maintain a balanced level of iodine in the body. A sign of excess is the taste of iodine in the mouth. The inclusion of fresh seafood and algae in the diet is unlikely to lead to an imbalance and cause food poisoning, but there is a risk of a serious allergic reaction. This occurs due to the transition of histamine from the bound to the free state, upon receipt of an excess of iodine. A similar reaction is provoked by the use of spoiled fish (especially dark meat of fish such as tuna, mackerel, mackerel, mahi-mahi), as a result there is a temporary metallic taste in the mouth. This type of food poisoning is called scombroid or histamine poisoning.
In certain diseases, iodine-containing drugs are prescribed : amiodarone, Lugol's solution, potassium iodide, radioactive iodine, iodine tincture and others. They are taken with ventricular arrhythmias, infections of the pharynx and larynx, with iodine deficiency, fungal infections, to thin the sputum in the bronchi and respiratory tract, and in radioiodine therapy of the thyroid gland. The use of drugs in large doses can cause not only the taste of iodine in the mouth, but also abdominal pain, cough, delirium, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, difficulty urinating, shock, shortness of breath, thirst, and vomiting. In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor. The approximate lethal dose is 2000 mg of iodine.
In modern diagnostics, the use of iodine-containing substances as radiopaque preparations and ultrasound contrast media is common. They are used to improve photographs inside the body during studies using x-rays, magnetic resonance (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, as well as ultrasound. Contrast materials, including the naturally occurring chemical element iodine, reveal anomalies. They are introduced into veins or arteries, into discs or fluid spaces of the spine and other body cavities in which contrasts block or limit the penetration of X-rays or ultrasound waves. As a result, blood vessels, organs, and other body tissues that temporarily contain iodine-based contrast change their appearance. However, an excess of iodine in the body causes negative consequences of varying severity.
The use of iodine-based contrast agents can cause mild reactions, such as nausea and vomiting, headache, itching, and a mild skin rash. Mild reactions also occur: severe skin rash or hives, wheezing, heart rhythm disturbances, high or low blood pressure, shortness of breath, or shortness of breath. Severe reactions include: difficulty breathing, cardiac arrest, swelling of the throat or other parts of the body, cramps, low blood pressure. As soon as a contrast agent based on iodine is introduced into the blood, a person feels (lasts several minutes) a surge of heat and taste of iodine in his mouth. A very small percentage of patients develop a delayed type of reaction (with a rash), which after the study lasts up to several days. Most have minor effects, but a severe rash may require treatment under the supervision of a doctor.
Excessive intake, when there is a taste of iodine in the mouth, is observed less often than its deficiency. Safe is a daily dose not exceeding 500 mcg. According to GN 2.2.5.1313-03, the maximum permissible concentration of iodine in the air of the working area should not be higher than 1 mg / m3. The greatest amount of iodine is received by people living on the seashore and consuming large quantities of seafood. When adverse environmental or production factors are imposed on natural conditions, the risk of toxic effects of iodine on people, manifested in acute or chronic poisoning, increases (the latter accumulates over the years). As a result, both oppression and an increase in thyroid function can occur.