"Japan's Contaminated Water Antidote" 'Dasima' Also Hoarded? ... Rather Side Effects

Therapeutic Effects Unlikely from Food Intake Concentration
Excessive Iodine Intake Causes Thyroid Dysfunction

Due to the discharge of contaminated water from Fukushima, Japan, interest in edible seaweed and salt with high iodine content is increasing not only in Hong Kong and Macau but also in South Korea. However, caution is needed as excessive intake of iodine without exposure to high concentrations of radioactive iodine can lead to side effects.

Kelp Harvesting in Wando, Jeollanam-do.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

On the 29th, the medical community explained that taking stable iodine tablets just before or immediately after exposure to radioactive iodine can reduce or dilute the accumulation of radioactive iodine in the thyroid gland, thereby decreasing its impact on the human body.

However, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety stated that consuming iodine-containing foods without exposure to high concentrations of radioactive iodine is unlikely to produce the desired effect. The Ministry's import food radiation safety information explained, "Taking iodine as a precaution without exposure to high concentrations of radioactive iodine is meaningless," and added, "It is difficult to expect therapeutic effects from the amount of iodine ingested through food when exposed."

This explanation comes amid growing interest in iodine-rich foods such as dashima (kelp), miyeok (wakame), gim (laver), sirloin beef, chicken, milk, and iodine-containing salt in South Korea, as well as in Hong Kong and Macau, following the start of Fukushima's contaminated water discharge.

The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones, which primarily consist of iodine. When exposed to high concentrations of radioactive iodine, about 20-30% of the iodine accumulates in the thyroid gland. In other words, iodine intake is meaningful when exposed to radioactive iodine.

Excessive intake or consumption of iodine in advance as a preventive measure can rather harm health. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety explained, "Excess iodine can cause side effects such as allergies and may lead to goiter, so it is advisable to maintain usual eating habits."

Also, excessive iodine intake for the purpose of maintaining thyroid health should be avoided.

Samsung Medical Center explained, "Hypothyroidism is a condition caused by insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones," and added, "While it can occur due to iodine deficiency, hypothyroidism caused by iodine deficiency is rare in South Korea and mainly occurs due to thyroiditis."

They emphasized, "Even if diagnosed with hypothyroidism, consuming large amounts of iodine can cause abnormalities in thyroid function, so caution is necessary."

Another thyroid disease, hyperthyroidism, occurs due to increased production of thyroid hormones. It can appear when taking supplements excessively, consuming more than 2 mg of iodine per day, or in cases of thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.