The recent buzz of the town is iodine for men’s health! Iodine is a trace mineral known for its effects on the thyroid. But can it affect the testosterone levels too? This blog unravels the effects of iodine deficiency on testosterone levels.
Testosterone balance is regulated by several factors like nutritional balance, lifestyle, and overall health.
Hence, the first revelation of iodine’s role in regulating testosterone levels popped out, it raised a huge ripple amidst the society.
But to confirm the revelation certain studies were conducted that had different opinions.
Today, we bring you a detailed answer to whether it’s time to focus on your iodine for testosterone too, or is it just another hype owing to the popular concerns of T-levels.
60 Seconds Summary
- Iodine deficiency can cause testosterone decline.
- It’s a trace mineral that regulates your thyroid activity and improves its health.
- Adequate dosage of iodine protects you from prostate cancer and hypothyroidism.
- High doses of iodine can decrease your testosterone levels.
- 150 mg of iodine is required by adult males but it varies with age and other factors.
- Iodine supplements should only be taken after health care advice.
Can Iodine Deficiency Lower Testosterone?
Our body can absorb 1500 mg of iodine, with 12% of it acting on the skin, 32% on the muscles, and the rest all on the glands. Iodine stimulates the functioning of the thyroid gland majorly.
Since the thyroid is responsible for balancing hormones in our body, several studies proved solid results of iodine deficiency causing testosterone depletion.
Here are a few excerpts from studies highlighting the link between Iodine deficiency and low testosterone.
Study I – Iodine supplements increase testosterone levels among iron-deficient people
A study was conducted at the University of Texas with a total of 16 participants for 14 weeks.
The participants were suffering from iodine deficiency and hence were supplemented with iodine every day for 14 weeks.
Testosterone measure was analysed by comparing the baseline value, and the values shown by the participants post 14 weeks.
According to the results, the participants showed a significant increase in T-levels post the study.
Study II – Low Iodine levels cause low testosterone levels
This study was published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism.
It showed that people with iodine deficiency had lower levels of testosterone than the baseline.
While both studies show that iodine deficiency could be a threat to your male hormone, many people might still be curious about why it happens.
So let’s quickly get to the mechanism of iodine in regulating testosterone levels among men.
How Does Iodine Affect Testosterone?
Iodine is a type of non-toxic halogen that has the role of flushing out all the toxic halogens affecting different cells of our body.
It can bind with toxic halogens and follow the route of the excretory system until the toxins are flushed out of the body in urine. With the unique protective mechanism, iodine can affect testosterone as it:
#1. Improves Leydig Cell Functionality
Leydig cells are present in the testes and are primary producers of testosterone as they secrete the luteinizing hormone.
The LH is further converted to testosterone to maintain the functions of the testes that produce sperm.
They contain receptors for the halogen-like iodine that binds to the cells and stimulates their functions.
But instead of iodine, some other halogens like chlorine, bromide, and fluoride can bind to these receptors when you are deficient in iodine.
This disrupts the cells declining the testosterone level. With enough iodine in the body, these halogens will be flushed out and your Leydig cells will function normally.
#2. Affects Thyroid Function
The thyroid gland produces two hormones, T3 and T4. Each of these hormones is synthesized using the iodine present in our body.
In iodine-deficient patients, the secretion of these hormones is reduced affecting major metabolic activities in the body.
These metabolic activities include the processes going on within the testes to produce testosterone and gradually sperm.
Hence, hypothyroidism would cause testosterone decline in iodine-deficient males along with fatigue, and obesity.
#3. Supports Prostate Function
Iodine supports a healthy prostate because of its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Anti-oxidant effect – free radicals or oxidative stress can damage the prostate cells, but with the presence of adequate iodine, these free radicals are hunted down, hence protecting the cells.
Anti-inflammatory effects – inflammatory mediators can irritate and damage the prostate cells increasing the risk of cancers and prostate hyperplasia. Iodine reduces these inflammatory mediators and also reduces their impact on the prostate.
A study was conducted to examine the role of iodine in suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress among rat models suffering from prostatic hyperplasia.
For this, the rat models were administered with a large amount of testosterone for 3 weeks to induce the condition.
However, before administration of testosterone, some of these rats were given iodine supplements.
At the end of the study, the results showed that the control group showed hyperplasia in the prostate, while the groups on iodine had lower oxidative stress and inflammation.
Hence, looking at all the above functions of iodine, our answer to does low iodine affect hormones, stands clear!
Yes, the iodine deficiency can pull down your T-levels, but it doesn’t direct you to consume loads of iodine.
There has to be a consistent dosage to let iodine work for your body harmlessly, excessive dosage can reverse the benefits into health risks.
How Much Iodine Does A Man Need Per Day?
As we said above, iodine is a trace mineral. Hence its dosage should be monitored closely.
A cross-sectional study comparing the total testosterone levels, and urine iodine concentration further emphasized the dosage.
11433 male participants were selected for their testosterone values, out of which some participants were excluded leaving behind 2934 men who were actual tests.
After comparing the UIC and TT among all these participants it was found that:
- People with high levels of UIC showed low testosterone levels
- While people with low UIC showed higher testosterone levels
Hence the iodine should be balanced and neither low nor high.
The Daily Recommended Value For Iodine
Dosage for iodine varies according to age, and factors like pregnancy.
Generally, men should consume a total of 150 mg per day.
But if you are suffering from conditions where your body is not able to absorb enough iodine, then you might need a higher dosage.
However, make sure you consult your doctor before adjusting the dosage.
You can get iodine in adequate amounts in certain foods like tuna fish (17 mg), milk (13 mg), eggs (23 mg), and turkey breast (18 mg).
But if you wanna go for iodine supplements, consulting a doctor should be the priority.
Conclusion
How does iodine affect men? Iodine deficiency can be a potent reason behind symptoms of low testosterone.
It is one of the key minerals that regulate the smooth functioning of the glands responsible for maintaining testosterone levels.
Other than regulating hormonal balance, iodine deficiency can also result in healthy conditions like hypothyroidism.
The condition is characterized by quick fatigue, weight gain, and low sexual performance.
Hence, to keep your masculinity safe, make sure you take an adequate amount of iodine daily.