Iodine Supplementation Decreases Hypercholesterolemia in Iodine-Deficient, Overweight Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial1,2

What is it about?

This is the first randomized, controlled study investigating the effect of iodine supplementation on the lipid profile in an iodine deficient population at high risk for cardiovascular disease. We show that iodine supplementation in moderately-iodine deficient overweight women decreases serum TSH and reduces the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia by a third.

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Why is it important?

Our findings suggest iodine deficiency in overweight women elevates serum TSH and produces a more atherogenic lipid profile. This finding has global relevance because iodine deficiency continues to affect both low- and high-income countries, many with high rates of overweight, such as the UK. Thus, along with its recognized benefits on cognitive development in children, iodine prophylaxis may reduce cardiovascular disease risk in overweight adults.