Effects of iodine and iodine-containing compounds on thyroid function.

This article deals with iodine metabolism and the consequences of iodine deficiency and iodine excess. The mechanisms underlying the clinical presentation of these two conditions as well as the clinical implications, both diagnostic and therapeutic, are discussed. Special attention is paid to the influence of underlying thyroid disorders on the frequency and characteristics of clinical problems related to the excess of iodine. Finally, a section is devoted to iodinated organic molecules that affect thyroid function on the basis of their structure in addition to their high content of iodine.