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Iodine vs. Iron — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 19, 2024
Iodine is a chemical element vital for thyroid function, while iron is essential for blood production and oxygen transport.
Iodine vs. Iron — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Iodine and Iron

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Key Differences

Iodine, a halogen element, is crucial for synthesizing thyroid hormones, impacting metabolism and growth. Iron, a transition metal, is a key component of hemoglobin, facilitating oxygen transport in the blood. These distinct roles underscore their unique contributions to bodily functions.
Iodine's deficiency leads to thyroid issues like goiter, whereas iron deficiency results in anemia, highlighting their critical health impacts. The body's requirement for each underscores their essential nature, despite differing functions and effects.
While iodine is obtained from dietary sources like seafood and iodized salt, iron is found in meats, beans, and fortified foods, indicating diverse dietary needs for obtaining each. This dietary aspect emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet for maintaining adequate levels of both elements.
Iodine's role is more specialized, primarily associated with thyroid health, while iron's importance spans various bodily functions, including immune support and cognitive development, reflecting their broad health implications.

Comparison Chart

Type

Halogen element
Transition metal
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Primary Function

Synthesis of thyroid hormones
Component of hemoglobin for oxygen transport

Deficiency Impact

Thyroid disorders like goiter
Anemia and related symptoms

Dietary Sources

Seafood, dairy, iodized salt
Red meat, beans, fortified cereals

Health Implications

Crucial for metabolism and growth
Essential for blood production, immunity, cognitive function

Compare with Definitions

Iodine

Primarily obtained from seafood, dairy, and iodized salt.
Incorporating iodized salt into meals can help prevent iodine deficiency.

Iron

A transition metal crucial for hemoglobin formation and oxygen transport in blood.
Iron supplements were prescribed to address her anemia symptoms.

Iodine

A halogen element essential for thyroid hormone production.
To ensure proper thyroid function, the doctor recommended increasing iodine intake through diet.

Iron

Supports oxygen delivery to cells, immune function, and cognitive development.
Iron-rich foods are recommended for children to support their growing bodies and minds.

Iodine

Vital in regulating metabolism and growth.
Adequate iodine is crucial during pregnancy for fetal development.

Iron

Leads to anemia, characterized by fatigue, weakness, and impaired immunity.
The athlete's performance improved after treating his iron-deficiency anemia.

Iodine

Can lead to thyroid enlargement (goiter) and cognitive impairments.
Iodine deficiency in the diet can result in developmental issues in children.

Iron

Found in red meat, beans, spinach, and fortified cereals.
Including spinach in your diet can be a good way to increase your iron intake.

Iodine

Affects thyroid health and overall metabolic rate.
Maintaining sufficient iodine levels is key to a healthy metabolism.

Iron

Integral to overall health, affecting energy levels, brain function, and disease resistance.
Adequate iron levels are essential for maintaining high energy and focus throughout the day.

Iodine

Iodine is a chemical element with the symbol I and atomic number 53. The heaviest of the stable halogens, it exists as a semi-lustrous, non-metallic solid at standard conditions that melts to form a deep violet liquid at 114 degrees Celsius, and boils to a violet gas at 184 degrees Celsius.

Iron

Iron () is a chemical element with symbol Fe (from Latin: ferrum) and atomic number 26. It is a metal that belongs to the first transition series and group 8 of the periodic table.

Iodine

Symbol I A lustrous, purple-black, corrosive, poisonous halogen occurring as a diatomic molecule, I2, that easily sublimes to give a purple gas and is a trace element essential for proper thyroid function. Radioactive isotopes, especially I-131, are used as medical tracers and in thyroid disease diagnosis and therapy. Iodine compounds are used as germicides, antiseptics, and dyes. Atomic number 53; atomic weight 126.9045; melting point 113.7°C; boiling point 184.4°C; density of gas 11.27 grams per liter; specific gravity (solid, at 20°C) 4.93; valence 1, 3, 5, 7. See Periodic Table.

Iron

Symbol Fe A silvery-white, lustrous, malleable, ductile, magnetic or magnetizable, metallic element occurring abundantly in combined forms, notably in hematite, limonite, magnetite, and taconite, and used alloyed in a wide range of important structural materials. Atomic number 26; atomic weight 55.845; melting point 1,538°C; boiling point 2,861°C; specific gravity 7.874 (at 20°C); valence 2, 3, 4, 6. See Periodic Table.

Iodine

An antiseptic preparation containing iodine in solution, used to treat wounds.

Iron

An implement made of iron alloy or similar metal, especially a bar heated for use in branding, curling hair, or cauterizing.

Iodine

A chemical element (symbol: I) with an atomic number of 53; one of the halogens.

Iron

Great hardness or strength; firmness
A will of iron.

Iodine

An antiseptic incorporating the element.

Iron

(Sports) Any of a series of golf clubs having a bladelike metal head and numbered from one to nine in order of increasing loft.

Iodine

An iodide.

Iron

A metal appliance with a handle and a weighted flat bottom, used when heated to press wrinkles from fabric.

Iodine

(transitive) to treat with iodine.

Iron

A harpoon.

Iodine

A nonmetallic element, of the halogen group of atomic number 53, occurring always in combination, as in the iodides. When isolated it is in the form of dark gray metallic scales, resembling plumbago, soft but brittle, and emitting a chlorinelike odor. Symbol I. Atomic weight 126.90. If heated, iodine volatilizes in beautiful violet vapors.

Iron

Irons Fetters; shackles.

Iodine

A nonmetallic element belonging to the halogens; used especially in medicine and photography and in dyes; occurs naturally only in combination in small quantities (as in sea water or rocks)

Iron

A tonic, pill, or other medication containing iron and taken as a dietary supplement.

Iodine

A tincture consisting of a solution of iodine in ethyl alcohol; applied topically to wounds as an antiseptic

Iron

Made of or containing iron
Iron bars.
An iron alloy.

Iron

Strong, healthy, and capable of great endurance
An iron constitution.

Iron

Inflexible; unyielding
Iron resolve.

Iron

Holding tightly; very firm
Has an iron grip.

Iron

To press and smooth with a heated iron
Iron clothes.

Iron

To remove (creases) by pressing.

Iron

To put into irons; fetter.

Iron

To fit or clad with iron.

Iron

To iron clothes.

Iron

(uncountable) A common, inexpensive metal, silvery grey when untarnished, that rusts, is attracted by magnets, and is used in making steel.

Iron

A metallic chemical element having atomic number 26 and symbol Fe.

Iron

Any material, not a steel, predominantly made of elemental iron.
Wrought iron, ductile iron, cast iron, pig iron, gray iron

Iron

(countable) A tool or appliance made of metal, which is heated and then used to transfer heat to something else; most often a thick piece of metal fitted with a handle and having a flat, roughly triangular bottom, which is heated and used to press wrinkles from clothing, and now usually containing an electrical heating apparatus.

Iron

(usually plural, irons) shackles.

Iron

(slang) A firearm, either a long gun or a handgun.

Iron

(uncountable) A dark shade of the color silver.

Iron

A male homosexual.

Iron

(golf) A golf club used for middle-distance shots.

Iron

Used as a symbol of great strength or toughness, or to signify a very strong or tough material.
A will of iron
He appeared easygoing, but inside he was pure iron.

Iron

(weightlifting) Weight used as resistance for the purpose of strength training.
He lifts iron on the weekends.

Iron

A meteorite consisting primarily of metallic iron (mixed with a small amount of nickel), as opposed to one composed mainly of stony material.
Irons and stony irons can be much larger than stony meteorites and are much more visually striking, but make up only a few percent of all meteorites.

Iron

A safety curtain in a theatre.

Iron

Dumb bombs, those without guidance systems.

Iron

(not comparable) Made of the metal iron.

Iron

(figuratively) Strong as of will, inflexible.
She had an iron will.
He held on with an iron grip.
An iron constitution
Iron men

Iron

(transitive) To pass an iron over (clothing or some other item made of cloth) in order to remove creases.

Iron

To shackle with irons; to fetter or handcuff.

Iron

(transitive) To furnish or arm with iron.
To iron a wagon

Iron

The most common and most useful metallic element, being of almost universal occurrence, usually in the form of an oxide (as hematite, magnetite, etc.), or a hydrous oxide (as limonite, turgite, etc.). It is reduced on an enormous scale in three principal forms; viz., cast iron, steel, and wrought iron. Iron usually appears dark brown, from oxidation or impurity, but when pure, or on a fresh surface, is a gray or white metal. It is easily oxidized (rusted) by moisture, and is attacked by many corrosive agents. Symbol Fe (Latin Ferrum). Atomic number 26, atomic weight 55.847. Specific gravity, pure iron, 7.86; cast iron, 7.1. In magnetic properties, it is superior to all other substances.

Iron

An instrument or utensil made of iron; - chiefly in composition; as, a flatiron, a smoothing iron, etc.
My young soldier, put up your iron.

Iron

Fetters; chains; handcuffs; manacles.
Four of the sufferers were left to rot in irons.

Iron

Strength; power; firmness; inflexibility; as, to rule with a rod of iron.

Iron

An iron-headed club with a deep face, chiefly used in making approaches, lifting a ball over hazards, etc.

Iron

Of, or made of iron; consisting of iron; as, an iron bar, dust.

Iron

Resembling iron in color; as, iron blackness.

Iron

Like iron in hardness, strength, impenetrability, power of endurance, insensibility, etc.;

Iron

Rude; hard; harsh; severe.
Iron years of wars and dangers.
Jove crushed the nations with an iron rod.

Iron

Firm; robust; enduring; as, an iron constitution.

Iron

Inflexible; unrelenting; as, an iron will.

Iron

Not to be broken; holding or binding fast; tenacious.

Iron

To smooth with an instrument of iron; especially, to smooth, as cloth, with a heated flatiron; - sometimes used with out.

Iron

To shackle with irons; to fetter or handcuff.

Iron

To furnish or arm with iron; as, to iron a wagon.

Iron

A golf club that has a relatively narrow metal head

Iron

Metal shackles; for hands or legs

Iron

Implement used to brand live stock

Iron

Home appliance consisting of a flat metal base that is heated and used to smooth cloth

Iron

Press and smooth with a heated iron;
Press your shirts

Iron

Extremely robust;
An iron constitution

Common Curiosities

What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?

Symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and in severe cases, anemia.

What is iodine, and why is it important?

Iodine is a halogen element crucial for the production of thyroid hormones, essential for regulating metabolism and growth.

How can I ensure I'm getting enough iodine in my diet?

Consuming iodine-rich foods like seafood, dairy products, and using iodized salt can help maintain adequate iodine levels.

Can iodine deficiency affect mental health?

Yes, iodine deficiency can lead to cognitive impairments and developmental issues, especially in children and during pregnancy.

How does iron deficiency affect children and pregnant women?

In children, iron deficiency can impair cognitive development and growth, while in pregnant women, it can lead to complications like preterm delivery and low birth weight.

Can cooking methods impact the iodine content in food?

Yes, some cooking methods, particularly boiling, can reduce the iodine content in food, so using varied cooking methods is advised.

Are iodine supplements safe for everyone?

While iodine supplements can help prevent deficiency, they should be taken under medical supervision, especially for individuals with thyroid conditions.

Are there any risks associated with excess iron intake?

Excessive iron intake can lead to iron overload, potentially damaging organs and leading to conditions like hemochromatosis.

What role does iron play in the immune system?

Iron is vital for the immune system, supporting the proliferation and maturation of immune cells, thus enhancing resistance to infection.

Is it possible to get enough iodine from plant-based sources?

While more challenging, consuming iodine-fortified foods and certain seaweeds can help vegetarians and vegans meet their iodine needs.

How is iodine used in medical treatments?

Iodine has applications in medicine, including disinfectants and contrast agents in imaging.

Can athletes have higher iron requirements?

Yes, athletes may have higher iron needs due to increased muscle activity and sweat losses, making iron-rich foods or supplements necessary.

What are some iron-rich plant-based foods?

Plant-based sources of iron include lentils, chickpeas, beans, spinach, and fortified cereals.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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