Iodine vs. Iron — What's the Difference?

Primarily obtained from seafood, dairy, and iodized salt.

A transition metal crucial for hemoglobin formation and oxygen transport in blood.

A halogen element essential for thyroid hormone production.

Supports oxygen delivery to cells, immune function, and cognitive development.

Vital in regulating metabolism and growth.

Leads to anemia, characterized by fatigue, weakness, and impaired immunity.

Can lead to thyroid enlargement (goiter) and cognitive impairments.

Found in red meat, beans, spinach, and fortified cereals.

Affects thyroid health and overall metabolic rate.

Integral to overall health, affecting energy levels, brain function, and disease resistance.

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 () 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Great hardness or strength; firmness

An antiseptic incorporating the element.

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

An iodide.

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

(transitive) to treat with iodine.

A harpoon.

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.

Irons Fetters; shackles.

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)

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

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

Made of or containing iron

Strong, healthy, and capable of great endurance

Inflexible; unyielding

Holding tightly; very firm

To press and smooth with a heated iron

To remove (creases) by pressing.

To put into irons; fetter.

To fit or clad with iron.

To iron clothes.

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

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

Any material, not a steel, predominantly made of elemental 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.

(usually plural, irons) shackles.

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

(uncountable) A dark shade of the color silver.

A male homosexual.

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

Used as a symbol of great strength or toughness, or to signify a very strong or tough material.

(weightlifting) Weight used as resistance for the purpose of strength training.

A meteorite consisting primarily of metallic iron (mixed with a small amount of nickel), as opposed to one composed mainly of stony material.

A safety curtain in a theatre.

Dumb bombs, those without guidance systems.

(not comparable) Made of the metal iron.

(figuratively) Strong as of will, inflexible.

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

To shackle with irons; to fetter or handcuff.

(transitive) To furnish or arm with 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.

An instrument or utensil made of iron; - chiefly in composition; as, a flatiron, a smoothing iron, etc.

Fetters; chains; handcuffs; manacles.

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

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

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

Resembling iron in color; as, iron blackness.

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

Rude; hard; harsh; severe.

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

Inflexible; unrelenting; as, an iron will.

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

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

To shackle with irons; to fetter or handcuff.

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

A golf club that has a relatively narrow metal head

Metal shackles; for hands or legs

Implement used to brand live stock

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

Press and smooth with a heated iron;

Extremely robust;

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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