Iodine

Dr Meenakshi Kalyan explains the importance of iodine in your well-being.

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Importance of iodine

Iodine is an essential element needed for the production of the thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones play an important role in a wide range of bodily functions, including metabolism, bone health, immune response, development of the central nervous system and reproduction. Iodine ensures proper functioning of the thyroid gland. It helps convert thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This conversion is important for the thyroid to function properly. Around 70 to 80 per cent of iodine is found in the thyroid gland in the neck. The rest is found in the blood, the muscles, the ovaries and other parts of the body.

Health benefits of iodine

Iodine plays an important role in maintaining optimal energy levels, the formation of healthy skin, teeth and hair, boosting the immune system, detoxification, healthy fertility, preventing of stillbirths, improved thyroid health and preventing hypothyroidism and certain cancers. Iodine imbalance can lead to an overactive or underactive thyroid.

Sources of iodine