Iodine (I) is an essential trace mineral required for thyroid, immune, nervous system, and breast health in women.
Iodine food sources are primarily animal-based foods, including seafood and dairy, so vegan or vegetarian people may want to consider supplementing to meet their daily needs.
One of iodine’s biggest roles in the body is to support the thyroid in producing thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH). The thyroid also requires selenium to use iodine for thyroid hormone synthesis. Iodine is also critical for proper immune function.
Besides being inherently antiseptic, killing all single-celled organisms, iodine and thyroid hormone provide our body with an ability for constant surveillance against abnormal cell development. It protects against abnormal bacterial growth in the stomach such as H. Pylori overgrowth.
Iodine can also coat and neutralize both biological and chemical toxins. Excess iodine intake may make hypothyroid symptoms worsened, so supplementing iodine is not recommended if you already have hypothyroidism.