Why does the body need iodine?

Iodine is one of the most important trace elements for human health. Its content is of great importance for the growth and development of organs, the functioning of various systems, metabolism, and energy transformation.

The lack of iodine leads to problems in the work of the brain, decreased performance, increased fatigue, and the development of various pathologies.

The importance of iodine for the body

The body needs iodine for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. They affect metabolism, energy production from food consumed, thermoregulation of the body, the rate of absorption of certain vitamins.

The hormones produced by the thyroid gland are responsible for the growth and proper development of all internal organs. They play a particularly important role for children, adolescents, as well as for women during pregnancy and lactation. It is important to get enough iodine to prevent developmental disorders.

Also, iodine contained in the body increases the rate of oxygen supply to cells. It has a beneficial effect on brain activity, stimulates the burning of excess fat, improves skin condition, and strengthens teeth, hair and nails.

Why does the body need iodine?

Sources and consumption rates
Basically, a person receives iodine with food. The main sources of trace elements:

Seafood – oily fish, green or brown algae, shrimp, shellfish.
Protein products – milk, liver, chicken eggs.
Vegetables – cabbage, onions, carrots, sorrel.
Iodized salt.
A healthy adult body should contain 20-50 mg of iodine. To ensure the need for trace elements per day, it is recommended to consume from 150 to 300 mcg. The minimum dosage during pregnancy and lactation is 175-200 mcg.

Signs of iodine deficiency
With regular consumption of less than 10-20 micrograms of iodine per day, the body begins to experience an acute shortage of it. Signs of a lack of trace elements:

1. The growth of thyroid hormones increases.

2. Goiter forms on the thyroid gland.

3. Specific pathologies develop.

Iodine deficiency leads to such problems:
hypothyroidism;
decrease in intellectual indicators – slowing down of mental reactions, failures in cognitive functions, problems with concentration of attention;
fatigue, drowsiness;
weight gain;
increased cholesterol levels;
reduced fertility;
fetal development disorders in pregnant women.
The causes of iodine deficiency are low content of the element in food, refusal to eat seafood, and taking some medications. The increased radiation background and environmental pollution also affect.