Iodine is needed only in trace amounts to help metabolize excess fat. It is also important for physical and mental development.

Children whose diets are low in iodine often display little intellectual motivation and will likely develop learning disabilities. Testing the thyroid isn't always an accurate gauge of the potential risk.

A low-iodine diet may lead to a decrease in IQ and a loss of eye coordination. Because the mineral has been studied only as a preventive, scientists don't know if iodine supplements can reverse the learning disabilities or improve scores on intelligence tests.

Fibrocystic breasts, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids are a few of the specific women's health conditions that iodine deficiency has shown to exaserbate. Iodine is also needed for a healthy thyroid gland and for the prevention of goiter. Replacing the missing iodine won't heal an underactive thyroid gland; at best it may renew hormone production, but only if an actual deficiency exists.

Deficiency signs and symptoms
Iodine deficiency has been linked to breast cancer and is associated with fatigue, neonatal hypothyroidism, and weight gain.

Factors which rob us of Iodine
Food processing, nutrient-poor soil

Good food sources
Foods that are high in iodine include dairy products, iodized salt, seafood, saltwater fish, and kelp. It can also be found in asparagus, dulse, garlic, lima beans, mushrooms, sea salt, sesame seeds, soybeans, spinach summer squash, Swiss chard, and turnip greens.