Iodine Facts
Iodine comprises two thirds of the body's iodine in the thyroid gland. It plays a major role in thyroid health (thus controlling metabolism), and iodine is commonly derived from the diet in the form of iodized table salt (one teaspoon of salt = 300 mcg of iodine). Sea salt is not iodized and is not a good source of iodine, and most salty snacks do not contain iodized salt either. Iodine deficiency is most common in people living in undeveloped countries..

How Iodine Works
Iodine's function in the thyroid gland is to manufacture thyroxine, the hormone that regulates the metabolism in the efficient burning of calories and which also regulates children's growth and development. The thyroid is involved in other bodily processes like reproduction, nerve and muscle function, breakdown of proteins and fats, hair and nail growth, and oxygen use by the cells.

Possible Benefits

• Promotes healthy thyroid gland and efficient metabolism.
• Helps with weight loss and burning excess fat
• Promotes proper growth
• Helps with fibrocystic breasts
• Gives you more energy
• Improves mental acuity
• Promotes healthy hair, nails, skin and teeth

Usage Guidelines
The RDA for iodine is 150 mcg. Ingestion of up to 20 times the RDA has no known side effects. Side effects of 30 times the RDA may include mouth sores, metallic taste, swollen salivary glands, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, rash, and breathing difficulties. An iodine deficiency is characterized by an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), low thyroid hormone level and hypothyroidism. Other symptoms of iodine deficiency and thyroid problems may include fatigue, dry skin, rise in blood fats, voice hoarseness, slow reflexes, and poor mental clarity.

Some Natural Sources
Kelp (sea vegetation), onions, seafood (saltwater fish), table salt, and animals who graze in coastal areas, or fruits and vegetables also grown in iodine-rich soil.