Iodine

Iodine, as a trace mineral, is one of the most important elements required in nutrition for perfect health. Though its role in production of thyroid hormone is emphasized, there are many equally important functions attributed to its function.
About 60% of this mineral available in our body is found in thyroid glands and the rest is distributed in most of the glands, muscle tissues, ovaries, body fluids and blood.
In the synthesis of thyroxin and its co hormone triiodothyroxine iodine is very essential.
The synthesis takes place in the thyroid glands.
Thyroid hormone regulates the growth and development of human beings.
The health of many organs, especially glands, is dependent on iodine.
The reproductive glands and tissues like breasts, ovaries and prostate glands require iodine for their proper function.
Sufficient supply of iodine is required for the body to boost up the immune system to fight against the infections.
It is found to help normalization of blood pressure, cholesterol levels and heart beat. Iodine, in diabetes improves the metabolism of glucose.
Like folic acid, this mineral is also important for the development of fetal central nervous system.
The deficiency of this mineral in pregnancy causes cretinism and mental retardation in children.
Iodine helps in removal of heavy metals from the body.
It is available in variety foods like sea foods, dairy products, drinking water and iodized salt.
The deficiency in adults causes goiter with symptoms like weight gain, reduction in mental alertness, lethargy, infertility, general weakness, low blood pressure and puffy eyes.
The deficiency of iodine in infants can cause cretinism and dwarfism.

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