Iodine

Recommended Dietary Intakes 
Adults – 150 mcg; 
Pregnant women – 120 mcg 

This Mineral Is Essential For

• metabolising fats.
• physical and mental development.
• thyroid gland.
• preventing goiter.

As part of several thyroid hormones, iodine controls nutrient metabolism; nerve and muscle function; skin, hair, tooth, and nail condition.

Sources

Iodised salt, kelp, seafood, salt water fish and vegetables grown in iodine-rich soils are excellent sources of this mineral. Also found in garlic, mushrooms, sesame seeds, sea salt, soybeans, spinach. 

Comments

You usually will not have a deficiency in this mineral and supplements are unnecessary.

Deficiency Can Cause

This is very uncommon, however, some symptoms include – 

• weight gain,
• hair loss,
• listlessness,
• insomnia,
• mental retardation.

Excessive iodine can cause a metallic taste in the mouth, sores in the mouth, swollen salivary glands, nervousness, headache, rashes and can lead to thyroid hyperactivity, diarrhoea, and vomiting