Iodine is an essential trace element, meaning it is required only in small amounts, but it plays a major role in the body. Without enough iodine in the diet, serious health conditions can arise. It helps the thyroid gland produce hormones that control the body’s metabolism and energy levels. It has been linked to improved cognitive function and can help prevent goiter, which is an enlargement of the thyroid gland caused by iodine deficiency.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a dietary intake of 150 micrograms per day for adults as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women.
1Food sources List
Common sources of iodine include fish, sea vegetables such as kelp, dairy products like cheese or yogurt, eggs and iodized salt. Food producers may also add iodine to processed foods such as some breads and cereals for extra fortification. Understanding which foods are high in iodine is important to ensure that you are getting enough of this essential mineral in your diet. These include;
- Iodized table salt
- Cod
- Canned tuna
- Nori
- Kelp
- Milk
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Chicken
- Beef liver
