Why does the body need iodine?

The human body needs a large number of different substances for proper functioning. Among them are proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, macro and microelements. One of the most vital trace elements without which body system will fail is iodine. The element is responsible for many functions in the body. What happens to the body in its absence – we will tell in our new article.

What do you need it for?

Iodine is an essential trace element for our body as the work of the thyroid gland depends on its presence. It provides the synthesis of hormones that affect most processes: growth, development, body thermoregulation, intelligence and reproductive function, calcium and phosphorus metabolism, bone and tooth strength.

Iodine is no less useful for hair beauty. Thanks to it, the curls become shiny and stronger.

Do we have enough iodine?

Unfortunately, it is not produced in our body. We get it only from food, water, iodine-saturated sea air. Daily intake:

• 50 mcg for infants (first 12 months);
• 90 mcg for young children (2 to 6 years);
• 120 mcg for school-age children (7 to 12 years);
• 150 mcg for adults;
• 200 mcg for pregnant and lactating women.

But in reality, a person gets about a third of the required amount. Why?

Causes of it deficiency are low iodine content in water, lack of iodine-containing foods in the diet, alcohol abuse, smoking, hereditary predisposition, living far from the sea.

A person with the deficiency feels as if he has “disconnected” the internal battery. There is a feeling of constant fatigue, lethargy, apathy. Besides, there are a sleep disorder, decreased concentration, worse assimilation of information. A common sign of the micro element deficiency is significant weight gain, and all attempts to lose it are unsuccessful.

How to replenish it

You can compensate for the body’s need for a vital trace element by adding iodized salt to food. In addition, seafood, especially seaweed, is very rich in iodine. It is enough to eat 100-150 g of this alga to cover the daily requirement of the element. Lots of it is in oysters, fish oil and river fish.