What Is Iodine? The Benefits of Iodine
Iodine is a mineral used to make thyroid hormones, which support the body’s metabolism and other important functions.
What Is Iodine?
You may know iodine only as an antiseptic used to treat small cuts and scrapes or an ingredient found in table salt. In reality, iodine is necessary for your body to function. Iodine is necessary to make thyroid hormones, which every cell in the body depends upon to help regulate the metabolism. Cells in the thyroid, a small gland weighing less than one ounce and located in the front of the neck, are the only cells capable of absorbing iodine. Thyroid cells capture iodine and combine it with tyrosine—an amino acid—to produce thyroid hormones that are then released into the bloodstream.
The Benefits of Iodine During and After Pregnancy
Iodine is an essential nutrient that you must get through foods or dietary supplements. For those expecting a baby, Iodine is particularly important as it helps babies grow and develop properly, prenatal and post-partum. Iodine is essential for the growth of the fetal brain and nervous system during pregnancy, and an iodine deficiency is associated with cognitive and motor impairments. Breastfed infants get iodine from breast milk, which helps support proper growth and cognitive development.[1]
Breastfeeding individuals should consume 290 micrograms of iodine daily primarily through iodine-rich foods like dairy products, seafood and fortified salt. A postnatal vitamin with iodine can also help support breastfeeding mothers.[1]
150 mcg
Recommended Dietary Allowance for All Adults
Foods High in Iodine
Cod
Yogurt
Iodized Salt
Seaweed
Shrimp
Eggs
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Iodine Helps Support
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Source Citations:
1. Iodine | Breastfeeding. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/diet-and-micronutrients/iodine.html. Accessed 11/2/23. Return to reference
