Iodine
Iodine is an essential trace mineral required to make thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism and support brain development. The adult RDA is 150 µg, with an upper limit of 1,100 µg. Iodized salt has dramatically reduced deficiency, which causes goiter and developmental problems.
- Unit
- µg
- RDA (adult)
- 150 µg
- Upper limit
- 1100 µg
- Functions
- Synthesis of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), Regulating metabolism, Supporting fetal and infant brain development, Maintaining body temperature and energy levels
- Food sources
- Iodized salt, Seaweed, Fish, Dairy, Eggs, Shellfish
- Deficiency
- Goiter, hypothyroidism, and in pregnancy impaired fetal brain development (cretinism); a leading preventable cause of intellectual disability.
- Excess
- Excess can paradoxically cause thyroid dysfunction (both hyper- and hypothyroidism).