Library · Molecule
Iodine
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Iodine is an essential micronutrient, meaning something the body needs in very small amounts but cannot make on its own: it has to come from outside, for example from what we eat.
Its work takes place in the thyroid, the gland in the neck. There, iodine is oxidized, which means it changes chemically, and becomes part of the thyroid hormones. Iodine sits inside thyroid hormone like a brick inside a wall. The thyroid needs it to make its hormones, and those hormones are needed to regulate growth and metabolism, the set of reactions through which the body uses energy.
When the thyroid grows larger than normal, that enlargement is called goiter. Goiter can have several causes, but worldwide the most common one is a lack of iodine.
In brief
Iodine is an essential micronutrient the body cannot make: it has to come from outside, for example from food.
The thyroid needs it to make its hormones: iodine is oxidized and built into thyroid hormones, which are needed to regulate growth and metabolism.
Iodine sits inside thyroid hormone like a brick inside a wall.
Goiter is enlargement of the thyroid gland, and worldwide its most common cause is iodine deficiency.
Sources (2)
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, StatPearls PublishingIodine Toxicity, StatPearlsPublished
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, StatPearls PublishingGoiter, StatPearlsPublished
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
Updated