Iodine is a mineral that is found in the body and is necessary for healthy thyroid function. A lack of iodine can lead to an iodine deficiency, which can cause life-threatening problems such as goiter, hypothyroidism, and cretinism.

Iodine can be found in food sources such as seafood, dairy products, eggs, and even sea moss. It can also be taken as a supplement. However, despite its importance, very few people get enough iodine in their diet.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss what iodine is, why it is necessary for human function, how to get natural sources of iodine, and whether or not you can take iodine as a dietary supplement.

What Is Iodine & Why Do We Need It?

Iodine is a trace mineral that may be found naturally in both seafood, sea vegetables, and soil. Iodine is an essential mineral; the body needs it to function. However, it can't create iodine on its own, so it must be consumed in foods, beverages, and supplements.

Iodine is important for several reasons. It’s essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which are necessary for regulating metabolism. Iodine is also important for brain development, and a deficiency can lead to cognitive impairments. The best way to get iodine is through seafood or iodized salt, though it can also be found in some plants.

Many countries add iodine to salt because of the high prevalence of iodine deficiencies. The risks of iodine deficiency include:

Goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland): Goiter may cause swelling and tightness in the neck, hoarseness, and dizziness when the arms are raised above the head. In severe cases, goiter may cause shortness of breath, weight gain, and an interactive thyroid gland.

Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid is caused by the thyroid being unable to produce enough hormones. It can cause dry skin, fatigue, cold sensitivity and weight gain.

Cretinism: Congenital hypothyroidism, or cretinism, is a severe thyroid hormone deficiency in newborn children. As a newborn with this condition develops, their growth may be stunted, their neurological function may be impaired, and they may develop physical deformities.

Intellectual disability: Iodine deficiency is the most common preventable cause of brain damage and mental disability. Iodine deficiency has a significant impact on the development of children as well as the cognitive performance of adults.

Can We Supplement With Iodine?

Iodine deficiency is a common problem, particularly in developing countries. This is often due to a lack of iodine in the diet. Thankfully, iodine can be easily supplemented through dietary sources or supplements. 

There are many different types of iodine supplements available on the market. The most common form is potassium iodide, which is the form most easily absorbed by the body. However, other forms, such as sodium iodide and lithium iodide, are also available. Iodine supplements are generally safe and well-tolerated, but it is important to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. 

Iodine supplementation can be an effective way to prevent or treat iodine deficiency. However, it is important to work with a healthcare professional to ensure that you are taking the right amount of iodine for your individual needs.

Iodine Availability In Sea Moss

Sea moss, also known as Irish moss or red seaweed, is a type of seaweed that is found along the coasts of North America and Europe. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular as a natural health remedy due to its high nutrient content.

Sea moss contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Some people believe that sea moss can help to boost energy levels, improve digestion, and even speed up the healing process. While more research is needed to confirm these claims, there is no doubt that sea moss is a nutrient-packed superfood with numerous potential health benefits.

Additionally, sea moss is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium. Like other sea vegetables, it is an excellent source of iodine, so many individuals who risk iodine deficiency turn to sea moss for this reason as well.

Final Thoughts

Iodine is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in human health. It is necessary for proper thyroid function and helps to prevent goiter, hypothyroidism, and other iodine deficiency disorders. Iodine can be found naturally in seafood, seaweed, dairy products, eggs, and some fruits and vegetables.

It is also available in popular supplements like sea moss gel, which is rich in iodine and other essential nutrients. 

Looking for the perfect supplement to get iodine and plenty of other nutrients naturally? Sea moss gel may be the perfect solution! Click here to check out our sea moss gel supplements.

Works Cited

Contributors, WebMD Editorial. “Sea Moss: Health Benefits, Nutrients per Serving, Preparation Information, and More.” WebMD, WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-sea-moss. 

Harvard School of Public Health. “Iodine.” The Nutrition Source, 19 Oct. 2021, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/iodine/. 

Kapil, Umesh. “Health Consequences of Iodine Deficiency.” Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Dec. 2007, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3074887/.