Fact 3: Iodine: The Building Block of Thyroid Hormones
Iodine is integral to the synthesis of thyroid hormones. This vital nutrient plays a fundamental role in thyroid function. Without adequate iodine, the thyroid struggles to produce the hormones necessary for optimal body function.
The source of iodine for the human body is the diet. The body doesn’t produce iodine naturally, which means we need to consume it through the food we eat or supplements. Some rich sources of iodine include seafood, dairy products, and iodized salt.
Interestingly, the thyroid has a unique ability to absorb iodine from the blood and incorporate it into the thyroid hormones. This process highlights the intricate interplay between iodine and thyroid function, and how a deficiency in iodine can directly impact thyroid health.
A lack of iodine in the diet can result in insufficient production of thyroid hormones. Over time, this can lead to hypothyroidism, a condition marked by an underactive thyroid. It is this intimate link between iodine deficiency and hypothyroidism that underscores the importance of iodine in our diet. (3)
