| What are the benefits? |
| Iodine is needed to form two thyroid hormones, which help regulate the metabolic rate. This is the rate at which our bodies break down and convert food from the diet into energy for the body. Iodine is also important for normal physical and mental development. |
| What are the natural food sources? |
| Iodine is naturally present in seawater so saltwater fish and shellfish are generally good sources of Iodine. Other foods containing Iodine include iodised salt, sea salt, kelp, asparagus, garlic, mushrooms, sesame seeds, soybeans, turnip greens and milk(in the U.K). |
| How much do you need? |
| The recommended daily allowance for iodine is 150mcg daily. |
| Are you liklely to be deficient? |
| Only small amounts of iodine are needed by the body. Iodine deficiency has been associated with fatigue, goiter and weight gain. Intakes of less than 70 mcg per day may induce deficiency. |
| Are you taking too much? |
| Excessive intake of iodine may cause a metallic taste and sores in the mouth, swollen salivary glands, diarrhoea and vomiting. |
| Are there any interactions? |
| Iodine should not be used if you have certain medical conditions, and some prescription medicines may be affected by iodine. |
