Aside from potassium, calcium, and magnesium, some people may overlook other essential nutrients vital for supporting overall health.
What are the most prominent among them?
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The "Cleveland Clinic" website in the US explained that iodine plays a vital role in several bodily functions, including:
Supporting thyroid health
Iodine helps produce thyroid hormones, which in turn regulate the following:
Body temperature
Brain development and mental activity
Breathing
Heart health
Metabolism and digestion
Promoting brain development before and after birth
Thyroid hormones support brain growth, development, and cognitive functions from the fetal stage in the womb through later years of life.
Supporting cognitive functions in children
If a child is a picky eater or follows a restricted diet, it is important to ensure they receive an adequate amount of iodine. The Cleveland Clinic website noted that an iodine deficiency can affect the development of a child's thinking and cognitive skills.
Preventing and treating fibrocystic breast changes
An iodine deficiency can cause fibrocystic breast changes, which is a common benign condition among women of childbearing age. This condition typically presents as painful lumps along with increased sensitivity in breast tissue.
Disinfecting skin wounds
Iodine is available as a topical antiseptic called "povidone-iodine," commonly used on minor cuts and burns to kill bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
But what about its sources?
In food
Iodine is naturally present in soil and the ocean, making it widely available in fish and seafood, as well as dairy products, eggs, and soy-based foods.
Iodized salt
Iodine is commonly added to table salt, but it is important to check the label to ensure it contains it.
Dietary supplements
Multivitamins and prenatal vitamins may contain varying amounts of iodine. Dedicated single-ingredient iodine supplements are also available.
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