Iodine is a mineral that our body uses in the hormones responsible for metabolism, growth and development (1). It occurs naturally in ocean water and (in trace amounts) in soil. In our diet, we can get iodine by eating shrimp, seaweed, and a variety of dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese. It is also included as an additive in some foods. If you see salt that has been “iodized,” that means it has iodine added to it.

Iodine is needed in all stages of life. Just five milligrams of iodine could last the body 70 years (2). However, we don’t store it for a particularly long amount of time, so it’s important to have tiny doses regularly. We included iodine in Future Proof for its role in hormone production and its importance for lifelong wellness.

Produces essential hormones so they’re available as you need them

The thyroid is a gland in your neck that plays a vital role in metabolism, the complex functions your body does to turn the food you eat into energy. Many different hormones for other systems in your body are produced in the thyroid gland as well. Iodine is needed to create essential thyroid hormones and plays a role in limiting how quickly they are produced (3). Iodine is absorbed by our gut and our body converts it into an easy-to-use form. We store most of our iodine in the thyroid, but because it doesn’t last long, we need to replenish it in our bodies regularly.

Benefits many functions of day-to-day life

Thyroid hormones are important to so many different systems in our body. Our weight is affected since these hormones regulate how fast our food is digested. They can slow down or speed up our heart rate as needed. They even play a role in replacing worn-out cells with new ones in our body. Since iodine is needed to produce these essential thyroid hormones, this micronutrient plays an indirect role in the health of many of the body’s essential functions.

100% of your daily value

The recommended dietary intake (RDA) of iodine for adults is 150 micrograms (mcg). There is evidence to suggest pregnant and breast-feeding women may want to consider increasing this amount as iodine plays an important role in the brain’s development for a fetus and a baby (4). In Future Proof, we include 150 mcg sourced from kelp, which is 100 percent of the RDA.

Taking too much iodine can cause nausea, fever, and stomach pains. In particularly high doses it might result in inflammation of the thyroid gland.

Disclaimer: It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before you take any type of supplement. And if you experience any negative side effects when you are taking one, contact a healthcare expert immediately.

References

1. Iodine and thyroid function - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information
2. Iodine, Iodine metabolism and Iodine deficiency disorders revisited - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information
3. Iodine consumption and cognitive performance: Confirmation of adequate consumption - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information
4. Iodine consumption and cognitive performance: Confirmation of adequate consumption - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information
5. Iodine consumption and cognitive performance: Confirmation of adequate consumption - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information