Though our bodies don't require large amounts of iodine, its role in our organism is far from insignificant. Iodine is necessary for normal thyroid function and for production of thyroid hormones. Women and children suffer from iodine deficiency more often than men.

Lack of iodine leads to endemic goiter, development delays and stunted growth.

Iodine deficiency mostly occurs in countries with iodine-poor soil. The main food source of iodine is iodized salt. Seafood is especially rich in iodine. Other sources are kelp and vegetables grown in iodine-rich soil.