Iodine is an essential element for the production of thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone is produced by the thyroid gland located in the lower front of the human neck. Iodine molecules in the blood play the role of precursors in the production of this much essential hormone.
 

Thyroid hormone is very important for our body as it majorly and most importantly gets mixed in the blood stream and is carried to the heart, muscles, brain, and every other organ. It is essential to regulate normal functioning of all body organs, and this necessitates the presence of appropriate amounts of iodine in the diet. Hence, it is necessary to include good dose of iodine in our diet.
 

Iodine deficiency could lead to low production of thyroid hormone, which in turn could lead to all kinds of problems in the vital organs of the body. Some common sources of iodine are cow’s milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, iodized salt, soy milk, soy sauce, shell fish, and seaweed like kelp. When a person shows early symptoms of iodine deficiency, iodized multivitamins and other supplements are generally prescribed to prevent problems.
 

Iodine deficiency can have severe consequences and cause problems in the proper development of the brain and body. Some of the early symptoms that are indicative of iodine deficiency and thyroid problems in the body are difficulty in swallowing, brittle nails, cold hands and feet, lethargy and fatigue, menstrual irregularities in women, throat pain, or weight gain problems.
 

Other symptoms of iodine deficiency or thyroid-related problems include:

Iodine is important to maintain the health of all vital organs of the body. Preventing iodine deficiency is the best relief from the symptoms. Using iodized salts and consuming iodine-rich food items regularly can help avoid symptoms of this epidemic and dangerous disease.