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Iodine

Iodine is an essential trace mineral that supports thyroid hormone production, energy regulation, and healthy growth and development.

💎 What is Iodine?

Iodine is a mineral needed in small amounts for proper thyroid function, metabolism, and hormone balance. Having a deficiency in iodine means your body does not have enough of this mineral to support energy, growth, and thyroid health, which may lead to fatigue, imbalance, or slowed function.

🤔 Why do I have a deficiency to Iodine?

  • Low dietary intake: Not eating enough iodine-rich foods like seafood or iodized salt.

  • Soil depletion: Foods grown in low-iodine soil may not provide enough.

  • Imbalance with other minerals: Excess calcium, fluoride, or bromine can block iodine use.

  • Increased demand: Pregnancy, growth, or stress may raise iodine needs.

  • Absorption issues: Certain conditions can reduce how well iodine is absorbed.

🛠️ What can I do about it?

  • 🧂 Use iodized salt: An easy way to increase dietary iodine.

  • 🥗 Eat iodine-rich foods: Include seafood, seaweed, and dairy.

  • ⚖️ Balance minerals: Avoid excess intake of competing minerals that block iodine.

  • 📒 Monitor intake: Track diet to make sure you’re meeting iodine needs.

  • 🧘 Support thyroid health: Stress management and nutrient balance help thyroid function.

💊 Supplements that support a deficiency to Iodine?

  • Iodine (potassium iodide or kelp-based): Direct supplementation to restore levels.

  • Selenium: Supports thyroid hormone conversion and works with iodine.
    zinc & selenium

  • Zinc: Helps regulate thyroid function alongside iodine.

  • Vitamin A: Supports thyroid hormone signaling and metabolism.

🔍 How can I have a deficiency to Iodine if I take it all the time?

Even with supplementation, iodine deficiency can still occur because multiple factors influence absorption and use.

  • Poor absorption: The body may not fully absorb iodine from supplements.

  • Mineral competition: High intake of bromine, fluoride, or calcium may block iodine activity.

  • Increased demand: Growth, pregnancy, or stress may raise iodine needs beyond intake.

  • Thyroid imbalance: The thyroid may not efficiently use iodine even when present.

🚫 Foods to Avoid with an Iodine Deficiency

  • Excess soy products (may interfere with thyroid function)

  • Cruciferous vegetables in large amounts (broccoli, cabbage, kale — can reduce iodine uptake)

  • Processed foods with non-iodized salt

  • High-fluoride or bromine-rich foods/contaminants (can block iodine use)

🥗 Foods that Support an Iodine Deficiency

  • Seaweed (kelp, nori, wakame)

  • Fish and seafood (cod, shrimp, tuna)

  • Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)

  • Eggs

  • Iodized salt