Iodine

Iodine is an essential trace element that is vital to the function of the thyroid gland. Iodine is a component of the thyroid hormones that determine the metabolic rate of the body. Thyroid hormones are vital for growth and development of all organs, especially the brain, reproductive organs, nerves, bones, skin, hair, nails and teeth. The thyroid is involved in protein manufacture, cholesterol synthesis, carbohydrate absorption and the conversion of carotene to vitamin A. The thyroid hormone is an important regulator of body weight.