Functions of Iodine

Iodine is one of the essential micronutrients required for normal growth and development of the human brain and body.

This trace mineral is present in a minute amount,accounting for approximately 0.00004 percent of body weight.The body contains a total of 15 to 23 mg of iodine. Over 75 percent of this is present in thyroid gland. The rest is distributed in salivary, mammary and gastric glands and the kidneys. Within the circulation, iodine occurs either in the form of free iodide ions (I) or as protein-bound iodine (PBI).

Functions :

Iodine plays an important role in the synthesis of triiodothyronine and thyroxin. The thyroid hormones play a major role in regulating growth and development. They can stimulate the metabolic rate by as much as 30 percent, resulting in an increased rate of oxygen use and increased generation of heat.

The activities of the thyroid hormones are critical for the normal development of the brain.They increase the proliferation of brain cells and regulate other processes involved in brain function.Thyroid hormones are important from the 4th month of intranterine life to the third year of postnatal life.Hypothyroidism (in which insufficient thyroid hormones are produced) is associated with defective and disorganised development of the brain, resulting in serious impairment of brain function.

Thyroid hormones regulate the conversion of carotene into active vitamin A,the synthesis of protein and the absorption of carbohydrate from the intestine. High cholesterol levels are associated with hypothyroidism, whereas hypothyroidism leads to low levels of cholesterol.

Thyroxin is also known to be essential for reproduction.

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https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51533818_The_role_of_iodine_in_human_growth_and_development

and "Nutrition Science" by B. Srilakshmi

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