Iodine is needed to make thyroid hormones, which are necessary for maintaining normal metabolism in all cells of the body. Processed food may contain added iodized salt. Iodine is frequently found in dairy products . Vegetables grown in iodine-rich soil also contain this mineral. People who avoid dairy , seafood , processed food, and iodized salt can become deficient.
Iodine deficiency can cause low thyroid function , goiter , and cretinism.
If this trend continues, iodine deficiency diseases may become more common. Since the introduction of iodized salt, iodine supplements are unnecessary and not recommended for most people. The average diet provides about four times the recommended amount of iodine, which may result in health problems. In fact, goiter, traditionally a disease of iodine deficiency, is now linked sometimes to high iodine intake. Also, speculations of an iodine link to thyroid cancer have been reported.