Iodine (your friend in fall-out)

Our 8th nutrient mineral (in alphabetical order). Chemical symbol, ‘I’. Naturally occurring. Abundant in the oceans, sea animals and sea plants. First discovered in 1812 (in kelp). It was extracted and named iodine because of its violet colour (ion being Greek for violet). Crucial part of the thyroid hormones which monitor our energy levels.

Anyone eating large quantities of cruciferous vegetables should consider an iodine supplement.

Functions/Benefits
Healthy thyroid.
Regulation of metabolism.
Energy production.
Relieves pain of fibrocystic breasts.
Protects against toxic effects from radioactive materials.
Prevents goitre.
Natural antiseptic.
Physical and mental development.
Healthy hair, nails, skin, teeth.
Protects against toxic effects from radioactive materials.

Deficiency Symptoms
Goitre.
Hypothyroidism (an under-active thyroid) - which causes chronic fatigue, apathy, dry skin, intolerance to cold, weight gain, and thyroid enlargement.

Food sources
Garlic. Mushrooms. Seafood (haddock and other white fish). Seaweeds. Kelp.

US RDA: 80-150mcg (adults)
EU RDA: 150mcg (adults)
Supplementation is rare.

Toxicity
Toxic in high doses and may aggravate or cause acne. Large doses may interfere with hormone activity.