Iodine is a chemical element that is required by the body, but that the body is unable to make itself. It must be absorbed through nutrition or supplementation. Iodine is necessary to the thyroid gland for hormone production. Iodine deficiency presents itself as a goiter, or enlarged thyroid gland in the neck. Other side effects of deficiency can include the inability to ovulate in women, which can result in long-term infertility, autoimmune disease of the thyroid, and mental retardation in developing fetuses. According to Medline Plus.gov, some researchers believe it also raises the risk of many types of cancers.
Salt
Iodine deficiency is considered a worldwide health problem, according to Medline Plus.gov. Many governments have instituted acts requiring iodized salt to be available in most food markets. Iodized salt is an iodine-enriched salt that can be added to foods.
Sea Products
The ocean is the main source of iodine in the world. Sea fish and sea weeds such as kelp are food sources that contain high levels of iodine. According to MedlinePlus.gov, sea bass, cod, haddock and perch are some of the best sea fish sources of iodine. Shrimp can also be a good alternative.
Plants
Some vegetables and cereal grains can also be a good source of iodine. This is entirely dependent on the soil in which these plants are grown. If the soil has a high iodine level, then the plants developed in it will also contain high levels of this element. Cow's milk and dairy products developed from it can also be a good source of iodine if the cows are grain fed or grass fed from plants that have high levels of iodine. Check the nutrition information on these products for their iodine levels.
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