Iodine

What is iodine?

Iodine is an essential building block for the formation of thyroid hormones in the human body. Once absorbed into the thyroid, it is incorporated into the hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). The iodine-containing thyroid hormones are indispensable for the human body. They regulate basal metabolic rate, body temperature, and all metabolic processes. In addition, they affect physical and mental development, cell growth, physical performance, and ultimately the psyche.

Germany - an iodine deficiency zone.

The consequences of decades of mild iodine deficiency in Germany are estimated to cost up to EUR2 billion. While the World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed the iodine intake in Germany as significantly improved, there is still mild iodine deficiency (Level I), which could be avoided in many cases by effective preventive measures, namely a sufficient iodine supply.

Since the EU has no uniform legislation on iodine intake and Germany has likewise as yet not introduced a comprehensive iodine nutrition plan, it is up to each person to consume sufficient amounts of this essential trace element.