Iodine, is a chemical element that is required as a trace element for most living organisms. Iodine is also used in medicine, photography and in dyes.

Iodine, derived from the Greek: "ioeides", or violet, is a violet coloured solid that sublimates at standard temperatures into a blue-violet gas that has a distinctive odor.

The element was discovered in 1811 by Barnard Courtois, who was involved in the manufacture of saltpeter, at the time. knowledge of this substance has come to include the host of benefits it brings to the body as an essential nutrient.

Getting enough Iodine naturally in one's daily diet was difficult in certain remote areas that had no access to seafoods. Unfortunately, this is still the case in some developing nations.

Since the introduction of iodized salt, meeting the daily Iodine requirement has become almost effortless and inexpensive in the industrialized nations. In these nations Iodine Deficiency is now quite rare. As developing nations are able to make the shift to iodized salt, their rates of Iodine Deficiency and the Health problems associated with it have also begun to decrease.

Iodine mainly serves the body through its interactions with the thyroid gland. Approximately 80% of the Iodine found in the body is located in the thyroid. With the help of Iodine, the thyroid is able to produce its hormones, thyroxine and triodothyronine. These hormones play a major part in regulating processes relating to growth and development of the body, and also influence the maturation of the reproductive system.

Because of its influence on the activities of the thyroid gland, Iodine plays a great role in the basic metabolism processes and levels in the body. It helps to enable the body to efficiently burn calories and prevent excess calories from being stored as more fat than the body needs. It has a role in maintaining the energy level of the body and in helping the skin, teeth, nails and hair to he strong and healthy. Iodine also helps to destroy toxins throughout the body, and assists the body to use both calcium and silicone.

A Deficiency in Iodine can negatively affect the Health and functioning of the body and mind in many ways, some of which are more serious than others. The symptoms of Iodine Deficiency that affect the mind range from feelings of frustration, anxiety, depression and mental retardation stemming from an IQ point decrease of up to 15 points.

The World Health Organization places Iodine Deficiency as one of the leading causes of mental retardation worldwide relating to such diseases as cretinism, which includes serious physical malformations.

Physical symptoms of Iodine Deficiency can include dry, scaly skin, fatigue, constipation, unusual weight gain, impaired thyroid operation, goiters, decreased fertility, increased rate of stillbirth, and severe growth abnormalities.

Iodized salt is so inexpensive, it should be spread throughout the poverty centers of the developing nations and the needless suffering of millions could be alleviated.

The average daily requirement of Iodine ranges from 40 Micrograms per day for infants up to 150-200 Micrograms of Iodine per day for adults.

Pregnant women need 175 micrograms of Iodine per day and lactating mothers should have 200 micrograms daily. A half teaspoon of iodized salt contains 190 micrograms of Iodine.

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