Iodine is a vital micronutrient essential for human health, playing a pivotal role in thyroid gland function which directly affects energy metabolism, body temperature, and immune and nervous system functions. The German Society for Endocrinology highlights iodine's necessity for the production of thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate various vital processes including brain activity, cell growth, heart rate, and energy consumption. According to the World Health Organization, iodine is also crucial for brain development during pregnancy and early childhood, with deficiency being a leading globally preventable cause of intellectual disability.

The body's iodine requirements vary with age, gender, and health status, making it extremely important for pregnant women and nursing mothers, as well as during childhood. A deficiency in iodine can lead to severe mental impairment in children. The article underscores the necessity for adequate iodine intake, particularly noting that dietary sources are critical since the body cannot synthesize iodine independently. As such, awareness about the importance of iodine-rich foods in one's diet is emphasized, especially for vulnerable populations such as women of reproductive age and young children.