Description/Etiology
Iodine is an essential microelement that is found naturally in the environment, primarily in the form of iodide (for additional information on iodine, see Evidence-Based Care Sheet ... Iodine). It is required for the synthesis of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are necessary for proper development of the nervous system (especially during the fetal period and the first 3 years of life), physical growth and sexual development, and metabolism and energy regulation.