What is the role of iodine in nutrition?

Iodine plays a crucial role in nutrition primarily because it is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which are vital for regulating metabolism, growth, and development in the human body. Specifically, two important hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), are synthesized in the thyroid gland using iodine. These hormones rely on adequate iodine intake to be produced effectively, which in turn impacts a variety of physiological functions, including energy metabolism and the overall metabolic rate.

Deficiency in iodine can lead to thyroid-related issues, such as goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland) and hypothyroidism, which can manifest as fatigue, weight gain, and developmental delays in children. This underscores the necessity of iodine in the diet, as it is not produced by the body, and must be obtained through food sources, particularly iodized salt, seafood, and dairy products.

The other options are not aligned with the primary function of iodine. While the body does need various nutrients for calcium absorption and antioxidant processes, these are not roles fulfilled by iodine. Hence, understanding the essential role of iodine in hormone production helps highlight its significance in human nutrition.