Iodine is an essential element needed for the production of thyroid hormones. Since the body does not naturally produce iodine, iodine is necessary in the human diet.

In the early 1920’s, iodine deficiency was quite common in the United States and Canada. The practice of fortifying granulated table salts with iodine helped to prevent thyroid disease.

In most countries today, iodine is available in many of the foods that are produced and processed, such as breads, cheese, milk, eggs, sea vegetables, yogurt, fish and shellfish. By eating these types of foods, the necessary amount of iodine is consumed; therefore, the use of iodized salt may not be required.