Boosts immunity
Iodine is an essential mineral needed for the proper function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones that are responsible for regulating metabolism and helping the body produce certain enzymes responsible for immunity. It is also necessary for the synthesis of thyroxine, which is a hormone that helps to regulate body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. A lack of iodine can lead to goiter, hypothyroidism, and reduced immunity.
Iodine has been shown to boost immunity in both animals and humans. Iodine deficiency has been linked to a decrease in white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infection. In one study, rats that were given iodine had a higher number of white blood cells than rats that were not given iodine. Iodine has also been shown to increase the production of antibodies, which help to protect against infection.