iodine

In the past, iodine was a crucial element in combating iodine deficiency diseases and supporting thyroid function. For centuries, iodine has been used in various cultures to prevent deficiency symptoms. In many regions, iodine was first introduced through the consumption of seaweed such as kelp, as these are naturally rich in iodine. Especially in iodine-deficient areas, the use of iodized foods and dietary supplements was vital to prevent health problems such as hypothyroidism. Even today, Germany is a known iodine-deficient area, with around one in three people affected. Supplementing the diet with iodine-rich foods or dietary supplements is therefore of great importance to meet the body's need for this essential trace element, as the body cannot produce iodine itself. This historical use of iodine demonstrates the importance of the element for human health and the need for a continuous iodine intake.