Minerals: Iodine
Iodine is required for:
- Synthesis of thyroid hormones
- Thyroid hormones regulate key metabolic reactions associated with body temperature, resting metabolic rate, metabolism, and reproduction and growth
Food sources of iodine:
- Sea fish, shell fish, and seaweed (e.g. nori in sushi, kombu (can be used in soups or casseroles) or wakame)
- Iodised salt (do not use other salt, e.g. rock salt, sea salt, and garlic salt)
Iodine is only required in small amounts, but iodine in New Zealand produced foods is low as soil in New Zealand is low in iodine. Although kelp is a source of iodine, kelp or seaweed tablets are not recommended as their iodine content is variable. Since September 2009 all breads are fortified with iodised salt; however this does not include pizza bases, breadcrumbs, pastries, cakes, biscuits, or crackers.