More than 60 percent of iodine (EYE-uh-dine) in the body is
found in the thyroid (THIGH-royd) gland, located near the
throat. Thyroid hormones control energy metabolism, body
temperature, reproduction, and growth. Iodine deficiency causes
the thyroid to greatly enlarge, a condition known as 'goiter'
(GOY-ter). Today, iodine deficiencies are relatively rare. Dairy
cattle are fed products containing iodine, which is transferred
to their milk. Some bakeries use iodine as a dough stabilizer,
which is in the bread. Other dietary sources of iodine include
fresh saltwater fish and seafood. Peopleused to eat iodized
salt, but this appears to be no longer necessary for most
Americans. Some people are sensitive to iodine and break out in
a rash if they eat too much of it, and in large amounts, iodine
can be poisonous.