In brief
A trace element your body needs to make thyroid hormones. It is essential for normal growth and brain growth.
- Plant-based milks are not fortified with iodine, according to healthdirect.
- Too much iodine can cause the same symptoms as too little, including goitre.
- People with a thyroid condition should speak with their doctor before taking an iodine supplement.
How it works
Thyroid hormones help regulate metabolism, and the body needs them for proper bone and brain development during pregnancy and infancy. Without enough iodine the body cannot make enough thyroid hormone, and an enlarged thyroid, called a goitre, is often the first visible sign.
Since 2009, manufactured bread in Australia has been made with iodised salt. healthdirect notes you need more iodine during pregnancy (220 micrograms a day) and breastfeeding (270 micrograms a day), and advises an iodine supplement of 150 micrograms a day during these times.
Food sources
- Seafood
- Eggs
- Seaweed
- Packaged bread
- Dairy foods
From the AskBioMap food guide:
Connections
3 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.
Iodine is linked with
Not getting enough iodine is one cause of an underactive thyroid.
Sources: healthdirect Australia, Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid); NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Iodine fact sheet for consumers
Most bread in Australia and New Zealand must be made with iodised salt.
Iodine is needed for
Your body needs iodine to make thyroid hormones.
Sources: healthdirect Australia, Foods high in iodine; NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Iodine fact sheet for consumers
Sources
Each connection above names its own source. See every source AskBioMap uses.
Summarised from healthdirect and the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Sources read on 13 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.