NPN | The A-Z of Vitamins: Iodine

What is Iodine?

In addition to vitamins, it’s crucial to make sure you’re getting enough of the essential nutrients your body needs to thrive. Enter iodine, an essential trace mineral that’s vital for the proper functioning of your thyroid gland. For those who aren’t familiar, your thyroid gland produces the hormones that regulate your metabolism and other important bodily functions. If you’re not getting enough iodine, your thyroid gland can’t produce these hormones, which can lead to a range of health problems.

In addition to ensuring the proper functioning of your thyroid gland, iodine has a range of other health benefits. It helps to support a healthy immune system, maintain healthy skin and nails, and promote healthy brain development in infants and young children. Getting enough iodine is important for people of all ages.

Where can I find it?

Fortunately, iodine is widely available in a balanced diet, and most of us will get enough of this nutrient from foods like seaweed, fish, dairy products, and eggs. However, for some people, it can be difficult to get enough iodine from food alone, and in those cases, supplements can be helpful.

This is where your local pharmacy can help. Your community pharmacy team can offer a range of iodine supplements, helping you to ensure you’re getting enough of this essential nutrient. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider buying iodine supplements at your local pharmacy:

Convenient location

Your local pharmacy is likely just a few miles away, making it a convenient option for people who can’t take time off work. Plenty of pharmacies offer late opening hours, or are open over the weekend, so you can easily pop in to pick up your iodine supplements when it’s convenient for you. Use our pharmacy finding tool to quickly check the opening hours of your nearest pharmacy.

Knowledgeable staff

The staff at your local pharmacy are highly trained and knowledgeable about the supplements they stock. They can offer advice on the appropriate use of iodine supplements and answer any questions you may have about potential interactions with medications.

Safe and reliable products

When you buy iodine supplements at your local pharmacy, you can be confident that you’re getting a safe and reliable product. All supplements sold in pharmacies must meet strict quality standards, ensuring that they are safe and effective.

Should I be taking Iodine supplements?

It depends on your individual needs. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an underactive thyroid, you may be at risk of iodine deficiency and supplements might be helpful. Pop in to your local pharmacy today and ask them for advice on whether you’re at risk and to provide guidance on the appropriate supplementation.

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For a healthy body all year round, check out your nearest chemist and have a chat with a friendly pharmacist to get to grips with the vitamins and minerals your body needs to work at full capacity on a daily basis.