Post Views: 467 Iodine, also called iodide, is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil and ocean waters. About 70 -80% of the total iodine (15 -20 mg) found in the human body is present in the thyroid gland.  Iodine derives its nutritional importance as a constituent of thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones are indispensable for normal growth and development in humans. An adequate quantity of iodine is essential in the diet to ensure the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.  Why is iodine essential to the human body? Iodine is an essential part of the thyroid hormones – thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play a key role…