Iodine helps to make thyroid hormones in the body.

Iodine regulates many important biochemical reactions including protein synthesis and enzymatic activity. They are also required for proper skeletal and central nervous system development in foetuses and infants. There can be an increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children associated with mild- moderate maternal iodine deficiency due to which it can reduce IQ by about 12–13.5 points.