Iodine is a necessary component for the synthesis of thyroid hormones and the role of iodine is accentuated by thyroid hormones.
Firstly, thyroid hormones promote growth, physical growth and the development and differentiation of the nervous system in children.
Secondly, thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, promoting protein synthesis, sugar absorption and utilisation and fat breakdown.
Thirdly, thyroid hormones can promote the absorption and utilisation of many nutrients, such as the conversion of carotene into vitamin A which is then absorbed by the body, etc. Thyroid hormones affect almost every system in the body to varying degrees, making iodine important for children.