Iodine

Needed only in trace amounts, iodine helps to metabolize excess fat and is important for physical and mental development. It is also needed for a healthy thyroid gland and for the prevention of goiter. Iodine dificiency in children may result in mental retardation. In addition, iodine deficiency has been linked to breast cancer and is associated with with fatigue, neonatal hypothyroidism, and weight gain.