Which mineral is crucial for thyroid function?

Iodine is a critical mineral for thyroid function primarily because it is an essential component of thyroid hormones, specifically thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play a vital role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development. The thyroid gland absorbs iodine from the bloodstream to synthesize these hormones, which are necessary for normal physiological functioning. A deficiency in iodine can lead to hypothyroidism and conditions such as goiter or other thyroid-related disorders.

While other minerals, such as selenium and zinc, contribute to the overall health of the thyroid and help in the conversion and utilization of thyroid hormones, they do not have the same direct role in hormone synthesis that iodine does. Calcium primarily impacts bone health and does not have a direct effect on thyroid hormone production. Therefore, iodine is unequivocally the most crucial mineral specifically linked to thyroid function.