(CNN)-- Aside from potassium, calcium, and magnesium, some people may overlook other essential nutrients for overall health.

What are the most prominent ones?

The American website 'Cleveland Clinic' explained that iodine plays a vital role in many bodily functions, including:

Supporting thyroid health

Iodine helps produce thyroid hormones, which in turn help regulate the following:

Body temperature

Brain development and mental activity

Breathing

Heart health

Metabolism and digestion

Promoting brain growth before and after birth

Thyroid hormones support brain growth, development, and cognitive functions from fetal development in the womb to later years.

Supporting cognitive functions in children

If a child is a picky eater or follows a restricted diet, it is important to ensure they get enough iodine. The American website 'Cleveland Clinic' explained that iodine deficiency may affect the development of their thinking and cognitive skills.

Preventing and treating fibrocystic breast changes

Iodine deficiency can cause fibrocystic breast changes, a common benign condition among women of reproductive age. It usually appears as painful lumps with increased breast tissue sensitivity.

Cleaning skin wounds

Iodine is available as a topical antiseptic called povidone-iodine, commonly used on minor cuts and burns to kill bacteria and reduce infection risk.

But what about its sources?

In food

Iodine is naturally present in soil and the ocean, making it available in fish and seafood, as well as dairy products, eggs, and soy-based foods.

Iodized salt

Iodine is commonly added to table salt, but you should check the label to ensure it contains it.

Dietary supplements

Multivitamins and prenatal vitamins may contain iodine. Supplements dedicated solely to iodine are also available.

Daily requirement

Adults need about 140 micrograms of iodine per day, according to the official website of the Saudi Ministry of Health.

But excessive intake may cause the following:

Changes in thyroid function, such as enlargement, inflammation, or thyroid cancer

Stomach pain

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

The American website 'Cleveland Clinic' noted that iodine can interact with certain medications, including:

ACE inhibitors: commonly used to treat high blood pressure.

Antithyroid medications: commonly used to treat hyperthyroidism

Potassium-sparing diuretics