Iodine is an essential mineral needed to produce thyroid hormones. It regulates metabolism and is obtained through foods like seafood, dairy, and iodized salt. Without enough iodine, the thyroid gland can become underactive or overactive, leading to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Iodine is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and used by the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, with excess excreted in urine.