Iodine's primary role is to keep the thyroid gland healthy and manufacturing sufficient thyroxine, a hormone that is needed throughout the body. About 50 to 60 percent of the body's iodine is stored in the thyroid gland, the rest is distributed throughout the body, especially in ovaries, breast and prostate tissue, muscles, and blood. Iodine plays an important role in many of the body's functions. Thyroid hormones control proper body metabolism that can influence energy production and body temperature. Thyroid function influences the adrenal glands, reproduction, nerve and muscle function, cellular oxygen use, the health of hair, skin, and bones and the breakdown of fats and proteins. Women require higher iodine amounts during periods of puberty and pregnancy. Insufficient iodine can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, dry skin, increased blood fats, brain fog, bowel irregularity, hoarseness, and delayed reflexes. Iodine is a very effective heavy metal detoxifer of mercury, lead, cadmium, aluminum and bromide.