Iodine is an essential mineral, a very high percentage of people are iodine deficient, according to Dr. David Brownstein, author of "Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can't Live Without It." People take Lugols Iodine for various benefits, such as to increase energy, boost the immune system and promote detoxification. They also take it for the thyroid gland, as the thyroid requires iodine to function normally. Lugol's iodine solution is often used as an antiseptic and disinfectant, for emergency disinfection of drinking water. These uses are possible since the solution is a source of effectively free elemental iodine, which is readily generated from the equilibration between elemental iodine molecules and triiodide ion in the solution. It is supplemented with for iodine deficiency. Lugols Iodine was used in the Chernobyl disaster as an emergency source of iodide to block radioactive iodine uptake, it was widely available as a drinking water decontaminant Iodine and clear thinking A function of Iodine in the human body relates to clear thinking. Iodine is linked with normal cognitive function. This is the process in the brain responsible for memory, attention, learning, reasoning, and decision making. Not only does Iodine play an important role in the brain. Iodine & Thyroid Iodine contributes to the normal production of thyroid hormones and normal thyroid function. It is well established that the Iodine content of the thyroid gland is dependent upon the Iodine available in the food and water intake of the individual. If the Iodine intake is low, the gland is deprived of the element it needs to do its work. If you are having problems with your thyroid, contact your healthcare professional. They can provide thyroid function tests which can identify the cause of your problem.