What essential trace mineral, abundant in seaweed, is fundamental for the synthesis of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)?
Iodine
Iodine is explicitly identified as the single most recognized nutritional requirement for the thyroid gland. This trace mineral is absolutely fundamental because it serves as a necessary component in the chemical synthesis process that results in the production of the critical thyroid hormones, namely thyroxine ($ ext{T}4$) and triiodothyronine ($ ext{T}3$). Without adequate levels of iodine, the thyroid cannot fulfill its function of hormone production, which directly leads to metabolic disturbances such as hypothyroidism, characterized by symptoms like fatigue and cognitive sluggishness. Magnesium and iron are important minerals found in seaweed, but they do not play this specific, direct role in thyroid hormone synthesis. Fucoxanthin is an antioxidant compound, not the structural component required for hormone creation.

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Seaweed as a Superfood - Vitamins, Minerals, Fiber and Protein