Iodine is the essential ingredient in thyroid hormone synthesis. So if deficient, protein synthesis will be disturbed. Thyroid hormones have two major physiological effects. They increase protein synthesis in virtually every body tissue and increase oxygen consumption dependent upon Na⁺ -K⁺ ATPase (Na pump). The thyroid gland needs Iodine to synthesize thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), hormones that regulate metabolism and steer growth and development. Thyroid hormones are essential for life as they regulate key biochemical reactions, especially protein synthesis and enzymatic activities, in target organs such as are the developing brain, muscle, heart, pituitary and kidney; thus Iodine is critically important to the developing fetus.

Iodine transport damage can be corrected, in part, by administration
of reasonably high doses of ascorbic acid or more natural Vitamin C.