The function of the thyroid glands is driven largely by iodine, since iodine helps in the production of the thyroid hormones. An undersupply of iodine can lead to multiple complications associated with hypothyroidism. Therefore iodine supplements are highly beneficial. Iodine supplements can benefit a person by preventing goiters, regulating metabolism, promoting the overall health of the body by helping the thyroid to function properly, improving the strength of muscles and nerves, promoting physical energy, metabolizing excess fat and enhancing mental development and proper growth. Apart from these benefits, iodine supplements also help in promoting healthy nails, skin, teeth and hair and are also very important in the developmental cycles of infants and fetuses. Iodine supplements also play a big role in treating and preventing hypothyroidism and cretinism. It has also been used successfully in treating fibrocystic breasts and is beneficial as a douche for vaginitis since it reduces vaginal swelling, discharge and itching. In some cases, iodine supplements are used topically in soothing damaged skin and for healing wounds and burns. One of the most critical benefits of iodine supplements is that it prevents certain types of mental retardations in a developing fetus. It also determines how quickly calories are burned, thereby preventing excess weight gain and increasing overall health.