BRAIN development, particularly in the first TRIMESTER of pregnancy.Iodine increases the RISK of retarded brain development in children (cretinism), mental slowness, high cholesterol, lethargy, fatigue, depression, weight gain, and goiter.Iodine is a component of almost EVERY living plant and animal. No standard measurements of iodine in food exist because iodine CONCENTRATIONS vary across the world.Foods from the sea contain the most iodine, followed by animal foods, then plant foods. Food Samples for Iodine Content.