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Posted March 22, 2011; updated November 2, 2021. Disclaimer The information presented here is for informative and educational purposes only and is not intended as curative or prescriptive advice.
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Update Iodine July 28, 2015 Video:
The 2010 nuclear power plant disasters in Japan alerted people throughout the world that iodine can be used as a medication for persons poisoned by radiation. Now many persons are suddenly embracing iodine in hopes that it will save them from possible nuclear radiation exposure.
The truth of this panic is that they do not need to take iodine if they have not been exposed to radiation. And if they have been exposed then they should be taking potassium iodide under a medical doctor's care.
Prior to the March, 2011 Japanese nuclear plant disaster, iodine was a most forgotten nutritional
requirement. Article by Derry: Iodine forgotten weapon is no longer active.
Iodine was added to table salt in 1924 in an effort to prevent goiter.
Goiter occurs in areas where the soil is deficient in iodine. When there is too little iodine in the diet for the
thyroid gland to produce enough thyroxin hormone, the gland swells up trying
synthesize thyroxin while at the same time trying to capture what
little iodine is available. The gland becomes a
goiter, a visible, noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Some goiters become quite large, as illustrated in the photo.
The emission of iodine radiation particles into the air from Japan's nuclear
power plant disaster has added to the confusion about nutritional
iodine and radiation iodine. This article explores the both types of iodine and iodine's role in maintaining health.
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Iodine Summary
This section is a short-cut summary about iodine information. You can find more details and documentation below.The topic of iodine is loaded with controversy.
The medical perception of
body requirement for iodine is based on the amount of iodine needed to prevent
goiter and goes back to 1924. Dosage: The normal
daily requirement of the body for iodine has never been determined. In this
absence, the optimal daily requirement for iodine has been estimated at 6 mg of
iodide for the thyroid gland and 5 mg of iodine for the mammary glands.
The point here is that
majority of doctors perceive that iodine is needed only to prevent goiter!
The amount needed to prevent goiter is not the same as the amount needed
for the rest of the body organs and tissues. Every
cell in the body needs iodine.
Forms of iodine:
There are two major kinds of iodine that are important:
"iodide"
form of iodine is recognized by the thyroid gland while the
other form of iodine is needed by mammary and other glands.
We need a supplement that has both forms
of iodine. Iodized salt does not
have both.
Iodine doctor Dr. David Derry, MD, of
Victoria, B.C., Canada, says that, “Dietary iodine found in iodized salt is
below the amounts needed to fill mucus defense roles.
To protect themselves, people wishing to boost their
defense against infections should supplement their diets with iodine.”
This is kind of complicated because of
missing information. Apparently, when
there is an ample amount of iodine in the body, then mucus tissues of the nose,
lungs and bronchial tree have the needed amount of iodine to attack bacteria and
even viruses in a natural immune manner. The
defense mechanism is triggered! This is
what Dr. Derry implies when he refers to “fill mucus defense roles.”
When researchers find that over 90% of
persons are deficient in iodine, then this may help explain why we have such a
high rate of chronic diseases and disorders today. The
primary contributing cause may be iodine deficiency!
Prevention approach:
Iodine works as an internal body germ fighter only if the iodine form is
present in the mucous membranes. RDA: Reference Daily Intake (Recommended Daily Intake), previously RDA is totally inadequate. It is difficult, if not impossible, to get adequate amount of iodine from a daily diet. This is a major controversy.Dosage: There is some controversy about the actual amount of iodine essential for the thyroid gland and also for the rest of the body. The following viewpoint of Dr. Derry is a good guide: "How much iodine is enough? It has been shown that daily doses of iodine above two to three milligrams per day (about half a drop from a standard eyedropper) saturate the thyroid within a couple of weeks. At this point, the thyroid gland stops taking up iodine. This means that at a dietary intake above two to three milligrams, all of the iodine goes to all its other functions in the body, such as killing off abnormal cells." Derry: iodine-thyroid-cancer connection
Goitrogens are substances in our diet [ soft drinks, medicines ] and
environment [ pesticides ] that decrease iodine uptake or interfere with iodine
function. There are many things we,
as a society, do that are stupid and counter-productive…e.g.
interfere with iodine absorption and hence cause ourselves to be
deficient in iodine ... hence more predisposed to infections and diseases.
Lugol’s solution has both forms of iodine; it is in a
liquid form and it is also available in a tablet form known as
Ioderal. Tablets are easier to take than
Lugol’s solution. To prevent gastric
irritation and the unpleasant taste of iodine, the tablets are coated with a
thin film of pharmaceutical glaze.
Two tests … one evaluates for thyroid function or TSH [ blood test ] and the
other measures the amount of iodine in your body [ urine test ]. These are not
the same tests!
TSH [ thyroxin stimulant hormone ] test is the test that most doctors use to
diagnose hypothyroidism. However
this test has been perceived by several researchers as not the best test to
determine the level of iodine in the body.
Iodine loading test:
Iodine clearance test urine normal
values are based on seeing if the person is deficient in iodine or iodide.
A sample of urine is taken as an early
morning void to measure the level of iodine before loading. This is known as a
SPOT test and it establishes the baseline value for the person. Next the patient
is given 50 mg of iodine as a loading dose. A 24-hour urine collection for the
amount of iodine or iodide excreted is taken after this load dose. This test
will also compare the urinary iodine values to the normal creatinine value that
is excreted by the kidney in urine. Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle
metabolism and is an indicator of kidney function.
Clarke: Urine
I clearance test
Sircus:
iodine primer
Shomon:
Derry interview
Iodine loading test, advocated by Abraham, Brownstein and Fleishner, is the
best test to evaluate for the level of iodine in the body and also to determine
the proper dose to prescribe. Make sure that you bring the iodine loading [ urine ] test to the attention of your MD. Finally, you should be under the care of an informed MD when taking iodine as a
supplement.
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Iodine as a health requirement
What is iodine?
Iodine from the Greek word "iodes," means violet or purple; is a chemical
element that has the symbol 'I' and the atomic number 53. Iodine and its
compounds are primarily used in nutrition, the production of acetic acid and
polymers. Iodine has low toxicity, and the ease with which it attaches to organic compounds have made it a part of many
health analyses tests in modern medicine. There are many forms of iodine.
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What's wrong with iodine in America?
Today iodized table salt has been the chief source of iodine in a Western diet. But 45 percent of American households buy salt without iodine, which grocery stores also sell. And over the last three decades people who do use iodized table salt have decreased their consumption of it by 65 percent. [ These buying-using trends may be a public reaction to the salt scare by medical doctors ] Furthermore, the much higher concentrations of chloride in salt (NaCl) inhibits absorption of its sister halogen iodine (the intestines absorb only 10 percent of the iodine present in iodized table salt). As a result, 15 percent of the U.S. adult female population suffers from moderate to severe iodine deficiency, which health authorities define as a urinary iodine concentration less than 50 µg /L. Women with goiters (a visible, noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland), due to iodine deficiency, have been found to have a three times greater incidence of breast cancer. A high intake of iodine is associated with a low incidence breast cancer, and a low intake with a high incidence of breast cancer. Miller: iodine for health Article by Cousens: Iodine is no longer active.
We have a continuing medical-health dilemma! We have conflicting information about iodine ... we are told that too much salt causes cardiovascular problems on the one hand but, on the other hand, that in reducing salt intake we also reduce much needed iodine intake! We are afraid of iodine causing health problems on the one hand and, on the other hand, hesitant in using it to prevent breast lumps [ fibrous tissue ] and cancer and become healthier! While these health issues incubate, our wellbeing stagnates and gets worse and worse!
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New Iodine health benefits:
Iodine [ tincture of iodine ] has been known as a universal antiseptic for 150 years and has few side effects except in high doses. Iodine is an instant universal killer of microorganisms. Iodine [ none tincture ] was introduced into our diets with iodized salt by David Marine in 1920 1924.
A miniscule amount of iodine has, to a large extent, effectively eliminated goiter, cretinism, and mental retardation; which were caused by inadequate iodine in our diet. Articl3e by Derry: Iodine forgotten weapon is no longer active.
Iodine was classified over 50 years ago as an essential trace element for life. Trace implies that just a very little iodine is needed to activate a gland. Most of us, including the medical community, have been lulled into accepting the idea that iodine is needed in very small amounts to prevent goiter. While it is true that a trace amount of iodine prevents goiter, the equally important role of iodine in maintaining the proper function of mammary and other glands, tissues and cells in the body have been overlooked.
Oh yes, our grandparents used tincture of iodine as a germicide! And this is the extent of our knowledge about how iodine affects the human body. If you are one of these persons with this ancient information, then you are living in the past! There is new information that iodine is an essential nutrient and that all body cells need iodine.
UPDATE:
Iodine is found in every cell of the body in trace [microgram ] amounts, but .... many organs in the body require iodine in magadoses to function normally.
Article by Fleisher: Deficiency iodine NHANES is no longer active.
Article by Cousens: Iodine is no longer active.
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A function of iodine in the human body relates
to clear thinking. |
Iodine plays a number of important health roles in the body. The thyroid gland uses it to make thyroxin, with 4 iodine atoms, and triiodothyronine (T3), with three. The active form, T3, regulates metabolism, thermogenesis, and protein synthesis.
Iodine is found in every cell of the body. It is concentrated in the glandular tissue which includes the thyroid, ovaries, uterus, breasts, and probably the prostate. We are having epidemic problems with the thyroid, ovaries, uterus, breasts and the prostate gland. All of these tissues require and utilize iodine for proper functioning.
Other tissues and glands require iodine to function normally, including stomach mucosa, salivary glands, and the thymus gland. Iodine functions as an antioxidant, strengthens the immune system, and suppresses autoimmunity. And it triggers apoptosis, destroying cells that become cancerous and cells infected with viruses. Iodine also removes toxic chemicals from the body – fluoride, bromide, lead, aluminum, and mercury. Iodine is essential for health.
Whole body sufficiency and Orthoiodosupplementation: These are two new terms that are used by the experts on iodine; but for most readers, these terms do not have much meaning. What is whole body sufficiency?
Thyroidologist Dr. Guy Abraham points out that whole body iodine sufficiency occurs when the body is saturated with sufficient iodine to supply all the tissues. Abraham: Orthiodinesupplementation
Whole body sufficiency is the amount of iodine needed to provide adequate amounts of iodine to all body cells and organs so these can function optimally and prevent tissue disorders and diseases. New research points out that preventing goiter with a minimum amount of iodine may prevent goiter but it does not provide additional iodine to the other cells of the body. This would result in iodine deficiency. When the entire body receives all the essential iodine that all tissues and organs need, then the body becomes sufficient in iodine. Abraham concluded that whole body sufficiency exists when a person excretes 90 percent of the iodine ingested [ iodine-loading test ]. Miller: iodine for health
Iodine sufficiency has been associated with a sense of overall well being, lifting of “brain fog,” feeling warmer in cold environments, increased energy, needing less sleep, achieving more in less time, experiencing regular bowel movements and improved skin complexion. Article by Abraham: Iodoral therapy & wellbeing is no longer active.
Orthoiodosupplementation is the daily amount of the essential element iodine that the entire body needs.
Iodine makes other hormones:
Iodine is not only necessary for the production of thyroid hormone, it is also responsible for the production of all of the other hormones of the body.
Article by Fleisher: Deficiency iodine NHANES is no longer active.
Article by Schachter: Iodine role is no longer active.
Iodine needed for immune system:
Adequate iodine levels are necessary for proper immune system function. Iodine contains potent antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Iodine is also effective for treating fibrocystic breasts and ovarian cysts.
Many medical doctors have also found that iodine, with an adequate dosage, can help prevent certain cancers.
Miller: iodine for health Brownstein lists some of the many benefits of iodine and some of the conditions
that would benefit from adequate iodine supplementation. Article by Brownstein: Iodine epidemic is no longer active.
Article by Cousens: Iodine is no longer active.
Iodine needed against microbes:
Iodine circulating in the blood is captured
by many tissue sites and ends up in mucus secretions.
Specific immune tissues include thyroid and salivary
glands, nasal secretions, stomach, and lungs. Collectively,
these tissues and mucus products contain
free iodine which defends against invasion by
bacteria and viruses. Iodine enhances and activates the immune system of the
body. Such iodine activity, in turn, creates a much
larger demand for iodine than previously assumed.
Articlle by Derry: Iodine forgotten weapon is no longer active.
Miller: iodine for health
Article by Schachter: Iodine role is no longer active.
Article by Cousens: Iodine is no longer active.
Dietary iodine insufficient:
Dietary iodine found in iodized salt is below the amounts needed to fill mucus defense roles. To protect themselves against infection, people wishing to boost their
defense against infections and diseases should supplement their diets with the
"iodide" form of iodine in the form of Lugol’s solution, or the Lugol tablet [ under guidance of their health care
provider ]. Most people will probably be protected by an amount of Lugol’s that provides the average amount of iodine ingested by Japanese populations for centuries.
This amount is about 12 mg daily. Two drops of Lugol’s daily in the liquid of their choice will provide 13 mg.
Article by Derry: Iodine forgotten weapon is no longer active. Article by Derry: Weapon against flu & viruses os no longer active.
Nascent iodine has the "iodide" form of iodine that is recognized by the thyroid gland but lacks the "iodine" form of iodine that mammary and other glands need. Those ingesting nascent iodine may not be able to provide enough iodine for optimal well-being.
Iodine prevents cancer:
Iodine prevents cancer by a process that induces apoptosis, or programmed cell death. This process is essential to growth and development (fingers form in the fetus by apoptosis of the tissue between them) and for destroying cells that represent a threat to the integrity of the organism, like cancer cells and cells infected with viruses. Human lung cancer cells with genes spliced into them that enhance iodine uptake and utilization undergo apoptosis and shrink when given iodine, both when grown in vitro outside the body and implanted in mice. Its anti-cancer function may well prove to be iodine's most important extrathyroidal benefit.
Miller: iodine for health
Article by Cousens: Iodine is no longer active.
The Body works orthobiotically: Iodine works best when it is integrated and combined
with other essential nutrients [ co-factors ] like vitamin C, magnesium, tyrosine, and selenium [ although this is an incomplete list of helpful nutrients ].
Like all other nutrients, iodine needs help to be absorbed, circulated and metabolized in the body. Iodine works in concert with other nutrients and not by itself!
Researchers and medical doctors cannot get a clear picture of how iodine
functions unless they view all the iodine co-factors as well.
Summary of benefits from mega doses of Iodine: Artile by Brownstein: Iodine epidemic is no longer active., Article by Derry: Weapon against flu & viruses is no longer active., Miller: iodine for health. Article by Quailwebb: Lugol's iodine is no longer active., Higdon: iodine Linus Pauling Institute Article by Cousens: Iodine is no longer active.
Regulates body processes
n Regulates body metabolism
n Produces many other body hormones
n Suppresses auto-immunity
n May help insulin resistant diabetes to have a partial to full remission
n Strengthens T-cell adaptive immune system
n Enhances mental alertness
n Prevents depression
n May minimize headaches and migraine headaches
n Increases energy
n Protects against abnormal growth of bacteria in stomach
n Protects nose-mouth-sinus invasion of viruses
n Prevents fibrocystic breast disease
n Prevents cancers: breast, prostate, ovaries, thyroid and uterus.
n Prevents ovarian and uterine fibroids
n Regulates body temperature
n Need less sleep
n Improves skin complexion
n More regular bowel movements
n Improves fertility
n Essential for the normal growth and development of children
n May be related to attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
There is controversy as to the dosage required to help iodine become activated in the body, especially in maintaining a healthy immune system, prevent influenza and diseases such as cancer. Abraham: Thyroid fixation Dr. Brownstein said he was using 200 to 300 mg with his prostate and breast cancer patients with those who have metastases needing the highest dosages. He also uses both Lugol’s and Nascent [ iodine ] reserving the Nascent for his more sensitive patients. There are the iodine tablet forms of varying dosage used by numerous iodine doctors. Article by Brownstein: Iodine epidemic is no longer active.
For whatever irrational reason, doctors and patients fear iodine and thus, en mass, do not use or prescribe iodine to its fullest potential.
Abraham: Thyroid fixation
Article by Fleisher: Deficiency iodine NHANES is no longer active. Iodine doctor Dr. David Derry, MD, of Canada
says that, “Dietary iodine found in iodized salt is below the amounts needed to fill mucus defense roles.
To protect themselves, people wishing to boost their defense against infections should supplement their diets with iodine.”
Article by Derry: Iodine forgotten weapon is no longeractive.
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Tincture of iodine:
Iodine [ tincture of iodine ] was used as a very good disinfectant before WWII era, but has since been overlooked as a domestic germicide.
Elemental iodine is used as a disinfectant in various forms:
Tincture of iodine: iodine in ethanol, or iodine and sodium iodide in a mixture of ethanol and water. This is a popular germicide.
Lugol's iodine: iodine and iodide in water alone, forming mostly triiodide. Povidone iodine (an iodophor)Tincture of iodine is a
disinfectant, usually
2-7% elemental
iodine, along
with
potassium iodide
or
sodium iodide,
dissolved in a mixture of
ethanol
and water. Tincture of iodine is often found in emergency survival kits,
used both to disinfect wounds and to sanitize surface water for drinking.
A 1% tincture of iodine will kill 90% of bacteria in 90 seconds, a 5% tincture
in 60 seconds and a 7% tincture in 15 seconds.
Article by Saunders: Iodine need is no longer active.
Wiki: Tincture iodine
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Thyroid function and iodine:
Medical schools focus on the relationship between iodine and the thyroid gland. They depict iodine as a trace mineral and overlook iodine as an essential nutrient. This is the extent of their understanding of how the body uses iodine. refer to normal thyroid function, Higdon: iodine Linus Pauling Institute Miller: iodine for health Article by Schachter: Iodine role is no longer active. Back to top
Iodine Physiology
The above section focuses on thyroid function while this section summarizes what happens to iodine in ALL of the body:
Absorption in general:
Research is skimpy about how iodine is absorbed into the body.
We know that iodine may be absorbed through the skin and ingested through the
mouth [ digestive system ]. When
someone swallows Lugol's solution, we lack precise details about how much molecular iodine ends up
in the blood stream and how much is excreted?
Similarly, when iodine is painted on the skin and it gradually
disappears, how much is evaporating and how much is being absorbed?
"Thyroid metabolism is controlled locally in the tissue by each organ. That is, the brain has one mechanism for controlling the amount of thyroid available to the brain but it is different from other tissues such as the liver. There are many mechanisms by which each tissue controls the amount of thyroid hormone which gets into the tissues. But to discuss one: there is an enzyme in the tissue which deiodinates (takes one iodine off the thyroxine T4) and makes T3 or triiodothyronine. These enzymes are called deiodinases. Every tissue has different types of deiodinases. To just give you one example: If you starve animals and study the deiodinases in the brain and liver you find that the activity in of the brain deiodinases go up by 10 times while at the same time the liver deiodinases go down--not up. This mechanism is obviously meant to preserve the functioning of the brain under starvation conditions and not metabolize too much thyroid hormone in the liver. Therefore the control of thyroid metabolism is in every individual tissue. The problem with this is-- if a tissue needs more (such as the brain with depression) there is no way for the brain to signal the thyroid that it needs more sent up to it. The thyroid merrily goes on putting out the same amount of thyroid hormone. So the patient can have symptoms related to low thyroid in the brain (for example) but the thyroid doesn't do anything about it. But if you give thyroid hormones in an adequate dose the brain symptoms will disappear. Meanwhile the other tissues and organs adapt to the increased circulating hormones that you have used to fix the brain with. The adaptation of the tissues to different levels of circulating hormones has been shown in the literature." Shomon: Derry interview
Because different tissues concentrate different forms of iodine, using a supplement that contains both iodine and iodide is preferable to using a supplement that contains only one form. For example: breasts concentrate iodine while the prostate gland concentrates iodine. The thyroid gland and the skin primarily concentrate iodide. Other tissues, including the kidneys, spleen, liver, blood, salivary glands and intestines can concentrate either form. With different tissues responding to different forms of iodine, it would make common sense that a greater therapeutic benefit from iodine will be achieved by using a COMBINATION OF IODINE AND IODIDE. A combination of IODINE/IODIDE (e.g., Lugol's or Iodoral) is much more effective than an iodide only supplement (e.g., SSKI and most other liquid iodide formulations)."
When is the body prone to pick up radiation iodine?
Answer: It does so when the thyroid gland is deficient in iodine!
But to fully understand this possible happening, you need to understand
how the human body gets, stores and uses iodine.
The thyroid gland preferentially concentrates iodide whereas the mammary
gland favors iodine. So this means
that the human body needs both kinds of iodine for optimal health.
Iodine transport:
Iodine in the form of iodide is actively transported with sodium to the
thyroid cells. Movement into the
thyroid gland takes place by way of the sodium-iodine pump [ referred also as
the sodium-iodide symporter or iodine pump ].
Iodine in high concentration in the blood passes into a lower
concentration in the thyroid cells.
This is essentially diffusion taking place through a permeable membrane.
The
Dosage: The normal daily requirement of the body for iodine has never been determined. In this absence, the optimal daily requirement for iodine has been estimated at 6 mg of iodide for the thyroid gland and 5 mg of iodine for the mammary glands. Abraham: Orthiodinesupplementation Article by Cousens: Iodine is no longer active. The medical perception of body requirement for iodine is based on the amount of iodine needed to prevent goiter. As pointed out elsewhere, this amount will not provide sufficient iodine to the rest of the body; hence this perception is an outdated one!
Iodine Storage:
The thyroid gland has the ability
to control the amount of iodine in its storage depot.
The optimal daily requirement for iodine has been estimated at 6 mg of
iodide for the thyroid gland and 5 mg of iodine for the mammary glands..
Article by Abraham: Iodoral therapy & wellbeing is no longer active.
When the amount of iodine in the thyroid storage depot falls below its normal required amount, the thyroid gland seeks to
get more iodine. This gives the thyroid gland a protective mechanism, limiting the uptake of peripheral
iodide to a maximum of 0.6 mg per day when 50 mg or more elemental iodine is ingested. Such iodine demand can be any
form that is available to it, including radiated iodine or I-131.
Iodine circulation: Now, the thyroid gland will reject Iodine -131 when its storage depot is full and when the rest of the organs and cells also have fulfilled their requirements for iodine. That is why those deficient in iodine need to be given a safe form of iodine [ under the care of a health care professional ] before being exposed to nuclear fallout radiation like iodine 131. This amount therefore would serve as a preventive measure against radioactive fallout Article by Abraham: Iodoral therapy & wellbeing is no longer active.
In addition to the thyroid
and mammary glands, other tissues also possess an iodine pump (the sodium/iodine symporter). Stomach mucosa, the salivary glands, and lactating mammary glands
can concentrate iodine almost to the same degree as the thyroid gland (40-fold
greater than its concentration in blood). Other tissues that have this pump
include the ovaries; thymus gland, seat of the adaptive immune system; skin;
choroid plexus in the brain, which makes cerebrospinal fluid; and joints,
arteries and bone.
Miller: iodine for health
Iodine excretion: Almost all iodine is excreted in the urine. However, iodine can also be found in feces and sweat. Excess iodine that is not used by the thyroid gland is circulated throughout the body, making the excess iodine available to other body organs and tissues, like mammary breasts, prostate gland and every cell in the body. The adult body retains approximately 1.5 gm iodine at sufficiency or maximum load. At such time, additional ingested iodine, [ now in excess ] may be quantitatively excreted in the urine as iodide. Article by Abraham: Iodoral therapy & wellbeing is no longer active. Such urine may appear to be a shade of yellow-orange color. This excess iodide in the urine is the basis for the urine loading test. Urinary iodide levels are considered the best index of iodine intake. Article by Abraham: Iodoral therapy & wellbeing is no longer active.
Iodine detoxification:
Maximum
iodine loading of all organs results in automatic but gradual detoxification
of toxic metals: aluminum, cadmium, lead and mercury from the body over varying
periods of time. In addition to
detoxifying these metals, maximum iodine loading also increases urinary
excretion of fluoride, chlorine and bromide, thus decreasing the
iodine-inhibiting effects of these halides.
Such simultaneous occurring detoxification may cause one to temporarily
feel sick for a short time [ a natural process of cleansing ].
Article by Abraham: Iodoral therapy & wellbeing is no longer active.
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Co-factors of Iodine: Iodine needs other nutrients to help it work in the human body. These helper nutrients are referred to as co-factors.
Information in medicine and nutrition about nutrients that affect absorption, circulation and utilization of iodine in the body are missing or poorly organized. Numerous researchers mention nutrients as these were observed in their research. Higdon: iodine Linus Pauling Institute But not on a total understanding of cofactors.
Scientists do not have a clear picture of just how each of the co-factors work in helping iodine do its job. Neither have scientists identified all the cofactors. So although the list below is incomplete, it is a good starting point: [ compiled by Walter Sorochan ]
|
Co-factor |
Amount estimate |
Function |
|
Vitamin C |
3000 mg/day |
Improves iodine transport |
|
Magnesium |
300-600mg |
Helps iodine absorption |
|
Selenium |
200mcg |
Converts T4 & T3 in thyroid, liver, kidneys |
|
Niacin |
500mg |
|
|
Vitamin B2 |
200mg/day x2 |
|
|
Iron |
|
|
|
Vitamin A |
|
|
|
Vitamin D |
|
|
|
Zinc |
|
Secretion of TSH hormone |
|
Copper |
|
Helps zinc |
|
Chromium |
|
Synthesizes insulin |
|
Salt [ NaCl ] |
|
Helps remove halogens out of kidney |
|
Anti-oxidants |
|
|
|
omega-3
and omega-6 |
|
|
|
Tyrosine |
|
|
|
Water |
|
Helps remove toxins out of kidney |
Sources:
-- Brownstein: Article by Brownstein: Iodine epidemic is no longer active.
-- selenium Higdon: iodine Linus Pauling Institute
-- vitamin A Higdon: iodine Linus Pauling Institute
-- vitamin C Brownstein: Videos Healing powers of iodine Abraham: Iodoral therapy & wellbeing
-- vitamin D
-- amino acids tryosine and histodine
-- iron Higdon: iodine Linus Pauling Institute
Although the exact amount of each nutrient you should ingest is not known, you should rely on eating a balanced diet as the best source of the essential co-factors; and supplement where needed. Each person's need for nutrients is a unique bio-chemical requirement and should be monitored by an informed health care provider.
Excess calcium supplementation [ 2000-3000 mg/day ] has been the most common cause of poor iodine response. So if you want iodine to be absorbed, you need to minimize your calcium intake. And yes, this may be contradictory to what has been recommended by nutrition and medical experts [ to avoid osteoporosis ], but then who said that they have all the answers?
Source: (Feb 2008) Dr. Guy Abraham cautions that "excess calcium supplementation (2,000 - 3,000 md/day) has been the most common cause of poor response to iodine supplementation." Vitamin Research News Vol. 22. Number 2.
Goitrogens may have nutrients that can affect iodine function.
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IODINE ABSORPTION
Scientists lack a thorough understanding of how iodine enters the body. There seem to be two primary methods: the skin (transdermal) and the mouth (oral).
Much of our early information about iodine absorption and bioavailability has been derived from animal studies and then inferred to humans. Abraham: Skin application
Miller reports that only 10 % of iodine present in iodized salt is absorbed into the blood stream; with the rest excreted in the urine. Miller: iodine for health Abraham reports that iodine evaporates rapidly from the skin in the first few minutes, Abraham: Skin application with about 50% of the remaining iodine on the skin being available during the first 24 hours following skin exposure to iodine. Article by Iodine Group: Iodine absorption is no longer ctive. But other than these expert opinions, very little is understood about how iodine absorption takes place. For example, what happens to the various iodine products as they enter the mouth, the stomach, the intestines, the blood stream? When someone swallows a drop of Lugol's solution, how much molecular iodine ends up in the blood stream? What other iodine forms are created? Article by Iodine Group: Iodine absorption is no longer ctive. Researchers need to simplify this information so the general public can understand the fate of iodine in the body.
The interplay of iodine co-factors, food synergy, drug interactions and biochemical individuality on iodine absorption is not fully understood. It is assumed that dietary iodine (I2) is reduced to iodide (I-) in the stomach and gut, is rapidly absorbed into the blood stream and circulates as iodide. When iodine transport damage occurs, it can be corrected, in part, by administration of reasonably high doses of ascorbic acid or more natural Vitamin C.
It should be obvious from the comments above that in spite of lacking information and research about iodine absorption, this should not stop us from ingesting iodine.
Dietary intake RDI/RDA
The normal daily requirement of the body for iodine has never been determined. Abraham: Orthiodinesupplementation The recommendations by the numerous advisory boards are based on preventing goiter in the thyroid gland.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance Reference Daily Intake Higdon: iodine Linus Pauling Institute
The Reference Daily Intake (RDI), previously RDA, for iodine was reevaluated by the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) of the Institute of Medicine in 2001. The recommended amounts were calculated using several methods, including the measurement of iodine accumulation in the thyroid glands of individuals with normal thyroid function. These recommendations are in agreement with those of the International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders, the World HealthOrganization, and UNICEF.
| Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Iodine Higdon: iodine Linus Pauling Institute | |||
| Life Stage | Age | Males (mcg/day) | Females (mcg/day) |
| Infants | 0-6 months | 110 (AI) | 110 (AI) |
| Infants | 7-12 months | 130 (AI) | 130 (AI) |
| Children | 1-3 years | 90 | 90 |
| Children | 4-8 years | 90 | 90 |
| Children | 9-13 years | 120 | 120 |
| Adolescents | 14-18 years | 150 | 150 |
| Adults | 19 years and older | 150 | 150 |
| Pregnancy | all ages | - | 220 |
| Breast-feeding | all ages | - | 290 |
In order to minimize the risk of developing hypothyroidism, the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) of the Institute of Medicine set a tolerable upper level of intake (UL) for iodine at 1,100 mcg/day for adults. Very high (pharmacologic) doses of iodine may also produce thyroid enlargement (goiter) due to increased TSH stimulation of the thyroid gland. Prolonged intakes of more than 18,000 mcg/day (18 mg/day) have been found to increase the incidence of goiter. The UL is not meant to apply to individuals who are being treated with iodine under medical supervision. Author's comment: The board appears to either disregard iodine's maximum loading impact on redistribution of iodine to other organs and tissues of the body or the board lacks complete understanding of the pharmacology of iodine in the body and iodine's impact on thyroid function.
The UL values for iodine are listed by age group in the table below: Higdon: iodine Linus Pauling Institute
|
Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for Iodine |
|
| Age Group | UL (mcg/day) |
| Infants 0-12 months | Not possible to establish* |
| Children 1-3 years | 200 mcg/day |
| Children 4-8 years | 300 mcg/day |
| Children 9-13 years | 600 mcg/day |
| Adolescents 14-18 years | 900 mcg/day |
| Adults 19 years and older | 1,100 mcg/day (1.1 mg/day) |
**Source of intake should be from food and formula only. Higdon: iodine Linus Pauling Institute
The tolerable upper limit was assessed by analyzing the effect of supplementation on thyroid-stimulating hormone. Wiki: iodine
The thyroid gland needs no more than 70 micrograms per day to synthesize the requisite daily amounts of T4
[ thyroxine ] and T3 [ triiodothyroxine ]. The higher recommended daily allowance levels of iodine seem necessary for optimal function of a number of body systems, including lactating breast, gastric mucosa, salivary glands, oral mucosa, thymus, epidermis, choroid plexus, etc. The high iodide-concentration of thymus tissue in particular suggests an anatomical rationale for this role of iodine in the immune system. The trophic, antioxidant and apoptosis-inductor actions and the presumed anti-tumor
activity of iodides has been suggested to also be important for prevention of
oral and salivary glands diseases.
Wiki: iodine
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Precautions: There is controversy about iodine deficiency versus iodine excess and the dosage for optimal wellbeing. Is the glass half empty or half full? Until these differences are settled, it is deemed prudent to provide words of caution! Sudden, large doses of iodine may impair the production of thyroid hormones, causing hypothyroidism temporarily in someone with otherwise normal thyroid function. Excessive iodine intake can also increase the risk for other thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto's, Graves', certain thyroid cancers, and thyrotoxicosis (a dangerous condition due to an excessive amount of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream). For these reasons, iodine supplementation is not recommended for people who live in areas where iodine levels are sufficient. Those with a history of thyroid disease or iodine allergy, the pregnant and the very young, may be advised against using iodine for water purification. It may be harmful to take more iodine than is typically consumed per day (160 to 600 micrograms [mcg]) from table salt. Daily intake of 2,000 mcg iodine may be toxic, particularly in people with kidney disease or tuberculosis. Article by Quailwebb: Lugol's iodine is no longer active. However, this dosage issue is controversial and needs to be dealt on an individual basis.Since people of all ages have different bio-chemical bodies, you should take iodine supplements under the guidance of a health care provider. Back to top
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Are you allergic to iodine?
Studies show that a person with any type of allergy is also more likely to have iodine allergy.
But persons most likely to be allergic to iodine are those who are also allergic
to sea foods [ which contain iodine ]. Those who are allergic to shellfish
can display symptoms from eating, touching or smelling seafood.
Here is a list of possible symptoms:
1. Allergic reactions happen within thirty minutes after ingesting the reactive protein
2. Swelling the person's soft tissues. Examine their lips, mouth, tongue and throat
3. Internal irritation or swelling, such as coughing, wheezing, vomiting or diarrhea
4. Runny nose and itchy, watery or red eyes
5. Whole-body allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock: difficulty in breathing, tightness of throat, increased heartbeat and other reactions similar to heart attack. Anaphylaxis attacks are so fatal that if left untreated, these allergic attacks can result to death.
6. Other symptoms of iodine allergy are dizziness, fever, flushes and asthma.
Symptoms set in within minutes of eating or even touching the shellfish. Call 911 if someone is highly allergic and get medical help immediately. Nesbit: Diagnosing for Iodine allergy Nesbit: Iodine Allergy Symptoms
Iodine Allergy Treatment: Get person with allergic reaction to a medical doctor as soon as possible.
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Iodine deficiency:
Symptoms of iodine deficiency include goiter, mental retardation, sleeplessness, extreme fatigue, muscle cramps, cold hands and feet, proneness to weight gain, poor memory, constipation, depression and headaches, agitation, sudden hot flashes, increased body temperature, edema, myalgia, weakness, dry skin, and brittle nails. Wiki: iodine Miller: iodine for health Higdon: iodine Linus Pauling Institute
More independent research is needed to identify the vast role that iodine plays in the body.
Today over 13 million Americans are iodine deficient.
Medical doctor David Brownstein MD found that 94.7% of his patients were deficient in inorganic iodine.
Article by Brownstein: Iodine epidemic is no longer active. nbsp;
Iodine deficiency affects about two billion people in the world and is the leading
preventable cause of
mental retardation.
Wiki: iodized salt
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Treating Iodine Deficiency: This section is relevant for health care professionals. Dr. Michael B. Schachter says, “The treatment
dose when a person is iodine insufficient is generally between 12.5 mg and 50 mg
daily. Preliminary research indicates that if a person is iodine insufficient,
it takes about 3 months to become iodine
sufficient while ingesting a dosage of 50 mg of iodine and a year to become
iodine sufficient while ingesting a dosage of 12.5 mg of iodine daily.
However, the patient needs to be monitored closely for possible
side effects and detoxification reactions.” This is quite a bit of iodine and if
his statements can be substantiated then most people are using dosages which are
much too low.
Article by Brownstein: Iodine epidemic is no longer active.
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Goitrogens:
Goitrogens are substances that decrease iodine uptake. Most goitrogens are not of clinical importance unless they are consumed in large amounts or there is coexisting iodine deficiency. Recent findings also indicate that tobacco smoking may be associated with an increased risk of goiter in iodine-deficient areas. Higdon: iodine Linus Pauling Institute Article by Cousens: Iodine is no longer active.
Certain beverages can interfere with iodine absorption. Such beverages are goitrogens. Common goitrogens are: Hol hea: Iodine deficiency
- Chlorine in pools
- Splenda
- Fluoride in water supplies
- Bromide in soft drinks (Mountain Dew & Gatorade)
- Radioactive testing
- Foods that prevent the body from using iodine are: turnip, cabbage, mustard greens, cassava root, soybeans, peanuts, pinenuts and millet. Cooking usually inactivates goitrogens. Bromides in commercial baking
- Bromides in medicine
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Iodine and the Halogen robbers
Iodine as a nutrient has difficulty helping us stay healthy. This difficulty is due to iodine being easily replaced by its relatives fluoride, bromide and chlorine that act as goitrogens. The periodic table helps us understand how this can happen. Abraham: Orthiodinesupplementation Article by Miller: Halogens Iodine and Fluoride is no longer active.
The periodic table [ below ] organizes earth elements into groups that have common characteristics. Iodine is in the red colored group [ column 17 ] in the table below. This group is referred to as the Halogen group or "salt formers." Their outer shells lack one electron, making them very unstable and very active ... wanting to combine with other metals and elements [ e.g. NaCl or common salt ].
This halogen group has an behavior. Fluorine ["F"] replaces any other halide ion below it in the red colored column 17. Chlorine replaces those below it but not fluorine: bromide, iodide, and astatide ions; while bromine replaces only iodide and astatide ions. halogen elements
"There is 30,000 times more chloride than iodide on a molar basis in iodized salt. Due to competition for intestinal absorption between the halides chloride and iodide, only 10 percent of iodide in iodized salt is bioavailable." Article by Abraham: Iodoral therapy & wellbeing is no longer active.
Iodine is next to the bottom of this family. This means that it can be replaced by those above it. Thus bromide and chlorine can easily replace iodine in the body. Bromide and chlorine can be referred to as goitrogens.
The significance of this information about how halogens behave in the periodic table is that the industry and health professionals are continuing to neglect the health risks of using bromide, chlorine and fluoride.
Bromide disables the body
The significance of this halogen hierarchy is that iodine as an essential nutrient can be displaced in the food chain by bromide compounds used as pesticides in agricultural crops, by chlorine in chlorinated water and fluorides used to prevent dental decay. When iodine is replaced by the more active halogens, the body absorbs less iodine and the population is then at increased risk to goiter and other diseases and disorders --- including silent health problems. Abraham: Orthiodinesupplementation
Bromides are a good example of how iodine in our diet is being displaced by industrial and agricultural use of bromide. Bromide is toxic to the human body. Article by CDC: toxic effects is no longer active. It is used:
n
in pools and hot
baths as an antibacterial agent.
n
as a fumigant to
kill pests in fruits and vegetables
n
as a fumigant to
kill termites
n
in foods and soft
drinks
n in medicines
n
in bakery
products
Bromide level in the ocean can affect the differing amounts of bromide and iodine in different seaweeds. Alan R. Gaby, MD., quotes research-doctors Abraham and Brownstein: "There are many kinds of seaweeds that evolved over billions of years into different types. Some are more selective in concentrating iodide than others. For example, the oceans contain 1400 times more bromide than iodide. To keep toxic goitrogenic bromide out of seaweed, the iodide uptake mechanism must be very selective. The levels of heavy metals in seaweed vary, depending on the kind of seaweeds and on industrial dumping of toxic waste in the areas where seaweeds are harvested." Thus, although most seaweeds contain both bromide and iodine, bromide may be absorbed by some seaweeds in amounts so great as to minimize iodine absorption. All seaweeds are not the same!
Fluoride is found in drugs such as Prozac and Paxil, and Flonase and Flovent. Article by Saunders: Iodine need is no longer active. Current careless use of bromide and fluoride interferes with iodine absorption; thereby creating iodine deficiency.
There is real controversy about adding fluoride to drinking water. Many states like California have legislated for this. Unfortunately, most politicians are ignorant of the health hazards of fluoride.
People who live in non-fluoridated communities consume, on average, 4 mg of fluoride a day. It is in toothpaste, fruit juices, soda pop, tea, and processed foods. People living in fluoridated areas consume twice as much fluoride, 8 mg/day as those in non-fluoridated areas. Fluoride is absorbed through the skin, bathing and wearing clothes washed with fluoridated water. It is also possible that you could inhale aerosolized fluoride and absorb it through the lungs when taking a shower with fluoridated water. It is estimated (no direct measurements have been done) that two-thirds of the fluoride people take into their bodies using fluoridated community water comes from bathing and wearing clothes washed in it. Athletes and people working in hot climates who drink a lot of water, people with kidney failure, and infants who are fed formula with fluoridated tap water are at particular risk for being subjected to a potentially toxic daily dose of fluoride. Miller: fighting fluoride
Iodine as detoxifying agent
Iodine, in adequate amount, is a detoxifying
agent for halogens, heavy metals and mercury.
It chelates heavy metals and can gradually remove them from the body.
Abraham: Orthiodinesupplementation
Article by Cousens: Iodine is no longer active.
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Natural sources of iodine:
Food sources
The iodine content of most foods depends on the iodine content of the soil and water. Seafood is rich in iodine because marine animals can concentrate the iodine from seawater. Certain types of seaweed (e.g., wakame) are also very rich in iodine. Processed foods may contain slightly higher levels of iodine due to the addition of iodized salt or food additives, such as calcium iodate and potassium iodate. Dairy products are relatively good sources of iodine because iodine is commonly added to animal feed in the U.S. In the U.K. and northern Europe, iodine levels in dairy products tend to be lower in summer when cattle are allowed to graze in pastures with low soil iodine content. The table below lists the iodine content of some iodine-rich foods in micrograms (mcg). Because the iodine content of foods can vary considerably, these values should be considered approximate. Higdon: iodine Linus Pauling Institute
| Food | Serving | Iodine (mcg) |
| Salt (iodized) | 1 gram | 77 |
| Cod | 3 ounces* | 99 |
| Shrimp | 3 ounces | 35 |
| Fish sticks | 2 fish sticks | 35 |
| Tuna, canned in oil | 3 ounces (1/2 can) | 17 |
| Milk (cow's) | 1 cup (8 fluid ounces) | 56 |
| Egg, boiled | 1 large | 12 |
| Navy beans, cooked | 1/2 cup | 32 |
| Potato with peel, baked | 1 medium | 60 |
| Turkey breast, baked | 3 ounces | 34 |
| Seaweed | 1/4 ounce, dried | Variable; may be greater than 4,500 mcg (4.5 mg) |
*A three-ounce serving of meat is about the size of a deck of cards.
Higdon: iodine Linus Pauling Institute
Garlic, lima beans, sesame seeds, soybeans, spinach, Swiss chard, summer squash, and turnip greens are also good sources of this mineral. Bakeries may also add iodine to dough as a stabilizing agent, making bread another source of iodine; however, most bakeries in the USA now use bromine instead of iodine. Article by Quailwebb: Lugol's iodine is no longer active.
Check your food stores for iodine enriched food items like sea kelp-pasta.Fish and Iodine. Eating fish won't give you iodine in mg amounts. To get 13.8 mg iodine, you would have to eat 10-20 pounds of fish per day. Article by Miller: iodine metabolism is no longer active.
Foods containing chlorophyll have long been known to protect against radiation. This includes all chlorophyll foods: cabbage, leafy green vegetables, spirulina, chlorella and wheatgrass.
As the table above illustrates, it is difficult to get adequate amount of iodine from a daily diet. That is why the governments of the world added trace amount of iodine to salt in 1924. But even this addition has not been working for the past 30 years.
American vs. Japanese Iodine Consumption
The Japanese consume 100 times more iodine than Americans. 95% of the iodine they consume comes from seaweed, which includes kelp, brown algae, nori sheets, red algae, chlorella and green algae. In a 1964 study, the Japanese ate 4.5 grams of seaweed per day, equal to 13.8 mg of iodine per day. In a 2001 study, the consumption of seaweed had increased to 14.6 grams per day, equal to 43.8 mg of iodine per day. The Japanese are very healthy. This is clear evidence that large amounts of iodine cannot be very bad for a population. Article by Miller: iodine metabolism is no longer active.According to public health officials in Japan, people in Japan consume 14.5 gm of seaweed a day. They don’t need to take potassium iodide tablets for radiation fallout. They consume enough iodine in the seaweed they eat. According to Miller, [ a cardiac surgeon and Professor of Surgery at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle ] the iodine level in the bodies of Japanese is at maximum level and will not absorb I-131. Miller: iodine for health This is information that has been withheld from the American population.
Iodine in Supplements:
Iodine is included in vitamin-mineral supplements, usually in amount containing 150 mcg iodine or 100% of RDA requirement. A multivitamin-mineral supplement, that contains 100% of the daily value (DV) for iodine, provides 150 mcg of iodine. Although most people in the U.S. may consume sufficient iodine in their diets from iodized salt and food additives to prevent goiter, an additional 150 mcg/day in a supplement is unlikely to result in excessive iodine intake. Higdon: iodine Linus Pauling Institute The extra intake may be beneficial in activating other metabolic processes.
Iodized Salt: Iodized salt (also spelled iodised salt) is table salt mixed with a minute amount of various iodine-containing salts. Potassium iodide as well as potassium iodate may be used to iodize salt. In the U.S. and Canada, iodized salt contains 77 mcg of iodine per gram of salt. In other countries, salt commonly contains 20-40 mcg of iodine/gram of salt; the iodization level depends on variables such as iodine intake from other sources and daily salt consumption. Annual doses of iodized vegetable oil are also used in some countries as an iodine source.
Higdon: iodine Linus Pauling InstituteYou should be aware that iodized salt may slowly lose its iodine content by exposure to excess air over long periods. Iodine can oxidize [ evaporate ] over time and iodized salt loses its potency for providing minimum iodine to the body.
Lugol's solution: Other iodine supplements are Lugol's solution [ liquid form ] and Iodoral [ tablet form of Lugol ].
Both Lugol's solution and Ioderal are one-third molecular iodine (5%) and two-thirds potassium iodide (10%). Studies done to date indicate that the best iodine supplement is one that includes molecular iodine, which breast tissue prefers. Miller: iodine for health
"When Lugol's is made, an aqueous solution of potassium iodide (LI) is prepared by dissolving KI in water, say ten grams KI in 85 grams water. Then, once dissolved, five grams of iodine crystals are added to the potassium iodide solution. The diatomic iodine adds to the iodide ions in the KI solution to form potassium tri-iodide, which is what Lugol's solution REALLY is. Tri-iodide is stable, but when diluted it disproportionates back to iodide ions and elemental iodine. So, by ingesting diluted Lugol's iodine, a test subject will be provided with both iodied and elemental iodine." Article by Curezone: iodine forms is no longer active.
Lugol's solution may be not available over the counter in the USA as of January 2007, as the DEA is considering a public ban on all iodine solutions of greater than 2.2% [ because iodine is required for the production of methamphetamine ]. Lugol's is available over the counter in Canada.
Both of these supplements can be ordered
online or from the internet; health food stores usually do not sell these
supplements.
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I
odine Supplementation:There are two ways to get a maintenance amount of iodine into the human body absorb it through the skin or ingest it orally. Both approaches need to be done in a proper and safe manner.
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Nascent iodine
We are interested in the atomic form of iodine or I. This is the form that was found in the early stage when iodine was first discovered [ nascent ]. The atomic structure is illustrated on the left. Starting from the yellow center, the inner most shell [ light blue ] or shell one has two electrons, then shell 2 has 8, shell three has 18, shell four has 18 and outer most shell, five, has seven electrons. This form of atomic iodine lacks an electron in its outer shell. making it unstable, very active and electrically charged. This highly active atomic form seeks another electron to fill in the missing electron in its outer shell, so as to make it more stable. While in this atomic state [ missing electron ] it has an electrical charge. IM, I1 or I monotomic iodine. This is what is being talked about when the words "nascent" and "detoxified" are used. instead of a diatomic particle of iodine [ I2 ]. Iodine or I1, can fill in the needed single outer electron by combining with another atomic iodine form. This co-sharing or covalent bonding, of an electron to link two iodine atoms, is referred to as diatomic.
How Nascent Iodine is made: Scientists use a unique electromagnetic process to form charged up nascent iodine. A 30 amp electrical current is passed through a solution of Diatomic Atomic Iodine in a discharging wet battery. This splits the two atoms of iodine, making each one electrically charged. Electromagnetic stimulation breaks up the natural bond of I2 and the single atoms of iodine are split from one another. Now the single forms of atomic iodine can be recognized by the thyroid to make T3 and T4. The single iodine atom has a missing electron in its outer orbit or shell. The missing electron gives the iodine atom an electric charge that can release energy when consumed and recognized by the person’s body as the same iodine which is produced by individual’s thyroid and effortlessly absorbed by the body. This charging converts the iodine into a form that the body can most fully recognize and assimilate. Atomic or Nascent Iodine is not dissolved in water but in alcohol. Use in body: This “charged” state is held by the atom until diluted in water in the body and consumed, then it gradually loses energy over a 2-3 hour time span. During this time, nascent Iodine is recognized by the body as the same iodine that is produced by the thyroid and is absorbed effortlessly by the body. Iodine behaves like electricity in the body when it is in a monotomic state. This form of iodine in the excited state energizes the body first by being absorbed into the thyroid gland which almost immediately gets the other glands functioning properly. Absorption: A claim has been made that nascent Iodine is more effectively absorbed and utilized than other forms of iodine, including iodine-containing foods such as seaweeds. Article by Nascent Iodine by J Crowe is no longer active. However, studies done to date indicate that the best iodine supplement is one that includes molecular iodine (I2), which breast tissue prefers. Miller: iodine for health There appears to be a lack of consistency in the scientific community as to which form of iodine is best for the body! Dosage: Your body needs for iodine may vary depending on many factors, including your current iodine status, ability to assimilate iodine, sources of dietary iodine, health conditions or toxic exposures (e.g., halides) that may deplete iodine stores in the body (or prevent iodine uptake), and various other factors. Your optimal dosage also may change over time or depending upon lifestyle choices. After you [ and your health care provider ] have determined the best dosage for yourself, then you can begin to reverse any condition of deficiency. You thereafter can enjoy the many benefits conferred by having the abundant iodine status to carry out the many bodily processes dependent upon this mineral. Nascent Iodine, as all other types of iodine, should be taken on an empty stomach, an hour before or after meals. SMALL DOSES MORE OFTEN ARE BETTER THAN A SINGLE LARGE DOSE. A CYCLIC USE WITH DAYS OF REST FROM USE IS RECOMMENDED. The US RDA for iodine is 150 mcg which is the minimum amount needed to prevent goiter. Iodoral contains 100 times (12.5 mgs) the RDAs requirement of iodine/iodide. One drop of Nascent iodine = RDA of 0.2 mg. If using for additional energy and general improved health take up to 5 drops daily. That would mean only one milligram. Article by Sircus: nascent iodine is no longer active. To boost the body systems may require very small amounts, a few drops once a day. The average dose is 5 to 10 drops in one-half glassful of cold water, repeated every two or three hours. Therapeutic doses are much lower when taking a nascent form of iodine as compared to Lugol's solution. Article by Sircus: nascent iodine is no longer active. It is strongly recommended that you have an informed health care provider monitor your iodine therapy with relevant testing procedures. Detoxification: Iodine in adequate dosage cleanses the body of toxic poisons like bromide, fluoride, chlorine and mercury. These substances accumulate in the body and make your feel sick. Iodine acts as a strong chelator, that is, attaches to these toxic radicals, causing these chelated blobs to build up in the blood stream. Detoxification is rapid when a large amount of iodine is consumed and such persons may feel toxic symptoms. Such symptoms are a natural body response when the toxic wastes are not removed quickly. This is referred to as Herxheimer’s reaction, which is the experience of poisons being dumped into the blood stream from the cells faster than these can be excreted from the body. The Herxheimer Reaction is a short-term (from days to a few weeks) detoxification reaction in the body. As the body detoxifies, it is not uncommon to experience flu-like symptoms including headache, joint and muscle pain, body aches, sore throat, general malaise, sweating, chills, nausea or other symptoms. Herxheimer’s reaction This is a normal — and even healthy — reaction that indicates that halogens, parasites, fungus, viruses, bacteria or other pathogens are being effectively killed off. Typically the death of these bacteria and/or the associated release of endotoxins occurs faster than the body can remove them. The biggest problem with the Herxheimer reaction is that people stop taking the supplement or medication that is causing the reaction, and thus discontinue the very treatment that is helping to make them better. Although the experience may not make one feel particularly good, the Herxheimer Reaction is actually a sign that healing is taking place. Herxheimer’s reaction The amount of detoxification symptoms can be most readily controlled with iodine in the atomic form simply because it is so easy to control and regulate the dose. On the other hand, detoxification is slowed down when the iodine intake is small; thereby giving the iodine a better chance to get rid of the toxic poisons it has chelated.The symptoms of detoxification can be minimized by ingesting iodine in small amounts and gradually increasing the dosage as the body eliminates the toxins from the body. Drinking an adequate amount of water helps to flush out the toxins out of the kidney [ where these toxins pile up ]. Refer to iodine co-factors for more information on helping iodine with proper nutrition and supplementation. Monitoring iodine with a test: Having an iodine loading test performed can help guide you in the proper dosing of iodine. Supplementation: When undertaking an iodine supplementation program, it is important to use iodine from a reputable company. Ask the seller to disclose all the ingredients in their iodine product. A reputable company should be able to verify the contents of its products. Many online sellers of iodine supplements appear to be more interested in making money than helping people. Nascent iodone vs Lugols: Both Lugol's solution and Ioderal are one-third molecular iodine (5%) and two-thirds potassium iodide (10%). Studies done to date indicate that the best iodine supplement is one that includes molecular iodine (I2), which breast tissue prefers. Miller: iodine for health Researchers need to clarify this issue. References: Brownstein David, "An Under-Recognized Epidemic," Immortal Hair, March 04, 2010. Article by Brownstein: Iodine epidemic is no longer active. Miller Donald W., "Iodine for Health," LewRockwell.com March 16, 2006. Miller: iodine for health <>Saunders Terri, "Indispensible Iodine," Article by Saunders: Iodine need is bo longer active.Sircus Mark, "Nascent iodine, Road to Health - Q and A October 9, 2009. " Article by Sircus nascent iodine is no longer active. |
Iodine can occur in several forms; the two most often
discussed are atomic and molecular. 
Diatomic iodine would be two atoms of same element iodine in a
bonded state [ as illustrated on the right ], the symbol would be = I2.
However, the thyroid gland does not recognize this form of iodine and cannot
use it. So we need to make an iodine form that the thyroid gland and the
rest of the body can use.Liquid Lugol’s solution can be taken orally [ the mouth ] as follows:
Prefer to drink, on an empty stomach, in the morning or before 4pm to avoid possible gastric reflux and use the refreshing energy during the daytime; and allowing you to have a restful sleep.
The daily maintenance
amount of iodine intake for the whole, adult human body would be equivalent to 2 drops
of Lugol solution. Children and those weighing less than 150 pounds should take
one drop. Dilute two drops of
lugol iodine in a glass of apple cider or orange juice to help minimize the unpleasant taste of
iodine]. In the
You can also apply Lugol's solution directly to the skin.
Iodine Tablet: Lugol’s solution in a tablet form is known as Ioderal. Tablets are easier to take than Lugol’s solution. To prevent gastric irritation and the unpleasant taste of iodine, the tablets are coated with a thin film of pharmaceutical glaze.
It is important to keep in mind that people of all ages have different bio needs and that supplementation may need to be adjusted and supervised by an informed health care professional.
Absorbing iodine through the skin:
When painted on the skin prior to surgery, tincture of iodine kills 90 percent of bacteria present within 90 seconds.) Miller: iodine for health Most of the iodine [ probably about 80 to 85 percent ] evaporates rapidly; the remainder is absorbed slowly into the body, thus forming an iodine depot [ storage ] in the skin for several days. This prolonged retention of iodine within the skin allows it to be absorbed directly into the blood stream and distributed to all organs and cells of the body usually within 48 hours. Abraham: Skin application Abraham: Update skin
There may be some discrepancy about the amount of iodine that evaporates from the skin and the actual amount that is absorbed into the body. Research substantiates that only about 12 – 15 % of the iodine on the skin is absorbed and the remainder evaporates. Miller: iodine for health Skin application of iodine is an effective, efficient and practical way for supplementation of iodine. Abraham: Skin application
The evaporation of iodine
from the skin increases with increased ambient temperatures and decreased
atmospheric pressure due to weather conditions and altitude. For example, the
yellow color of iodine on the skin will disappear much faster in
Iodine tests:
TSH [ thyroxin stimulant hormone ] test is the test that most doctors use to diagnose hypothyroidism. Shomon: Derry interview However this test has been perceived by several researchers as not the best test to determine the level of iodine in the body.
Norman reviews numerous iodine tests used in medicine. Here is an example: "T4 by RIA (radioimmunoassay) is the most used thyroid test of all. It is frequently referred to as a T7 which means that a resin T3 uptake (RT3u) has been done to correct for certain medications such as birth control pills, other hormones, seizure medication, cardiac drugs, or even aspirin that may alter the routine T4 test. The T4 reflects the amount of thyroxin in the blood."
Norman: common thyroid testsIodine skin patch test: This test was used extensively for iodine supplementation over 100 years ago. The test consisted of applying an iodine solution to a small skin area of the arm, leg, or abdomen. The assumption was that the faster the yellow color of iodine disappears from the skin, the more iodine deficient the person tested; and vise versa, if the yellow color lingers, the more sufficient in iodine the person tested. According to Abraham and his research conducted in 2008, the skin iodine patch test is not a reliable method to assess whole body sufficiency for iodine. Many factors play a role in the disappearance of the yellow color of iodine from the surface of the skin. Abraham: Skin application Hendrichs: Lugol's Iodine Test
The iodine skin patch test raises another related question: Is the application of iodine to the skin an acceptable way to supplement iodine? Abraham's study of 2008 concluded that skin application of iodine is an effective, if not efficient and practical, way for supplementation of iodine with an expected bioavailability of 6-12% of the total iodine applied to the skin. Abraham: Skin application
Iodine loading test: Iodine clearance test urine normal values are based on seeing if the person is deficient in iodine or iodide. A sample of urine is taken as an early morning void to measure the level of iodine before loading. This is known as a SPOT test and it establishes the baseline value for the person. Next the patient is given 50 mg of iodine as a loading dose. A 24-hour urine collection for the amount of iodine or iodide excreted is taken after this load dose. This test will also compare the urinary iodine values to the normal creatinine value that is excreted by the kidney in urine. Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle metabolism and is an indicator of kidney function. Clarke: Urine I clearance test Article by Sircus: iodine primer is no longer active. Shomon: Derry interview Iodine loading test
Iodine loading test, advocated by Abraham, Brownstein and Fleishner, is the best test to evaluate for the level of iodine in the body and also to determine the proper dose to prescribe. Article by Abraham: Iodoral therapy & wellbeing is no longer active. Article by Fleisher: Deficiency iodine NHANES is no longer active. Article by Brownstein: Iodine epidemic is no longer active. Hakala Labe: iodine loading test Article by Saunders: Iodine need is no longer active. Iodine loading test
Two labs that do iodine testing. They know who the doctors are who are doing the testing: FFP Labs: 877.684.3233 and Hakkala labs: 877.238.1779.
Conclusion
This web-site attempted to simplify iodine information by reviewing all the iodine information and documenting it on one web-site for easy access.
There are inconsistencies in the information about iodine. While researchers describe iodine research in technical details, unsophisticated readers often find such information difficult to understand. Several examples of note:
The controversy about the amount of iodine that is acceptable to the thyroid gland in preventing goiter on the one hand, but on the other, that an excess may cause thyotoxicosis and other thyroid diseases versus when is it acceptable to ingest more iodine than what the thyroid gland needs.
Foods that are good sources of anti-oxidants but have been recognized as goitrogens. Is broccoli good or bad?
All the co-factors of iodine have not been identified; that is, co-factors that help iodine utilization in the body. The co-factor ratios to iodine are sadly overlooked by researchers and medical doctors.
Need to clarify the discrepancy relationships between the Ca:Mg ratio and the relationship between iodine and magnesium. How do we balance the nutrient ratio requirements?
Lack of focus on total nutrient and life style impact on iodine utilization in the body. There needs to be a balance between using iodine to prevent diseases versus iodine needed for optimal wellbeing.
There are two forms of iodine that the body needs: IODINE AND IODIDE. Best supplements include a combination of both of these types of iodine.
Iodized table salt (sodium chloride) is NOT a good dietary source of iodine, because the much greater amount of chloride in food-grade salt [ as well as bromide ] competes with the iodide for intestinal absorption. Article by Fleisher: Deficiency iodine NHANES is no longer active.
Iodine Deficiency related to cancer: The National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES Study), undertaken by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) from 1971 to 2000, showed that iodine levels in the general population have fallen over 50 percent in the last 30 years. This iodine fall correlates with the high cancer rates in the western world [ and also commercial uses of bromide and fluoride. ] Article by Fleisher: Deficiency iodine NHANES is no longer active.
Iodine Benefits: Oral administration of nonradioactive iodide/iodine preparations has been demonstrated to benefit the immune system, thyroid disorders, including goiter, nodules, cysts and thyroid cancer. Abraham: Orthiodinesupplementation Article by Fleisher: Deficiency iodine NHANES is no longer active..
Stay healthy: But ... you should make sure that you are ingesting adequate amounts of iodine. And ofcourse, it is essential to keep a healthy immune system by eating a balanced diet that includes chlorophyll rich foods and ingesting adequate amounts of vitamin D, vitamin C, calcium, selenium, anti-oxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and other nutrient supplements. It may be advisable to ingest calcium citrate to remove toxic substances from the body as a precaution. Vegans and vegetarians may be most at risk for iodine deficiency.
Thyroid fixation: Many medical doctors and medical schools are stuck on the out-dated view of iodine: "The reigning truth on iodine is that the thyroid gland is the only organ in the body that requires this micronutrient, and a daily intake considerably more than what the thyroid gland needs is potentially harmful. The new truth is that the rest of the body also needs iodine, in large amounts [ milligrams ], not small amounts [ micrograms ]." Miller: iodine for health Article by Fleisher: Deficiency iodine NHANES is no longer active. Abraham: Thyroid fixation
There is a lot of misinformation about iodine as well as suppression of information. Mostly, many are afraid of the unknown .... whether supplementing with iodine is dangerous!
It is important for you, the
reader, to do your own research and come up with your own conclusions about
iodine. Once you understand the importance of this vital essential nutrient, you will
understand why it is crucial to ensure adequate iodine levels in you and your
family. This web-site article provides documented references and should get you started.
to top References: Abraham Guy E. MD, "Iodine," Health Salon.
Article by Abraham: Iodoral therapy & wellbeing is no longer active. Abraham Guy. E. M.D., Jorge D. Flechas M.D. and John C. Hakala R.Ph., "Orthoiodosupplementation: Iodine Sufficiency Of The Whole Human Body," Abraham: Orthiodinesupplementation
"Based on the information previously discussed, the optimal daily I intake for I sufficiency of the whole human body would be equivalent to 2 drops of Lugol solution. In the USA, the initial implementation of I supplementation at this level would require medical supervision." Abraham Guy E., "The History of Iodine in Medicine Part III: Thyroid fixation and medical iodophobia,"
The Original Internist, 13: 71-78, June 2006. Abraham: Thyroid fixation Abraham, G.E, MD, "The bioavailability of iodine applied to the skin," The Original Internist, Vol. 15, No. 2, pg. 77-79, June 2008.
Abraham: Skin application
Abraham: Update skin Antidote for iodine overdose: either high-dose vitamin C (at least 4g - that's 4000mg) or chocolate/cocoa which is high in bromine and displaces iodine when needs be. Bhattacharyya Madhurjya, "Test for iodine deficiency," Buzzle.com, July 28, 2010.
Article by Bhattacharyya: I test is no longer active. Brownstein David, "An Under-Recognized Epidemic," Immortal Hair, March 04, 2010.
Article by Brownstein: Iodine epidemic is no longer active.
Brownstein:
Videos Healing powers of iodine Brownstein David, ,Iodine, Why You Need It,
Why You Can't Live Without It, Medical Alternative Press; 3rd edition (2004) Brownstein: book review Colgan Paul, Owen Vaughan, "Crisis at Fukushima: As it happened," News.com Au, March 19, 2011.
Article by Colgan: Crisis Fukushima is no longer active. Clarke Lashan, "Normal Values for the Urine Iodine Clearance Test," Bright Hub, July 13, 2010.
Clarke: Urine I clearance test Cousens, Gabriel, "Iodine – The Universal & Holistic Super Mineral," Article by Cousens: Iodine is no longer active. Darce Keith, "Traces of radiation detected in San Diego," The San Diego Union-Tribune, March 26, 2011, page
A1. Derry David, "Iodine: the Forgotten Weapon Against Influenza Viruses," Thyroid Science 4(8):R1-5, 2009.
Articl3e by Derry: Iodine forgotten weapon is no longer active.
Article by Derry: Weapon against flu & viruses is no longer active. Fibrocystic breast condition is a benign (non-cancerous) condition of the breasts, characterized by lumpiness and discomfort in one or both breasts. Fleisher Mitchell A., "The Importance of Inorganic Iodine, Part 2," The Epoch Times Mar 27, 2006.
Article by Fleisher: Deficiency iodine NHANES is no longer active.
"NHANES Study, undertaken by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) from 1971 to 2000, showed that iodine levels in the general population have fallen over 50 percent in the last 30 years" Hakala Research Reference Laboratory Hakala Labe: iodine loading test
Hendrichs CL, "What Does Lugol's Iodine Test for?." Hendrichs: Lugol's Iodine Test
Higdon Jane, "Iodine," Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State University, MicroNutrient Information Center, Written in April 2003
Updated in March 2010 by: Victoria J. Drake, Ph.D. Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State University, Reviewed in March 2010 by:
Elizabeth N. Pearce, MD, MSc. Associate Professor of Medicine Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition Boston University School of Medicine.
Higdon: iodine Linus Pauling Institute Hookway James and Michael Sainsbury, "Nuclear radiation fears sweep the Asia-Pacific region after Japan's quake and tsunami," The Australian, March 17, 2011.
Article by Hookway: radiation fears is no longer active. Holistic Health, "Iodine deficiency," Mind Mart.
Hol hea: Iodine deficiency Conversion of Iodine to Potassium Iodate "Potassium iodate is produced by the electrochemical reaction of elemental iodine with potassium hydroxide (KOH): 3I2 + 6KOH =3D KIO3 + 5KI + 3H2O Iodine is dissolved in potassium hydroxide solution and the potassium iodide so obtained is electrolytically oxidised in an annular flow cell. At the end of the electrolysis, the electrolyte is cooled and potassium iodate is obtained. Approximately 80% of KIO3 crystallizes from the reaction mixture. After filtration, the electrolyte is recycled to the cell feed. One kg of iodine will yield 1.55 kg of KIO3.The total capital outlay for a 30 Tons per year plant has been estimated in India to be approximately $200,000. Further technical details can be obtained from the National Research Development Corporation of India, New Delhi, India." Iodoral: The supplement Iodoral contains both the iodide (reduced) and iodine (oxidized) forms of iodine because the body needs both forms. The US RDA for iodine is 150 mcg. Iodoral contains 100 times (12.5 mgs) the RDA's requirement of iodine/iodide. It seems the conventional medical establishment again has grossly underestimated the amount of a nutrient needed for good health. According to Dr. G. E. Abraham, "Of all the elements known so far to be essential for health, iodine is the most misunderstood and the most feared. Yet, it is by far the safest of all the trace elements known to be essential for human health. It is the only trace element that can be ingested safely in amounts up to 100,000 times the RDA. For example, potassium iodide has been prescribed safely to pulmonary patients in daily amounts of up to 6.0 gm/day, in large groups of such patients for several years. It is important however to emphasize that this safety record only applies to inorganic nonradioactive iodine/iodide, not to organic iodine-containing drugs and to radioiodides." Robert Sarver, "Iodine Deficiency," 2005. from Dr. David Brownstein. J. Crow's Marketplace, "Lugol's solution of iodine 2% : Material data safety sheet," January 2011.
Crow: Factsheet
Online order form: Crow: Lugol's order form
Lab test iodine, "The Iodine/Iodide Loading Test." Iodine loading test Miller Donald W., Jr., M.D., “Healthy and Harmful Halogens: Iodine and Fluoride,” Presented at the LewRockwell.com Conference Be Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise Center for Libertarian Studies, December 2, 2006, Foster City, CA.
Article by Miller: Halogens Iodine and Fluoride is no longer active. Miller Donald W., "Iodine for Health," LewRockwell.com March 16, 2006.
Miller: iodine for health Miller Donald, "Iodine Metabolism," The Iodine Group, RadioLiberty.com, February 21, 2007;
Article by Miller: iodine metabolism is no longer active.
Miller Donald, Jr., MD, "Iodine for Radioactive Fallout," Lew Rockwell, March 19, 2011.
Miller: Iodine for Radioactive Fallout
Nesbit Michelle, "Iodine Allergy Symptoms," EHow Health.
Nesbit: Iodine Allergy Symptoms
Nesbit: Diagnosing for Iodine allergy Norman James, "Thyroid Gland Function,"
Norman: Thyroid Gland Function Pennington Gena, "Don’t Take Potassium Iodide," The Aicata Eye, March 18, 2011.
Pennington: No PI Pizzorno Joseph, "Are Sea Vegetables the Cure for the Iodine Deficiency Epidemic?" Share Guide,
Pizzorno: sea veggies for iodine Quialwebb Herbal LCC, "Lugal's iodine," Dewey, Arizona 86327 928-759-9257
Article by Quailwebb: Lugol's iodine is no longer active. Sahelian Ray, M.D. "Kelp supplement benefit and side effects,"
Sahelian: Kelp and iodine Saunders Terri, "Indispensible Iodine,"
Article by Saunders: Iodine need is no longer active. Schachter Michael B., "Iodine: Its Role In Health and Disease - Some New Exciting Concepts," Schachter Center for Complementary
Medicine, August 7, 2005. Article by Schachter: Iodine role is no longer active. Shomon Mary, "Rethinking the TSH Test: An Interview with David Derry, M.D., Ph.D.," Thyroid-Info, March 16, 2011.
Shomon: Intervieew with David Cerry 2009 Sircus Mark, "Iodine dosages," IMVA Medical News Commentaries, November 19, 2009.
Sircus: iodine primer
Sircus, Mark, "Potassium iodide," Conscious Media Network, March 14, 2011. Article by Sircus: potassium iodide is no longer active.
Whole body sufficiency for iodine correlated well with overall well being.
"According to Dr. G. E. Abraham, "Of all the elements known so far to be essential for health, iodine is the most misunderstood and the most feared. Yet, it is by far the safest of all the trace elements known to be essential for human health. It is the only trace element that can be ingested safely in amounts up to 100,000 times the RDA. For example, potassium iodide has been prescribed safely to pulmonary patients in daily amounts of up to 6.0 gm/day, in large groups of such patients for several years. It is important however to emphasize that this safety record only applies to inorganic nonradioactive iodine/iodide, not to organic iodine-containing drugs and to radioiodides."
"The Lugol's iodine thyroid test is an easy, do-it-yourself test that does not require a doctor's blessing or assistance. Use an eyedropper or brush to paint a 3-inch stain on your belly or upper thigh. Check frequently during a 24-hour period. If the stain disappears in less than 24 hours, it means the iodine has been absorbed by a body and thyroid craving iodine. You are iodine deficient.
The same test can be used to correct your body's iodine levels. As insufficient iodine levels cause the iodine stain to be absorbed very rapidly, you can begin to feed" your body the iodine that it needs. When the stain disappears, reapply the Lugol's iodine again and continue checking to see if the stain has disappeared. Gradually, as your body absorbs enough iodine, the stain will take longer to disappear. Once the patch is still evident after 24 hours, stop the test. Your body should have enough iodine to aid in proper thyroid hormone production or use of supplemental thyroid hormones."
Chile and Japan supply most of the world iodine.
Sircus Mark, "Radioactivity cover-up," Dr. Sircus Blog, April 12, 2011. Article by Sircus: Radioactivity cover-up is no longer active.
"As radioactive iodine and cesium-137 continue to spread across the northern hemisphere in higher and higher amounts, and is now reported in France, not a word is mentioned about the population’s iodine deficiencies and how that will guarantee that almost everyone’s thyroids will be ever so thirsty sponges for radioactive iodine. Criminal, mass murder and crimes against humanity are all words that come to mind thinking of this. Medical officials are either totally dumb or the meanest rats that ever walked this earth. They are obviously too stupid to realize that the public’s mineral deficiencies are a major factor in calculating vulnerabilities to exposures to radiation."
Skidmore Brenda, "Iodine Deficient? A Simple Self-Test Can Show You Now," Ezine Articles, December 08, 2007. Skidmore: I def test
Shomon Mary, , thyroid disease and your diet," Verywellhealth, June 02, 2020.
The Iodine Group, "Iodine Absorption." Article by Iodine Group: Iodine absorption is no longer ctive.
Wikipedia, "Iodine." Wiki: iodine Wiki: iodized salt
Wikipedia, "Nuclear War Survival Skills," Wiki: survival skills
Wikipedia, "Tincture of iodine." Wiki: Tincture iodine
Potassium iodide may be used to protect against accumulation of radioactive iodine in the thyroid by saturating the body with a stable source of iodine prior to exposure. Approved by the World Health Organization for radiation protection, potassium iodate [ KIO3 ] is an alternative to potassium iodide [ KI ], which has poor shelf life in hot and humid climates. The UK, Ireland, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and some US states stock potassium iodate in tablet form. It is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a thyroid blocker, and the FDA has taken action against US websites that promote this use. Wikipedia