Iodine is an essential element for a vibrant and radiant body. It is a key player in the integrity of our DNA; it boosts the immune system, keeps our metabolism in balance, and even aids cardiovascular health. Many of us are suffering from “iodine deficiency,” even in our ultra-modern times.
In fact, estimates show that more than half of the US population may be deficient in iodine. Studies show lower incidences of breast cancer and fibrocystic disease in women who had higher iodine levels. If we look at the amount of iodine typically consumed by the modern American (240 micrograms (µg) of iodine a day) with amounts in Japan (12,000 µg), a country typically associated with lower rates of breast cancer, we may be witnessing a startling lack.
What is more, iodine plays an important role in the function of the thyroid gland, particularly in the creation of the hormones T3 and T4, which are important for the body’s ability to regulate its own metabolism.
More than thyroid help, iodine is also critical for many other basic physical functions [1], including the body’s detoxification process from the negative effects of environmental and radiation pollution. Lack of iodine can also lead to emotional disorders, malfunctioning glandular systems, and weight gain associated with hormonal imbalance. Dr. David Brownstein also believes that iodine deficiency may be linked to breast, ovarian, uterus and prostrate cancers and cysts.
Below I overview several forms of iodine supplements, citing many advantages and disadvantages to each:
Iodine Supplements: Listed from Best to Worse
1) Transformative Nano-Colloidal Detoxified Iodine:
When purified USP iodine crystals are subjected to a proprietary process they become nano-colloidalized, nascent, and transformed into a molecular non-toxic form of elemental iodine (also referred to as monoatomic iodine), without the addition of iodides. This provides the best non-toxic source of elemental iodine which the body is able to rapidly turn into its own effective mineral iodides for absorption throughout the body.
This unique form has a transformative effect on the pure elemental iodine itself, creating a non-toxic, non-irritating, and more bio-available form due to its iodine matrix. As it travels through the body it is converted into carrier iodides, then back to elemental iodine recombining with specific proteins necessary for creating hormones or immune factors. Any excess is stored in the tissue for future use. It is also the only true vegetable glycerite form of nano-colloidal iodine available as true glycerite colloids are much less toxic in the body. This form contains no alcohol in its solution unlike all other liquid iodine supplements. By far the best type to use in my opinion.
2) Nascent Iodine:
A consumable form of iodine that holds an electromagnetic charge. This “charged” form of iodine offers a bigger energy release when consumed, as compared to other forms of iodine listed below. Nascent Iodine is similar to bio-available forms of iodine produced naturally in the thyroid gland. In this sense, the body can recognize it, and assimilate it, easily. This form of iodine was similar to the type used by championed health expert, Edgar Cayce.
3) Lugol’s Solution Iodine:
Contains 6.3 mg of molecular iodine/iodide per drop. This solution is one-third molecular iodine (5%) and two-thirds potassium iodide (10%). Studies show that the best form of iodine is one that includes molecular iodine (I2). It has been shown that breast tissue prefers this non-toxic mono elemental-based iodine. Lugol’s Solution has been shown to increase respiratory tract secretions and inhibit thyroid hormone secretion. One Malaysian study found that patients taking Lugol’s solution experienced a sharp decline in unwanted hormonal secretions during a period of ten days.
4) Potassium Iodide:
Comes in tablets, with doses ranging from 0.23 to 130 mg. This closely-bound inorganic form of iodine has been shown to only offer 20% assimilation to bodily tissues. Studies show that potassium iodide blocks the uptake of radio-iodine in the thyroid gland, thus lowering the chances of developing thyroid cancer [2]. Moreover, potassium iodide has been used in emergency treatments for hyperthyroidism (PDF) [3].
-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM
References:
- Donald W. Miller, Jr. MD. Iodine for Health. Lew Rockwell. 2006 August 14.
- University of Maryland Medical Center. Iodine overview.
- United States Department of Health and Human Services. Potassium Iodide as a thyroid blocking agent in radiation emergencies(PDF). Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. 2001 December.
