Iodine is a trace mineral that is essential in the human body. It is used in a number of different processes in our bodies, the most important of which is production of thyroid hormone. Iodine has also been used throughout the past for cleaning wounds and purifying drinking water. Some more recent research has shown iodine to be beneficial in the treatment of fibrocystic breast disease as well.

Thyroid Hormone and Metabolism
The thyroid gland is located in the neck, and is the master gland controlling our metabolism and metabolic rate. One of the major building blocks of thyroid hormone is iodine.

Your thyroid gland needs this mineral to manufacture optimum levels of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothryonine (T3).  These hormones, made from iodine and the amino acid tyrosine, regulate your body's overall metabolism and also play a regulating role for other hormones produced by the body.

Thyroid and Goiters – Iodine Deficiency
There are regions of North America where iodine is lacking in the soil (and thus the diet) that are referred to as the "goiter belt" because of the high incidence of goiters. Goiter is the medical term used to describe the bulge in the neck created when the thyroid enlarges from overstimulation. Iodine deficiency causes insufficient thyroid hormone, which is a condition called "hypothyroidism". This occurs when the thyroid is unable to make sufficient thyroid hormone, and the pituitary gland sends greater and greater stimulatory signals (TSH), trying to boost production. This causes the thyroid to enlarge in an attempt to meet the needs of the body. The symptoms of hypothyroidism appear as: weight gain, low energy, poor concentration (brain fog), hair loss, depression, blood sugar fluctuations and other symptoms. For more information on hypothyroidism, please click here.

Radioactive Iodine
Following a radiological or nuclear event, radioactive iodine is released into the air, and taken up through our lungs when we breathe. It can also contaminate local food supply and water supply and be ingested. Once present in the body, the thyroid gland will begin to rapidly absorb it/take it up. Potassium iodide competes with radioactive iodine at receptor sites. It fills these sites and prevents the thyroid from taking up any of the radioactive substance. Its action at these receptor sites lasts 24 hours, meaning the thyroid is unable to take up any iodine – stable or radioactive – during that time. It is important to understand that potassium iodide does not protect the body as a whole from radioactive iodine, nor does it prevent any other body part from taking it up. Its actions are very specific to the thyroid. A one-time dose of potassium iodide is usually all that is recommended. If there is a threat that radioactive iodine will be in the environment for longer than 24 hours, public health officials may inform the public to take the supplement for a few days in a row. Please ask the advice of your local healthcare practitioner or public health agency.

Fibrocystic Breasts
Fibrocystic breast tissue is caused by hormonal changes in the body resulting in dense regions of breast tissue that change throughout the menstrual cycle. These dense pockets can often make performing self-breast-examinations more difficult, and often create false fear, where none is needed. Taking iodine has been shown in some instances to help reduce the signs and symptoms of fibrocystic breast syndrome. For more information on fibrocystic breasts, please click here.

Topical Use
Iodine has been used for hundreds of years to prevent and treat infections from minor scrapes and cuts in the skin. When applied to the skin, it can kill the bacteria that cause infections. Liquid iodine can be applied to wounds as needed to help keep them clean. Some research has found success in using iodine to treat diabetic foot ulcers.

Dietary Iodine
Iodine has become so difficult to get in the diet that staple foods like table salt are now enriched with iodine. In the case of iodized salt the inorganic form of iodine is added. Natural, organic sources, such as those derived from seaweeds are much more absorbable and easier for the thyroid gland to use that the inorganic (mined) sources used to enrich foods. For more information on seaweeds, please click here.

Supplementing Iodine
Potassium iodide is a common supplemental and medicinal form of iodine because it is stable. In a supplement form, iodine is usually derived from natural seaweed sources and is available in both liquid and capsule, or tablet, forms. The standardized types of these supplements contain a higher level of iodine and a consistent amount in each tablet – usually about 150mcg (0.15mg). This is the preferred form for clinical use in low thyroid conditions, while the un-standardized kelp is suitable for people in need of a daily supplement without an underlying condition.