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MINERALS OVERVIEW
Concentrated primarily in the thyroid gland, iodine is a potent trace mineral that plays an important role in many of the body's biological functions. In fact, iodine is so vital to a person's overall health that in the 1920s U.S. governmental health officials recommended it be added to table salt.
The health ruling was a strategy to ensure that an iodine deficiency didn't develop in the American diet. Today, iodine deficiency has been virtually eliminated in the United States. Unfortunately, about 1.6 billion people are still plagued by a variety of disorders caused by a lack of this mineral in their diets... mainly in underdeveloped countries.
Iodine is only needed in trace amounts. The primary function of iodine is to keep the thyroid gland healthy and capable of manufacturing thyroxine, a vital hormone needed throughout the body. This hormone helps to regulate metabolism (how quickly and efficiently calories are burned). It helps to metabolize excess fat, break down proteins, and is important for physical and mental development in children. It is needed for the prevention of goiter, which is an enlargement of the thyroid gland located in the neck. Certain parts of the country have little or no iodine in the soil and isolated agrarian cultural groups who refrained from using iodinized salt and cattle feed were subject to this disorder.
Iodine deficiency (which results in too little thyroxine) in children may result in mental retardation. In addition, iodine deficiency has been linked to breast cancer and is associated with neonatal hypothyroidism (cretinism), and weight gain. Symptoms of insufficient iodine include fatigue, dry skin, an increase in blood fats, a hoarse throat, delayed reflexes, and reduced metal clarity.
As much as 75% of the body's iodine is stored in the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland in the front of the throat; the rest is distributed throughout the body. If a person is iodine-deficient, a goiter (a large growth at the base of the neck) may develop as the thyroid works overtime trying to make enough thyroxine hormone for the body to function normally. Interestingly, in rare cases, taking an excessive amount of iodine will enlarge the gland and cause a goiter as well.
Recently, international-aid researchers reported the pooled results of 10 studies carried out in countries where iron-deficiency disorders are common. They found multiple consequences of inadequate iodine in children, including impaired motor skills, diminished muscle strength and coordination, poor manual dexterity, and other problems.
Excessive iodine intake (sometimes as little as 750 mcg daily) may inhibit the secretion of thyroid hormone and can produce a metallic taste and sores in the mouth, swollen salivary glands, diarrhea, and vomiting.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Hypothyroidism
SOURCES
Dietary sources of iodine are plentiful. For most Americans, a deficiency in iodine is not a risk. One teaspoon of iodized salt contains more than 300 mcg of iodine, so it is not difficult to obtain or exceed the small amount needed to meet the daily requirement. The RDA for iodine is 150 mcg a day for adults.
Foods that are high in iodine include iodized salt, seafood, saltwater fish, seaweed and kelp (seaweed and kelp contain very high amounts of iodine). It may also be found in asparagus, dulse, garlic, lima beans, mushrooms, sea salt (which provides nature's own balance of nutrients), sesame seeds, soybeans, spinach (see comments below), summer squash, Swiss chard, and turnip greens. Other sources of iodine include dairy products made from milk produced by cows grazing in coastal soil (or fed iodine-supplemented feed and salt licks), as well as fruits and vegetables grown in coastal soil.
Commercially prepared baked goods, such as cakes and breads, frequently contain dough conditioners that have iodine. Most salty, high-sodium processed snack foods, however, contain very little iodized salt and almost no iodine.
The trace mineral is also found in most multi-vitamin and mineral supplements. Concentrated sea kelp tablets are another potent source of iodine.
COMMENTS
Some foods block the uptake of iodine into the thyroid gland when eaten raw in large amounts. These include Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, peaches, pears, spinach, and turnips. If you have an underactive thyroid, you should limit your consumption of these foods.
GENERAL INTERACTIONS
Combining iodine with such anti-thyroid drugs as methimazole and propylthiouracil may lessen the effect of these medications.
Do not take iodine at the same time as the anti-manic agent lithium; adverse interactions may occur.
Consuming large amounts of kelp, which contains iodine, may decrease the effectiveness of anti-thyroid agents.
IODINE, STRONG
Brand Name(s): Lugol's Solution, Strong Iodine (generic)
Drug Class: Thyroid agent
Available Over the Counter?: No
Available Generic?: Yes
Available In Oral solution
Why Prescribed: To treat an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism); to treat iodine deficiency; to prepare for thyroid surgery.
How It Works: Strong iodine blocks production and release of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland.
Range and Frequency: For overactive thyroid gland, adults and children over age 10: 1 ml, 3 times a day. To prepare for thyroid surgery: 0.1 ml, 3 times a day for 10 to 14 days.
Onset of Effect: Unknown.
Duration of Action: Unknown.
Dietary Advice: Take with a glass of fruit juice, milk, or broth to minimize stomach upset. Drink all of the liquid to get the full dose of the medicine.
Storage: Keep the solution refrigerated, but do not allow it to freeze.
Missed Dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosage schedule. Do not double the next dose.
Stopping the Drug: The decision to stop taking the drug should be made by your health care provider.
Prolonged Use: It is necessary to see your health care provider regularly to check the progress of treatment when taking strong iodine for a prolonged period.
Over 60: While no specific studies of the use of strong iodine in older persons have been done, no special problems or side effects are expected in older patients.
Driving and Hazardous Work: Use of strong iodine should not impair your ability to perform such tasks safely.
Alcohol: No special precautions are necessary.
Pregnancy: Iodine can cross the placenta and cause thyroid problems or goiter in the fetus. Before you take strong iodine, tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you are pregnant and on this medication, tell your midwife.
Breast Feeding: Strong iodine passes into breast milk; avoid or discontinue use while nursing.
Infants and Children: The use and dose of strong iodine in an infant or a child must be determined by your child's health care provider.
Special Concerns: Take the oral solution by mouth even if it comes in a dropper bottle. Do not use the medicine if the solution turns reddish brown. If crystals form in the solution, they can be dissolved by warming the closed container in warm water and then shaking the container gently. Take the liquid through a straw to lessen tooth discoloration. If stomach upset continues, consult your health care provider.
Overdose Symptoms: Gastrointestinal pain and diarrhea, sometimes bloody; loss of consciousness.
What to Do If you overdose: Call your health care provider, emergency medical services (EMS), or the nearest poison control center immediately.
Drug Interactions: Other drugs may interact with strong iodine. Consult your health care provider for specific advice if you are taking amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene, other thyroid agents, or lithium.
Food Interactions: This medicine contains potassium. Consult your health care provider if you are on a low-potassium diet.
Disease Interactions: Caution is advised when taking strong iodine. Consult your health care provider if you have any of the following: bronchitis or another lung condition, kidney disease, or hyperkalemia (excess potassium in the blood).
Side effects:
Serious: Fever, swollen glands, rash, joint pain. Call your health care provider immediately.
Common: Nausea, metallic taste.
Less Common: Fever, headache, inflamed salivary glands, runny nose, stained teeth, swelling around eyes, warm and reddened skin, pinkeye, stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, sores on mucous membranes.
IODINE & DRUG INTERACTIONS
Methimazole: Iodine supplements may decrease the effectiveness of methimazole.
Propylthiouracil: Iodine supplements may decrease the effectiveness of propylthiouracil.
CAUTIONS
Do not take any iodine supplement unless your health care provider specifically prescribes it.
Most cases of thyroid underactivity (hypothyroidism) are not caused by iodine deficiency. If you think you have an underactive thyroid, see your health care provider for testing. Make sure they do a full Thyroid Screening Panel including antibody testing (for autoimmune hypothyroidism). Taking iodine-containing supplements like kelp may not help an underactive thyroid.
Do not depend on salted snacks as an iodine source; many, including pretzels and chips, are not made with iodized salt. And check the label to be sure that any sea salt you buy is iodized; many brands are not and thus are not an adequate source of iodine. On the other hand, recent reports from Hong Kong indicate that many children were overdosing on iodine because of the popularity of roasted seaweed snacks; certain brands contain extremely high levels of the mineral.
IODINE SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Iodine Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 15 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
It is one of the most vital of the biochemical elements and has one of the highest vibratory frequency rates of all the elements.
Potassium Plus Iodine (Potassium Iodide), NOW Foods, 180 Tabs
Potassium Iodide (KI) is a compound that contains Iodine, a nutrient necessary for normal thyroid function. Iodine in the form of Iodide is an integral part of thyroid hormones, which regulate cellular metabolism and energy production.
Kelp Seaweed Norwegian, NOW Foods, 100% Natural Acophyllum Nodosum, 550 mg, 250 Caps
Norwegian Kelp seaweed contains nearly thirty minerals which nourish the glands, especially the thyroid and pituitary. Kelp, also known as seaweed, grows in the rich ocean beds, far below surface pollution levels.
Kelp Granules, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 8 oz.
Kelp, a large, leafy brown algae, is a good source of marine minerals, including potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. It is also an excellent source of iodine. Kelp also contains vitamins and cell salts essential for good nutrition.
Kelp Seaweed Powder, Norwegian Laminaria Digitata, 4 oz. Bulk
Kelp contains nearly thirty minerals which nourish the glands, especially the thyroid and pituitary. It helps balance the body's metabolism and rate at which it burns calories.
Kelp Supplement, Nature's Way, Certified, 650 mg, 100 Caps
A Kelp Supplement is used as an effective treatment for hyperthyroidism, Nature's Way collects their Kelp from pristine environments so that coastal pollutants aren't introduced into their products.
40,000 Volts Elecrolyte Concentrate, Trace Minerals, 8 fl. oz.
40,000 Volts Electrolyte Concentrate is a Dietary Supplement, the Only Liquid Electrolyte Made with Concentrace® Ionic.
Alive! Whole Food Energizer, Multi-Vitamin & Mineral With Iron Added, Nature's Way, 90 VCaps
No other supplement contains more life-giving nutrients than Alive multi vitamin. It is better absorbed into your blood stream because its tablets disintegrate up to 5X faster than other leading brands.
Alive! Whole Food Energizer, Multi-Vitamin & Mineral With Naturally Occurring Iron (No Iron Added), Nature's Way, 90 VCaps
No other supplement contains more life-giving nutrients than Alive multi vitamin. It is better absorbed into your blood stream because its tablets disintegrate up to 5X faster than other leading brands.
Bladderwrack Herb Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Bladderwrack is a natural herb for weight loss.
Bladderwrack, Nature's Way, 580 mg, 100 VCaps
Bladderwrack is a natural source of minerals and is guaranteed to contain 0.06% iodine.
Dulse (Rhodymenia Palmata) C/S Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Traditional historical uses include balancing minerals, helps the thyroid and endocrine system, provides energy and is used as a seasoning.
Dulse (Rhodymenia Palmata) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Dulse has been used to help prevent fibroid tumors of the breasts, the uterus or the ovaries and in cases of swollen lumps or enlargements of the intestinal area.
Dulse Granules, 100% Pure Fine Vegetarian Powder, NOW Foods, 4 oz.
Dulse is a sea lettuce similar to kelp. Sprinkle Dulse granules onto salads, popcorn, meats, soups, and more for a zesty sea flavor.
Inland Sea Water, Pure, Kosher, Trace Minerals, 16 fl. oz.
Body-Balanced, Full Spectrum, Liquid Ionic Mineral & Trace Mineral Nutritional Supplement. A naturally concentrated sea water product from Utah's inland sea.
Inland Sea Water, Pure, Kosher, Trace Minerals, 16 fl. oz.
Unique, Synergistic Thyroid Support Formula is a custom combination of vitamins, amino acids, trace minerals and standardized herbal extracts formulated to support healthy thyroid gland function.
Liquid Sea Minerals With Silver, Trace Minerals, 32 fl. oz.
Liquid Sea Minerals with Silver is a proprietary blend of sea vegetables like Pau D'Arco, Kelp, Spirulina, Irish Moss, Bladderwrack and more.
Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil, 100% Natural, 500 mg, 60 Softgels
A rare source of vitamin E, Sea Buckthorn Oil also provides other vitamins including Vitamins A, C, D, K, etc, carotenoids, flavonoids, phytosterols, amino acids, serotonin and 28 trace elements: iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, iodine, etc.
ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops, Cherry Flavor, 8 fl. oz.
ConcenTrace® Trace Mineral Drops, Cherry Flavor contains some of the Most Powerful, Natural, Health Giving Trace Minerals in the World.
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