By Dr. Linda J. Dobberstein, DC, Board Certified in Clinical Nutrition
Are you on a low-salt diet or use gourmet salt? Do you avoid seafood, eggs and dairy? Have you eliminated enriched breads containing “iodate dough conditioner”? These foods and iodized salt are considered the most important dietary sources of iodine, yet nearly 20 percent of the world’s population fails to obtain the minimum daily intake of iodine. Additionally, many more have suboptimal tissue levels. Iodine is essential for thyroid health, but did you know that it is also needed for breast and prostate health, blood sugar and cardiovascular health, and much more? If your diet lacks iodine, you may be missing its beneficial effects throughout your entire body!
Iodine
Iodine is a trace mineral essential for human health. About 6-20 mg of iodine is stored in the thyroid gland and makes up approximately 2/3 of the molecular weight of thyroid hormones. Iodine combines with the amino acid tyrosine to form thyroid hormones T4 and T3.
Beyond the Thyroid
The presence of iodine in your body extends beyond the thyroid gland and its hormones. Iodine is stored in the breasts and prostate gland. It is deposited in the skin, blood vessel walls, and connective tissues. It is found in the salivary glands, the sclera, cornea, and tear glands of your eyes. Iodine is also found in the brain, gastric mucosal tissues, thymus, ovaries, uterus, placenta, pancreas, and respiratory tract. It is even found in your inner ear and auditory system, where iodine and thyroid hormones are required for hearing.
Powerful Antioxidant: Breast and Prostate Tissue
Iodine functions as a powerful antioxidant in tissues. Cellular studies showed that molecular iodine (I2) possesses antioxidant capabilities 10 times stronger than vitamin C/ascorbic acid and 50 times greater than potassium iodine.
In the breasts and prostate, iodine’s antioxidant protection is particularly helpful. It helps maintain and protect the normal cellular architecture of these tissues. Studies show that Asian populations consuming higher iodine amounts, such 3-6 mg/day, experience fewer cellular distress concerns in the breast and prostate.
Lipids and Cells
Iodine plays a significant protective role by quenching free radicals that cause lipid peroxidation. Lipid peroxidation refers to free radicals attacking and damaging lipids, causing structural breakdown and even cell death.
These lipids are made from omega-3 and omega-6 oils (fish, plant/vegetable), and include cholesterol, and phospholipids which are found in your cell membranes, nerves, eyes, brain, and red blood cells. Iodine and other plant-based antioxidants are essential for defending these structures and lipids against oxidative stress.
Iodine also inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory compounds like TNF-alpha, interleukin-6 and 1-beta cytokines because of its antioxidant capacity. It can also induce apoptosis or cell death by PPAR-gamma activation in states of cellular disarray and mitochondrial dysfunction. Iodine also provides antioxidant protection against other types of stressors.
Respiratory and Eye Support
Iodine aids respiratory health by thinning mucous and bolstering immune function. It provides antioxidant support to the airways and augments immune defense activities against germs.
Eye health and visual acuity may be supported by iodine due to its antioxidant effects. Iodine supports tear production as it helps protect the lacrimal fluid from oxidative stress. Eye lubrication and tear film production also require nutrients such as omega-3 DHA, vitamin A, lutein, astaxanthin, hyaluronic acid, and other antioxidants.
Blood Sugar, Insulin, and Cholesterol
Low dose iodine intake has been found helpful in blood sugar regulation. Recent research published January 2023 suggests that iodine’s antioxidant effects may positively enhance blood sugar metabolism within cells. It supports insulin sensitivity and blood sugar metabolism, reducing tissue stress. Healthy thyroid function is also essential for blood sugar metabolism.
Iodine affects cardiovascular health by providing antioxidant effects on cholesterol/lipids, lipoproteins, and various particles of cholesterol. It helps protect these compounds from lipid peroxidation as described above.
Dosage and Other Antioxidant Status Matters
Science shows us that iodine can have a duo-fold response. While small doses of molecular iodine act as a strong antioxidant, very high doses of iodine, such as 30 mg or more per day, or excess intake of iodine relative to your body’s tolerance, can trigger oxidative stress.
For iodine to work properly in the thyroid gland, it must be accompanied by selenium and vitamin A. Limited or insufficient intake of these nutrients are commonly seen in the Western diet. This insufficiency elevates the risk for metabolic stress from high dose iodine intake. Furthermore, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium, glutathione, plant-based antioxidants, and healthy brain-adrenal gland (HPA) function also play an integral role in the overall homeostasis of thyroid gland, hormone, and iodine functionalities.
It is crucial to supply these nutrients to protect the thyroid gland and manage the natural stress of metabolism. When nutrients are insufficient and your body is significantly stressed, the thyroid can enter a state of self-preservation and become sluggish. Research from 1986 demonstrated that in the presence of high oxidative stress, the thyroid goes into a state of diminished activity, which results in slower metabolism.
Dosage and Supplementation
The US RDA for iodine varies by age, starting at 150 microgram (mcg) per day for adults and increasing to 220-290 mcg for pregnant or breastfeeding women. The RDA for infants 0 – 12 months is 110-130 mcg; children ages 1-13 years is 90 – 120 mcg. These amounts are usually sufficient if iodine stores are adequate but are insufficient to resolve deficiencies.
The best dietary sources of iodine are cod, seaweed, iodized salt, non-fat milk, Greek yogurt, oysters, eggs, enriched breads and beef liver. Seaweed consumption may be popular amongst various cultures. Be mindful that the iodine content of seaweed varies and is often contaminated with arsenic, cadmium, lead, or other heavy metals that can cause autoimmune thyroid or other concerns.
World organizations recommend 1.0 - 1.8 mg of iodine per day for replenishing iodine stores. A higher iodine intake of 1 - 6 mg per day acts as an antioxidant and may be beneficial when under significant stress. Discontinue iodine supplementation if you develop swollen salivary glands, stomach upset, or skin rash.
Given suboptimal consumption by many individuals, supplementation with Iosol Iodine is a great option. Iosol Iodine provides 1.83 mg per drop of molecular, non-toxic iodine in an alcohol-free, vegetable glycerin. One to three drops per day of Iosol Iodine provides the amounts necessary for tissue replenishment and antioxidant support.1
Iosol Iodine9A is a unique water-soluble form of iodine. This special formula is ammonium iodide and iodine which allows for non-toxic, rapid whole-body absorption and excellent results. This hypo-allergenic food supplement has over 75 years of clinical use.
Individuals with iodine sensitivity or underlying thyroid disease should consult with their health care professional about iodine intake. Iodine excess may be a concern for those with autoimmune thyroid disorders. Too much and too little iodine intake affects health.
Topical Application
For those individuals desiring antioxidant protection of breast tissue, Iosol Iodine may be topically applied. Rubbing 1-2 drops into each breast like a lotion allows direct tissue absorption. Iosol Iodine does not permanently stain clothing or skin. Any discoloration will wash out or evaporate.
Iodine, often associated solely with thyroid health, is a necessary trace mineral that plays a multifaceted role in human physiology. Its antioxidant properties and vital functions for neurodevelopment, brain, cardiovascular, thyroid, breast, prostate, blood sugar, respiratory health and more emphasizes its nutritional significance from infancy through adulthood. If you use gourmet salt or follow plant-based or other restrictive diets, ensuring adequate iodine intake is crucial for your total well-being.
