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Decolorized iodine is also called colorless and/or white iodine. This type of iodine supplement can be food-grade or nonfood-grade.
Nonfood-grade decolorized liquid iodine is used topically to promote skin, hair and nail health, and to treat minor cuts, scrapes and bruises.
Food-grade colorless iodine tinctures can be taken internally and are used for a variety of health-enhancing purposes.
Compared to the normal orangey-brown forms of liquid iodine solutions, this decolorized version does not stain the skin or clothing. This makes it better suited for use as a topical anti-septic.
Iodine is an essential trace element that is important for human health. It plays various roles in the body including supporting thyroid function, detoxification, fighting infections and supporting healthy growth and development. [1]
Many people around the world are at risk of an iodine deficiency. Not having enough of this mineral in your diet can lead to weight gain, fatigue, persistent feelings of coldness, hair loss, skin damage and impaired immune function.
Brain Power
Thyroid Function
Weight Loss- Important for thyroid hormones & metabolism
- Supports mental function & immunity
- Essential nutrient with multiple roles in the body
Top Iodine Products* ❯Topical Decolorized Iodine Uses
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that iodine is used topically as an antiseptic.
People use decolorized iodine to improve wound healing. As an antiseptic, it kills bacteria, viruses, funguses and other microbes that can cause infection and sickness. [1]
NMCD states that liquid iodine is also externally used for:
- A hypersensitivity reaction that causes skin eruptions (erythema multiforme);
- Inflammation of mucous membranes in the digestive system (mucositis);
- An autoimmune skin disease that causes red, scaly patches (psoriasis);
- Patchy inflamed, bleeding, itching, rough blistered skin (eczema);
- Redness, swelling, soreness and/or blistered skin (dermatitis);
- Inflammation in the skin’s fat layers (erythema nodosum);
Iodo Blanco iodine is also used topically to improve skin ulcerations commonly associated with diabetes mellitus. [2] It has also been used for acne and to promote scar healing.
Oral Uses for Food-Grade Decolorized Iodine
Food-grade decolorized iodine supplements are commonly taken to support thyroid function, normal metabolism, weight loss, cognitive health, the growth of healthy skin, hair and nails and
NMCD states that iodine has also been used orally for cardiovascular disease, fibrocystic breast disease and breast cancer. However, it is not approved as a drug by the FDA for the treatment or prevention of these medical conditions.
Food-grade colorless white iodine is also used orally for improving thyroid function. Along with the amino acid tyrosine, iodine is the chemical base of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) are needed by every cell in the body and are involved in many physiological processes. [1]
When the thyroid gland cannot obtain adequate amounts of iodine from the blood, it is not able to produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormone. This can cause thyroid dysfunction which can lead to:
- Increased heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure (thyroid storm);
- A fungal infection of the skin called cutaneous sporotrichosis;
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism);
- Overexposure to radioactive iodides;
- Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter);
NMCD states that iodine has also been studied for its effects on obesity, diabetes, radiation emergency associated with radioactive iodides, venous leg ulcers, conjunctivitis (pink eye), endometritis, mastalgia, oral mucositis, periodontitis, chyluria, corneal ulceration, cutaneous sporotrichosis, pneumonia and syphilis. It is also used orally as an expectorant. [2]
There are several types of liquid iodine supplements that are more commonly used than decolorized iodine. Some of these include iosol iodine, potassium iodide, nascent iodine and Lugol’s solution.
Colorless iodine is normally used as an antiseptic for treating the skin, nails and scalp. Some people like it better than the orange-red USP iodine tincture because it does not stain clothing or skin. Others prefer the colored products because it allows them to easily see where the iodine has been applied.
Decolorized Iodine for Hair Loss
White iodine is purported to be helpful for those experiencing hair loss on the scalp. It is used to treat an autoimmune condition called alopecia areata.
According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF), this condition causes hair loss mainly on the scalp and face, but can affect the entire body in some cases. NAAF states that as many as 6.8 million people have this type of alopecia areata in the US alone. [3]
Alopecia areata affects people of both sexes, and all ethnic groups. In many cases, it begins to manifest in childhood. People with this condition may have small, irregular patches of balding on the scalp.
Decolorized iodine is used to treat alopecia areata, and to support healthy hair in general. The treatment involves simply applying the colorless iodine to the affected area once daily. Results are said to begin within 2 to 6 weeks of regular application.
According to LiveStrong, “Topical iodine and other skin irritants may benefit people with alopecia areata by causing a mild allergic reaction that stimulates hair growth.” [4]
One of the ways that iodine may influence hair growth is through its ability to support thyroid function. Alopecia areata is not caused by thyroid dysfunction, but frequently occurs in people who also experience thyroid disorders.
Thyroid hormones are involved in cell growth and division. Having low thyroid hormone levels can inhibit the growth of healthy hair or cause coarse, dry or thinning hair.
Research shows that hypothyroidism linked to iodine deficiency can be a common cause of hair loss among females. Getting adequate iodine in the diet through food choices or supplementation can help to promote strong, healthy hair growth.
Decolorized Iodine for Nails
When the thyroid is imbalanced, the body can experience numerous types of dysfunction, with nail, hair and skin disorders being some of the most common.
Like hair loss and brittle hair, developing brittle fingernails and toenails is a common symptom of thyroid dysfunction. Decolorized iodine is used to help restore health to nails by applying it directly to the nails and nailbeds.
Liquid iodine solutions are coated on the surface of the nails. Some people only apply the iodine to the tips of their nails, and on the underside of the nail tips. Some users report applying it to the entire surface.
According to reviews, improvements in nail health can occur in as little as a week. Iodine is believed to be helpful for skin, nail and hair conditions because it is integral for proper thyroid function which supports growth and repair of cells throughout the body.
Decolorized Iodine Side Effects
Do not ingest decolorized iodine unless it food-grade. Use topical and/or oral iodine supplements only according to the manufacturer’s dosing suggestions.
There are disease/drug interactions possible with iodine usage. Be very careful with supplementation, especially if you have any type of thyroid disorder or if you use medications including ACE inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics, lithium and/or ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers).
The US RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) for iodine is 150 micrograms. However, that is a very small amount that many health professionals believe is not sufficient to meet the body’s needs. Some doctors recommend much higher daily doses of iodine.
Talk with your doctor about the best ways to use decolorized iodine and about the best dosage for you to begin with.
Article last updated on: July 6th, 2018 by Nootriment