Iodine Poisoning Symptoms, Health Risks & How to Prevent

Cases of iodine poisoning are rare, but can be serious. [1] Iodine overdose can occur when an individual is overexposed to sources of elemental iodine.

Potassium iodide, sodium iodide and iodate are used as additives to table salt in many countries. Consuming very high amounts of these forms can also cause iodine poisoning.

Many people use iodine tinctures as antiseptic agents to cleanse and disinfect scrapes and cuts. Liquid drops are also used to purify water. Repeated exposure to tincture of this mineral can also lead to iodine toxicity.

In most cases, symptoms of overdose will be attributed to excess dosages of the elemental iodine found in the following products:

• Amiodarone, an antiarrhythmic drug;
• Radioactive iodine;
• Lugol’s solution;
• Inks and dyes;
• Pima syrup

Make sure that you follow directions for use of these products provided by the manufacturer or your doctor.

Iodine

Essential Mineral

Brain Power

Thyroid Function

Weight Loss

How It Works:

• Important for thyroid hormones & metabolism
• Supports mental function & immunity
• Essential nutrient with multiple roles in the body

Dosage:

Between 50 - 250 mg per day

Safety:

Generally Well Tolerated

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Iodine Poisoning Symptoms

Using too much iodine in the elemental form can result in poisoning symptoms developing.

However, the frequency of these cases is rare because people normally do not come into contact with elemental iodine.

If taking iodine dietary supplements to promote thyroid function, weight loss, wound healing or skin health, it is unlikely to experience toxicity so long as you closely follow recommended dosage guidelines.

Acute and chronic iodine overdose can cause a range of possible adverse side effects.

According to the Linus Pauling Institute, some of the most commonly experienced effects of iodine poisoning include nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, fever, pain in the abdomen and delirium.

More serious iodine toxicity side effects are possible depending on the manner in which the overdose occurs.

Elemental iodine and concentrated formulations may cause overdose in the following ways:

Oral ingestion:

Oral overdose of iodine can cause serious damage to the tissues of the mouth, throat and lungs.

It can cause shortness of breath via pulmonary edema (fluid accumulations in the lungs). It may also cause edema of the structure in the larynx that facilitates vocal abilities (glottis).

Too much oral ingestion of this mineral may also cause inflammation of the stomach and intestines (gastroenteritis). Severe abdominal pain and diarrhea are common symptoms of this condition.

Other possible side effects associated with oral iodine poisoning include having a metallic taste in the mouth, increased heart rate, headache, dizziness, low blood pressure and/or shock.

Inhalation:

Inhaling the vapor of elemental iodine can cause extreme irritation of the lungs. Pulmonary edema may result.

Possible symptoms of pulmonary edema include chest pain, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, shallow breathing, sweating and fatigue. Water retention and rapid heart beat are also possible.

Eye/skin contact:

Applying iodine solutions to the skin excessively or getting it in your eyes can cause chemical burning. This can cause severe burning of skin and eye tissue.

Other side effects associated with iodine poisoning include:

• Burning pain in the mouth and/or throat;
• Inadequate urine output;
• Sore teeth and gums;
• Excessive salivation;
• Excessive thirst;
• Poor appetite;
• Skin rash;
• Seizure;
• Stupor;

Warning about Excessive Iodine Exposure

Overexposure to various forms of iodine can cause an array of iodine poisoning symptoms. According to the US National Library of Medicine, in the most severe cases, primary body systems can be damaged irreparably; possibly resulting in death.

Most people will never be exposed to elemental iodine and are at a low risk for experiencing poisoning or toxicity symptoms. Taking iodine supplements properly is not associated with overdose in most cases.

Iodine is a natural chemical that is necessary for human health. It is only needed in small amounts. The US RDA for iodine is 150 micrograms for healthy adults over 14 years of age. Pregnant and nursing women should get more.

Never induce vomiting in cases of iodine poisoning unless you are told to do so by experts from the AAPCC (American Association of Poison Control Centers). Their toll-free phone number is 1 (800) 222-1222.

Talk with a doctor about the benefits of iodine before using this mineral at a supplement. It is important to learn about the potential side effects interactions, and how to avoid iodine overdose.

Iodine Functions in the Body

Iodine is an essential nutrient, which means it can only be gained from the diet or via dietary supplementation.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 2 billion people worldwide are deficient in this nonmetallic chemical element.

According to Dr. Joseph Brownstein, as many as 19 in 20 people may be lacking sufficient iodine. For these reasons, many people take an iodine supplement to ensure healthy levels of this mineral.

The primary use of this natural chemical in the body is to facilitate the production of T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) thyroid hormones. The “3” and “4” in T3 and T4 represent the number of iodine atoms in those hormones.

Iodine plays an important role in energy metabolism within the body. According to research from the University of Kashmir, “A healthy adult body contains 15-20 mg of iodine, 70-80% of which is stored in the thyroid gland.” [1]

The thyroid gland is often referred to as the body’s “Master Gland”. Proper thyroid function is critical for human health, and proper iodine intake is crucial for healthy thyroid function.

Both iodine deficiency and overdose can negatively affect thyroid performance.

The thyroid gland is responsible for modulating important biological processes including appetite, metabolism, thermoregulation, blood detoxification, heart rate, growth and development.

Iodine that is not taken up in the thyroid gland is largely stored in breast tissue in women and prostate tissue in men.

Iodine vs Iodide

Elemental iodine occurs in nature when two atoms of iodine are joined together. Exposure to this form of iodine is very unlikely for anyone outside a laboratory setting.

Elemental iodine is highly corrosive to body tissues and will cause serious damage on contact. This form of iodine should never be ingested.

Iodide is formed when an atom of iodine is bonded to a separate element; most likely potassium or sodium. Proper amounts of iodide are able to be safely ingested, or applied topically.

Even iodide forms of iodine can cause severe tissue damage with overexposure. There are also possibilities of much more serious complications.

Nascent Iodine

Also called atomic iodine, nascent iodine has been formulated to provide a purer form of this element. This form of iodine contains only one atom of iodine.

It is not likely to cause tissue damage when taken appropriately. Nascent iodine is more easily absorbed and utilized by the body than more common iodine forms like potassium iodide and sodium iodide.

To reduce the risk of overdose symptoms developing, it is recommended to consult with a doctor first before using an iodine supplement. Your doctor can tell you about the appropriate dosages to take and the best form of this supplement to use.

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