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Oral iodine tablets are used to support weight loss, normal energy levels, detoxification, healthy skin and hair, immunity and mental function.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM), iodine is also used to prevent enlarged thyroid (goiter), support metabolism and protect against viral and bacterial infections.
Most of the iodine found in the human body is taken up by the thyroid gland, which requires this trace mineral to synthesize thyroxin hormones. These hormones are involved in regulating the overall rate of cellular activity.
There are many different types of iodine supplements available to buy. Different forms of this mineral vary in terms of their oral bioavailability and absorption in the body.
One common form of this product is Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets which is used to reduce the change of thyroid damage during a radiation emergency. ThyroShield and Iosat are FDA-approved products to protect the thyroid against radioactive iodides.
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* ❯Iodine Tablet Uses
Iodine is an essential trace mineral denoted “I” on the periodic table of elements (atomic number 53).
The body cannot make iodine and other minerals internally. We must derive this element from our diets or through use of a dietary supplement to avoid a deficiency.
UMM states that seaweed, certain marine creatures and plants grown in iodine-rich soil are some of the best dietary sources of this mineral.
Iodine deficiency is a global health concern and may affect as much as 35% of the population worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), while deficiency is becoming less prevalent, more than 50 countries are still affected by low iodine intake.
Getting adequate intake of iodine is especially important for pregnant and nursing mothers. If the developing baby does not receive enough from their mother, an irreversible state of mental retardation known as cretinism can occur.
Iodination of table salt is the method employed in many countries to reduce deficiencies in their populations. Other food additives found in milk, cereals and breads can also be used to enrich dietary intake.
However, the practice of adding iodine to the food supply is not as prevalent in the United States and other developed nations anymore. For this reason, more people are using oral iodine pills to ensure sufficient intake.
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that iodine supplements are used to support thyroid health and protecting from radioactive iodine uptake. This supplement has also been used for:
- Fibrocystic breast disease;
- Preventing breast cancer;
- Cyclic mastalgia;
- Goiter prevention and treatment;
- Hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease and thyroid storm
- Cardiovascular disease;
- Ocular disease;
- Weight loss;
- Diabetes;
- Syphilis;
- Kashin-Beck osteoarthropathy
Iodine is also used topically for dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and for wound healing. It has also been used to prevent mucositis (inflammation of mucous membranes), for chyluria, venous leg ulcers, cutaneous sporotrichosis, pneumonia, periodontitis, endometritis, and to improve diabetic ulcers.
What Does Iodine Do In The Body?
Iodine is chiefly associated with healthy thyroid hormone production in humans but plays other physiological roles as well.
Iodine is required to produce T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) thyroid hormones. The “3” and “4” in “T3” and “T4” represent the number of iodine atoms in each.
T3 and T4 are important messenger molecules that regulate a wide range of functions in the body. These include regulating core temperature, cellular growth, energy metabolism, development, heart rate and many other functions and systems.
The thyroid gland contains more iodine than all other tissues and organs. Research shows that the thyroid stores between 70% and 80% of the body’s available iodine supply. [1]
As a component of thyroid hormones, iodine is found in every other cell, tissue and organ in the body. It is needed for cell-to-cell signaling, proper metabolism, protecting DNA and maintaining cardiovascular health. [2]
If you do not get enough of this mineral in your diet, signs of thyroid dysfunction can develop. Some symptoms of low thyroid activity (hypothyroidism) can include:
- Thyroid enlargement (goiter)
- Fatigue/lethargy
- Constipation
- Dry or coarse skin
- Thinning hair or hair loss
- Unexplained Weight gain
- Pale, puffy face or bulging eyes
- Muscle weakness
- Elevated cholesterol level
- Heavy or irregular menstrual periods
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Depression or anhedonia
- Increased sensitivity to cold temperatures
- Muscle aches, pain and stiffness
- Tenderness or swelling in your joints
- Impaired memory and focus
- Delayed development in children
- Hoarse voice
Types of Iodine Supplements
There are several different forms of iodine pills and capsules available to buy online and in local health stores.
There are several different forms of iodine pills and capsules available to buy online and in local health stores.One popular product is the Sea-Iodine brand from Life Extension. This supplement contains iodine harvested from a blend of organic marine algae (kelp and bladderwrack extracts) and provides 1000 mcg per serving.
According to the manufacturer, “Sea-Iodine brings you the health of the sea while avoiding the dangers of excessive salt.”
Another product is Iodoral 12.5 mg tablets, which is promoted as asource of iodine and iodide. According to the manufacturer, this “tablet form of the common Lugol liquid iodine is formulated for easy absorption and without the difficult flavor.”
Most oral iodine tablets are made from a stable form of iodine called potassium iodide (KI). The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that potassium iodide is standardized to 76% halogen iodine and 23% alkali metal potassium.
In addition to being sold in the form of a pill tablet, it may also be sold as a liquid solution. It is usually available as SSKI (saturated solution of potassium iodide). Each drop of this solution contains 47 mg of KI. [3]
Lugol’s solution is another popular supplement. It is a water-based solution made from 5% molecular iodine and 10% potassium iodide. It was introduced in 1829 and used widely for its antiseptic and disinfectant properties; particularly for purifying water.
Nascent iodine is a type of supplement that is described as an atomic form of iodine that can be safely consumed. Nascent iodine is electromagnetically charged and is purported to be highly bioavailable and easily assimilated and utilized by cells.
According to Dr. Edward Group, nascent iodine may be as much as 4 to 7 times as effective as potassium iodide tablets. Research on nascent iodine is lacking, but consumer reviews at venues like Amazon are favorable.
Iodine deficiencies are common in certain parts of the world, but they can be easily prevented.
Iodine tablets, tinctures and other supplemental forms are readily available and cost-effective.
NMCD states that there are more than 4000 natural health products available that contain iodine. It is important to purchase supplements from companies that manufacture according to cGMP guidelines and conduct third-party lab testing to ensure the purity of their products.
It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about the possible benefits and side effects of iodine supplementation before beginning.
Iodine Tablets for Radiation Exposure
High-dose Iodine supplements are also FDA-approved for the prevention of radiation poisoning in the thyroid gland. Many health experts recommend keeping iodine tablets in disaster kits as basic items.
When nuclear events like the reactor meltdowns at Chernobyl and Fukushima occur, radioactive iodides are released into the environment in high amounts. If these radioactive molecules are taken up by the thyroid gland, it can lead to serious health problems.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “KI (potassium iodide) is a salt of stable (not radioactive) iodine that can help block radioactive iodine from being absorbed by the thyroid gland, thus protecting this gland from radiation injury.”
How does potassium iodide protect against radiation exposure? By supplying the thyroid gland with a form of iodine that is not radioactive, KI tablets inhibit the update of radioactive iodine molecules.
Radioiodines that are nor absorbed by the thyroid gland are subsequently excreted from the body via urination.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “When administered in the recommended dose, KI is effective in reducing the risk of thyroid cancer in individuals or populations at risk for inhalation or ingestion of radioiodines.”
Note that the FDA states that iodine tablets will not provide protection against radiation that comes from sources other than radioactive iodine. Potassium iodide is not a general radioprotectant.
Iodine Tablets for Water Purification
According to Princeton University, 2% iodine tincture solutions and Potable Aqua iodine tablets are also effective for treating contaminated water.
Salt iodization of water has anti-microbial effects and can be used to sterilize large-scale water supplies.
Add 10 drops of 2% iodine tincture to each quart of water you wish to treat. Follow the manufacturer’s directions if using Potable Aqua tablets.
- Vermeulen H1, Westerbos SJ, Ubbink DT. Benefit and harm of iodine in wound care: a systematic review. J Hosp Infect. 2010 Nov;76(3):191-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2010.04.026. Epub 2010 Aug 12.
- Ahad, Farhana, and Shaiq A. Ganie. "Iodine, Iodine Metabolism and Iodine Deficiency Disorders Revisited." Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 14.1 (2010): 13–17. Print.
- Sterling JB1, Heymann WR. Potassium iodide in dermatology: a 19th century drug for the 21st century-uses, pharmacology, adverse effects, and contraindications. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2000 Oct;43(4):691-7.
Article last updated on: July 2nd, 2018 by Nootriment