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Liquid iodine solutions are used to promote protection from bacterial infections. These solutions are taken orally to increase iodine status in the body and used topical as disinfectants.
There are several types of liquid iodine solutions available and not all are appropriate for oral use as a dietary supplement. Certain forms of iodine drops may be better absorbed and utilized by the body.
Iodine is an essential trace element that is important for maintaining adequate thyroid hormone levels and regulating energy metabolism in cells.
This solution is also used for other health-enhancing purposes including protection from radioactive iodide exposure, promoting weight loss, supporting reproductive health and as a detoxification agent. [1]
Topically liquid iodine is applied to the skin to clean wounds and for conditions including dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, acne, diabetic ulcers and for conjunctivitis.
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* ❯Types of Liquid Iodine Solutions
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that iodine is used both topically and orally for different purposes. [2]
There are more than 4400 products currently available that contain this essential mineral. Some of the liquid iodine solutions available include;
- Decolorized iodine;
- Potassium iodide;
- Lugol’s solution;
- Nascent iodine;
- Sodium iodide;
- Iosol iodine;
These products differ in secondary ingredients, the amounts of iodine, and the forms of iodine contained. Not all forms are suitable for oral supplementation.
Always read and follow the specific manufacturer usage recommendations on any iodine product that you purchase.
According to Dr. Jeffrey Dach, you should look for a supplement that contains both elemental iodine and iodide. He says that the body needs both forms, and has a difficult time converting the two between one another. [3]
Dr. Dach recommends using a 2% or 5% Lugol’s solution product. One example is J.CROW’S® Lugol”s Solution 5%.
This product contains a combination of 2.5 mg of iodine and 5mg of potassium iodide per drop.
According to the manufacturer, “The Iodide portion of Potassium Iodide is about 75% so that is 3.75mg. Therefore the total Iodine plus Iodide is 2.5 + 3.75 = 6.25mg and 2 drops is about 12.50 mg’s of iodine/iodide (5.0 mg iodine, 7.50 mg iodide).” [5]
Liquid Iodine Solution Uses
Iodine supplements and topical solutions are used to support thyroid health, immune function, skin health, cognitive function and more.
They are also used to detoxify and protect the thyroid gland against the harmful effects of halogens like fluoride, chlorine, and bromine.
Oral iodine dietary supplements are most commonly used for improving level of thyroid hormone in people with low thyroid activity (hypothyroidism).
Iodine and the amino acid tyrosine are required to produce T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. The “3” and “4” in T3 and T4 represent the number of iodine atoms in each of these endogenous chemicals.
When this mineral is lacking in the body, the thyroid cannot meet demands for synthesizing these hormones and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction can develop. [1]
Low levels of thyroid hormones can cause weight gain, an inability to lose weight and overall sluggish metabolism. Hypothyroidism is also marked by enlargement of the thyroid gland, also called a goiter.
By helping to suport thyroid hormone production, iodine is anecdotally reported to boost weight loss, increase energy levels, reduce fatigue and improve appetite control. [1]
Antiseptic properties:
Liquid iodine solutions are commonly used in products designed to prevent and treat minor bacterial skin infections. This mineral is also used as a topical disinfectant before surgery.
According to the manufacturer of De La Cruz Iodine tincture (Tintura de Yodo), “Iodine is also indicated as an antiseptic and disinfectant in the topical prophylaxis and treatment of superficial skin infections caused by susceptible gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in minor abrasions, burns, or cuts.”
This trace element is known to kill numerous microbes including bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. Liquid solutions have long been used in folk medicine for cleaning wounds and fighting infection. [1]
Radioactive Iodides:
Some people use liquid iodine solutions to protect against the bioaccumulation of radioactive iodide in the thyroid gland during radiation emergencies.
During the 2011 nuclear disaster in Fukushima, Japan, large amounts of radioiodine were released into the environment. If these radioactive molecules are taken up by the thyroid gland, it can lead to thyroid cancer and other health problems.
Oral potassium iodide tablets (iOSAT, SSKI, ThyroSafe, ThyroShield) are FDA-approved to block the uptake of radioactive iodine molecules following nuclear accidents or fallouts.
They work by saturating the thyroid gland with stable, non-radioactive iodine which reduces the amount of radioiodine absorbed by this gland.
Potassium iodide tablets and liquid drops have traditionally been the most popular choice of supplement for this purpose.
According to Dr. Edward Group III, nascent iodine works best for blocking radioactive iodides because of its superior bioavailability. He says nascent iodine is safer to use than potassium iodide because it will not contribute to the buildup of potassium salt residues.
Breast/Ovary Health:
Research suggests that iodine may have benefits for breast tissue and ovarian health. Iodine deficiency has been associated with fibrocystic breast disease and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).
These conditions are known to increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer respectively. [1]
NMCD rates iodine as Possibly Effective for fibrocystic breast disease and for reducing pain, tenderness, and nodularity in women diagnosed with cyclic mastalgia.
Neurological Function:
As a component in thyroid hormones, iodine is important for healthy cognitive function. Being deficient in this mineral can lead to mental slowness, poor concentration and difficulty remembering as well as disturbed moods.
According to WHO, maternal iodine deficiency is the world’s most prevalent cause of improper neurological development. When iodine is lacking in a pregnant woman, there is a much greater chance for fetal or neonatal mental retardation and brain damage. [4]
Skin, Hair and Nails:
Some people use iodine to improve the health of their skin, nails and hair. It is used both as a topical solution and as a mineral supplement.
Dermatological conditions like eczema, acne and dermatitis are more likely with iodine deficiency. Hair and nail loss, or brittle hair and nails, are common symptoms associated with hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid). [1]
Some research suggests that applying liquid iodine to the skin can reduce the development of acne and promote the healing of facial lesions.
Iodine is also a known antioxidant which helps to reduce damage from oxidative stress. It also demonstrates positive effects on inflammation, cardiovascular health and immune function. [1]
Anti-Bacterial Protection:
It is well-established that iodine solutions applied topically to the skin can prevent bacterial infection. Some purport that oral use of this supplement can also help to kill germs in the body.
According to Dr. D.C. Jarvis’s book Folk Medicine, “All the blood in the body passes through the thyroid gland every 17 minutes. Because the cells making up this gland have an affinity for iodine, during this 17-minute passage the gland’s secretion of iodine kills weak germs that may have gained entry into the blood through an injury to the skin, the lining of nose or throat, or through absorption of food from the digestive tract. Strong, virulent germs are rendered weaker during their passage through the thyroid gland.” [5]
While the antimicrobial effects have been demonstrated in vitro, there are no human research studies available to determine the efficacy of liquid iodine as an anti-bacterial agent when taken orally.
The manufacturers of J.CROW’S® Lugol’s Solution 5% make the following disclaimer on their Amazon page: “Though Dr. Jarvis refers to the many qualities of Lugol’s Solution it is offered here only as a ‘talisman’. We are aware of its regular use in the past as a general purpose traditional disinfectant however, we make no claims with respect to its efficacy for any purpose whatsoever.”
Determining Iodine Deficiency
Iodine deficiency is a worldwide health concern, affecting certain parts of the planet more than others. According to WHO, as of 2002 more than 35% of the global population was low in this mineral
According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) monitoring program, “urinary iodine measurements have shown that the general U.S. population is iodine sufficient.”
This means that most people in the United States are able to obtain adequate amounts of this mineral from their diet. However, some health professionals disagree with this finding and say that deficiency is a common problem in the USA.
According to Dr. David Brownstein, more than 90% of patients he has tested over the years have been deficient in iodine. This can result in endocrine dysfunction and lead to overweightness or obesity.
Some health professionals also argue that the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for iodine established by the FDA is too low to meet the health needs of all people.
Dr. Mark Sircus advises everyone to routinely use an iodine supplement, especially if you live on the west coast of the US, Canada or Mexico. This is because of the increased exposure to radiation attributed to the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan.
Dr. Group recommends that everyone get tested for iodine deficiency. Although urine and/or thyroid hormone tests will be significantly more accurate, he says you can perform a basic test by applying a 3-inch square of USP iodine tincture to the center of your forearm.
If the orange-red stain from the iodine is absorbed within 12 hours, this may be a sign of low levels or deficiency.
Use of liquid iodine solutions may not be appropriate for everyone and could cause interactions with certain drugs or health conditions. Getting too much of this mineral in your diet can result in harmful side effects.
Seek medical advice before beginning to use liquid iodine to determine if this product is appropriate for you.
- 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.
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database
- World Health Organization. Iodine Deficiency Disorder.
- J.CROW'S Lugol's Solution of Iodine 5% the Trusted Original Since 1829. Amazon.
Article last updated on: July 2nd, 2018 by Nootriment