Iodine Supplements

Iodine has a major role to play when it comes to the developing and growing phase of our body. It is part of thyroid hormones - thyroxine and triiodothyronine that aid in metabolism of the body. Apart from its major role in metabolism and proper development of bones and tissue, it is also responsible for the formation of fetal nervous system.

Sources

Consumption of natural sources of iodine are the best natural remedies for hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a medical condition caused by insufficient level of thyroxine hormone (responsible for body metabolism). This can be cured by consuming iodine rich foods like fresh fish, fish oil, cod, malt bread, condensed milk, sea weeds, sea kelp supplements, sea foods and eggs. Along with these natural thyroid supplements, diets with minerals like selenium also prevents iodine deficiency. The amount of iodine to be included in daily diet (as listed by FDA) is 80 mcg for children, 150 mcg for adults. Pregnant women require more iodine for a normal healthy pregnancy. Iodine deficiency in pregnancy can lead to stillbirth. So, pregnant women are advised to consume 220 mg of iodine on a daily basis. Infants, up to age of 6 months must have about 110 mg iodine in their regular diet.

Uses

• For Hypothyroidism: A diet low in iodine is the most probable cause of hypothyroidism. Hence supplements of iodine are a must, constituting at least 0.15 mg of daily diet, as declared by American Food and Drug Administration. Iodine supplements (4 mg) with vitamin E (600 units) is recommended to stimulate an under active thyroid gland.
• Iodine Supplements for Weight Loss: Deficiency of iodine content in body can lead to slow metabolism and a weak immune system. Reduced metabolic activity leads to excessive weight gain. So, these supplements aid in restoring the metabolic rate of the body and in the process, help in weight loss.
• For Hair Loss: A healthy hair growth is solely dependent on healthy hair follicles, and healthy hair follicle growth is stimulated by the thyroid gland. So, this supplement plays a major role in preventing hair loss.
• For Disease Prevention: Many diseases, like goiter (abnormal swelling of thyroid gland), Graves' disease, thyrotoxicosis and lymphedema can be cured by taking sufficient iodine in daily diet.

Availability

Iodine supplements are of two kinds: iodine and iodides. Iodine compounds as supplements aid in maintaining the correct level of estrogen hormone in women. Iodides on the other, hand have a direct effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland. Some of the common supplements that are prescribed as hypothyroidism medication are:

• Transformative Nano-Colloidal Detoxified Iodine: This iodine supplement is a nano-colloidal and nascent form of USP iodine crystals which are converted into a non toxic monatomic iodine form. Once this is consumed, the monatomic iodine is converted into carrier iodides inside the body. They get converted to the elemental form of iodine and bond with proteins in the muscle tissue, thus, enhancing the functioning of the immune system. Other activities of this iodine supplement include enhancing DNA integrity, maintaining metabolic and endocrine balance and boosting cardiovascular health.
• Nascent Iodine: Nascent iodine is an electromagnetically charged form of iodine which is quite similar to forms of iodine naturally produced by thyroid gland.
• Potassium Iodide: This iodine supplement is available as tablets, each containing about 0.23 - 130 mg of iodine. Potassium iodide usually blocks excessive intake of radio iodine by thyroid gland, thus, preventing chances of thyroid cancer symptoms. However, its assimilation into body tissues is moderate (20% approximately).
• Lugol's Solution: Lugol's solution contains about 6.3 mg of molecular iodine for every drop. It contains 5% molecular iodine and 10% potassium iodide. This iodine supplement has proven to be effective in increasing respiratory tract secretions and inhibiting excessive thyroxine secretion. Overall, this supplement aids in stalling unwanted hormonal secretions in the body.

Side Effects

Anything in excess calls for a disaster. People consuming iodine supplements excessively are susceptible to serious medical conditions like kidney disorders, respiratory ailments (like tuberculosis), burning mouth and throat, soreness of gums, increased salivation, irregular heart rhythm, thyroid gland hyperplasia and elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.

Iodine supplements, if taken as per the recommended daily allowance (RDA), will prove to be quite beneficial for health. Not to miss an important point, the above suggested supplements are to be consumed only if your doctor prescribes them on diagnosis of hypothyroidism.