Thyroid Health Support

Iodine Background and Benefits

Iodine is a chemical element with 53 as its atomic number, French chemist Bernard Courtois first isolated iodine in 1811 by burning seaweed and washing out the ash with water. He then treated the remaining waste with sulfuric acid to produce dark purple iodine crystals. In 1814, English chemist Sir Humphrey identified iodine as a new element and named it after the Greek word ioeides, which means "purple-coloured."
Salt water is the richest natural source of iodine, in which it occurs as a negatively charged ion. Its high concentration in salt water is also the reason that iodine is an essential nutrient for most living things, including humans. However, iodine is generally a rare element on Earth, so iodine deficiency is relatively common in terrestrial animals.
 
The major biochemical role of iodine is the synthesis of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine and thyroxine. The thyroid gland absorbs iodine directly from the blood, so the concentration of iodine in the thyroid gland is much higher than elsewhere in the body.
 
Pure iodine is very reactive, so dietary supplements must supply it in the form of compounds. Iodide salts are usually used for this purpose because they are highly soluble in water. Potassium iodide is preferable to sodium iodide because potassium iodide absorbs water much less readily.
 

Uses of iodine

The common use of iodine as a dietary supplement is related to the thyroid gland, breast health, hair growth, and antioxidant support.

Signs of iodine deficiency

Inland populations are most likely to be affected by iodine deficiency, especially in arid regions far from large bodies of water. People who do not eat seafood are also at higher risk for iodine deficiency. Other risk categories for iodine deficiency include pregnancy and radiation exposure. An enlarged thyroid gland is the main sign that you may need iodine supplements. Other signs that iodine may be helping you include fatigue, hair loss and cognitive impairment.