Iodine

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Other names for iodine

Potassium Iodide
Iodine from Kelp
Nascent Iodine
Lugol’s Iodine

Synopsis of iodine

Iodine is an essential trace mineral and a critical component of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism, growth, energy production, and neurological development. The body cannot synthesize iodine, so it must be obtained through diet or supplementation. Natural sources include iodized salt, seaweed (like kelp), dairy, seafood, and eggs. Iodine deficiency can lead to goiter (thyroid gland enlargement), hypothyroidism, fatigue, weight gain, and developmental disorders, particularly in pregnant women and infants.

Iodine plays several key roles:

  • Supports thyroid hormone production, which regulates metabolism, temperature, and heart rate
  • Essential for fetal brain development and neurological function
  • Supports the immune system and may help protect against certain bacterial and viral infections
  • In high doses, can be used therapeutically to manage overactive thyroid conditions or prepare the thyroid for radioactive iodine therapy

It is available in several forms, including potassium iodide (KI), sodium iodide, molecular iodine (I₂), and in seaweed-derived supplements. It is also used topically as an antiseptic (e.g., povidone-iodine) for wound care.

Historical Use
The importance of iodine came into medical focus in the early 19th century, when it was discovered that seaweed and iodine-rich preparations could reduce goiter, a common condition in areas with iodine-deficient soil. The identification of iodine as a chemical element in 1811 by Bernard Courtois, followed by its use in goiter treatment, marked the beginning of modern iodine therapy.

In Ayurvedic medicine, iodine-rich seaweeds like kelp (Laminaria) were used for thyroid and lymphatic swelling, though the element itself was not isolated. Similarly, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, sea vegetables and mineral-rich marine remedies were traditionally prescribed for throat conditions and nodules.

The introduction of iodized salt in the early 20th century led to a dramatic decline in iodine deficiency-related diseases, especially in inland and mountainous regions. Today, iodine is a cornerstone of nutritional endocrinology, and maintaining adequate levels is especially important for pregnancy, infancy, and thyroid health.

In modern wellness and medicine, iodine is recognized not only for its essential role in hormone regulation and development, but also for its protective effects against environmental toxins and endocrine disruptors, making it a vital nutrient for lifelong health.

Iodine is used for these health conditions

Birth Defects (prevention) (Scientific)
Breast Lumps (Scientific)
Burns and Scalds (Scientific)
Cuts (Scientific)
Goiter (Scientific)
Infection (Scientific)
Infection (bacterial) (Scientific)
Infection (viral) (Scientific)
Radiation Sickness (Scientific)
Scratches and Abrasions (Scientific)
Wounds and Sores (Scientific)

iodine is used to support these body systems

Breasts (Scientific)
Glandular System (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Ovaries (Scientific)
Reproductive System (Scientific)
Thyroid Gland (Scientific)