What are your thoughts on Iodine supplements?

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   oceansnsunsetsposted 8 years ago

   What are your thoughts on Iodine supplements?
   
   What are the reasons that people take iodine supplements?

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2. 60

   Kathryn Shattlerposted 8 years ago

   Iodine is necessary for the thyroid gland to function. It is responsible for making, most importantly, T4 which is then metabolized in the body to the active hormone T3. Selenium is important in that synthesis step. It is very imporant to realize that if you are repleting a population or an individual who is iodine deficient, to do it gradually. Introducing iodine too quickly can invoke autoimmune disease of the thryoid and then you have another problem.

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3. 59

   fpherj48posted 8 years ago

   Paula......The "reasons" people may or may not take iodine supplements, pretty much relate to my thoughts on these supplements.  The average adult who consumes a healthy balanced diet is ahead of the game of course.  Normally, using iodized table salt in cooking and very lightly in our foods, will suffice to supply our need for iodine.
   Pregnant & nursing women must take an added supplement.  Iodine is crucial for babies and children's brain development.
   Aside from this, the reality is that our entire body needs iodine, in particular our thyroid.  In addition, our body tissues use and absorb iodine for healthy, properly functioning skin, brain & bone marrow, to name just a few.
   As for HOW MUCH?  Each individual along with their Primary Care Physician needs to research and determine the appropriate, safe level.
   While iodine is a beneficial need, too much can be harmful.
   Other than pregnancies (decades ago)...I have never found it necessary to consume supplements other than using iodized salt.   
   I hope this information helps your curiosity.  Peace, Paula

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4. 84

   tsmogposted 8 years ago

   Interesting you asked this. Last night I watched a program on PBS plugging a diet focused on something called 'Wheat Belly'. What I found interesting was iodine was added to salt because of goiter in the US. I didn't know that. The speaker Dr. William Davis mentioned our intake of iodine is less because of the movement to lower salt intake.
   
   Once on the canisters of Morton table salt actually stated 'Prevent Goiter' on the label (1924). Later the FDA had it changed to "“This salt provides iodide, a necessary nutrient.” The FDA began in 1906.

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5. 85

   Jlbowdenposted 8 years ago

   As Kathy has answered already - they are essential in maintaining a healthy thyroid gland function.  But if you consume enough of certain seafood.  (Ie.). Shrimp, mussels, scallops. 
   
   Than possibly you would not need to resort to taking iodine supplements.  Unless you are not fond of these types of seafood?  These foods I mentioned are only a few of the foods that contain a good amount of natural iodine. 
   
   However talking this over with your own family Doctor may be the smart thing to do.  He or she may want to test your thyroid gland function first, to make sure that this is why you are lacking  iodine.  A simple T3/T4 lab test, will help determine this. 
   
   And your Doctor may not want you to take iodine supplements because they may interfere with other supplements andmedications; that you are taking already.  Hope that helps answer some of your question.

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