Iodine
IODINE was derived from the Greek word iodes, meaning "violet color" seen in its fumes and was the first nutrient to be recognized as essential for humans and animals. As early as 3000 BC, the Chinese treated goiter with seaweed or sponge. Later, Hippocrates used the same treatment for enlarged thyroid glands. In 1811, a French chemist described some of the basic properties of seaweed, including iodine. In 1914, a scientist at the Mayo Clinic reported the isolation of a crystalline compound containing 65% iodine from the thyroid gland and named it thyroxin. From this discovery, as well as other studies, came the inclusion of iodine in the diet, leading to a greater reduction of goiter worldwide. "Goiter" is the most noticeable deficiency resulting from hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid gland, which ultimately causes an overall slowing down of bodily functions. Most of the iodine found in the body is located in the thyroid gland and is necessary for thyroid hormone production.
The most serious iodine deficiency is cretinism, a congenital form of mental retardation. Chinese researchers found that dietary iodine given in the 1st and 2nd timester of pregnancy, reduced these types of birth defects by 400%. Because iodine influences the throid gland, which controls metabolism, an undersupply can cause children, especially, to have slow mental reactions, a marked lack of energy, and an unexplained weight gain.
Large amounts of natural iodine, as that found in kelp, can cause an overactivity of the thyroid gland. However, there are no known toxicities from organic iodine. The inorganic form, used as antiseptics, should never be used as food. As little as 500 mcg. of this compound can be toxic. Milk and other dairy products absorb iodine from disinfectants used on cows, milking machines, and storage tanks, as well as from animal feeds containing an iodine additive.
People are now more exposed to unsafe levels of radiation. Iodine can block the uptake of radioactive iodides by the thyroid thereby protecting it, and the rest of the body, from attack by radioactive pollutants. The painful breast condition known as fibrocystitis has been relieved with treatments of elemental iodine. When the supplement was stopped, the pain returned. Some physicians have used an iodine compound to break up stubborn mucus in persistent coughing. Found commercially in iodized salt, this form of iodine gives sufficient amounts needed by the body. On the other hand, the chronic overuse of salt leads to other problems greater than that of an iodine deficiency.
Iodine is a good antiseptic, both for wounds and for purifying backcountry water. The best form for hikers and campers to use is tetraglycine hydroperiodide. Povidone iodine, an organic form and sold as Betadine, is also an excellent topical disinfectant.
Iodine is a nonmetallic element of the halogen group (which also include bromine, chlorine, flourine, and astatine, all of which form salts that combine with sodium and other metals) and is the heaviest of the halogen elements.
Other names include: iodin, I, I-, element 53.
Deficiency symptoms include: cold feet, goiter, fatigue, eczema, dry/brittle hair, arrested physical and mental development, deafness, and muteness.
Toxicity symptoms include: fatigue, headaches, weight gain, dry skin, acne, sensitivities to cold, thin/brittle nails, rapid pulse, irregular menstrual bleeding, and increased salivation.
Inhibitors include: food processing and nutrient-deficient soil. There are no known helpers.
Iodine 131 is also known as radioactive iodine or 1-131. Toxicity produces thyroid cancer. It has no nutritive value and is placed here because sources of it are found on contaminated fruits and vegetables grown near nuclear power pollution.
Note: Elemental iodine, while having excellent properties, is toxic. Fatalities have occurred by ingesting less than 2 grams.
