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There are potentially serious risks to taking too much iodine, however, which is why I generally do not advise taking iodine supplements like Lugol\u2019s or Ioderol. Your thyroid only transports iodine in its ionized form (i.e. iodide).<\/p>\n
Your thyroid reduces iodide (I-) into iodine (I2) for use in formation of thyroglobulin. Your body doesn\u2019t utilize iodine directly. It has to split the I2 into two I- ions, which is an oxidative reaction that causes oxidative stress.\u00a0Further, taking too much iodine may also lead to subclinical hypothyroidism, which occurs when your thyroid produces too little thyroid hormone. It\u2019s an ironic association, since hypothyroidism is often linked to iodine deficiency,<\/p>\n
But research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition2 revealed that study participants taking relatively higher doses of supplemental iodine \u2014 400 micrograms a day and more \u2013 paradoxically began developing subclinical hypothyroidism.<\/p>\n
I would recommend taking a large dose iodine supplement in the event of some type of nuclear fallout. In this case, if you\u2019re iodine deficient, taking a potassium iodide (a stable form of iodine) supplement can protect your thyroid by \u201cflooding\u201d your system with iodine so your thyroid has no need to take in the radioactive form.<\/p>\n
The jury is still out on whether iodine in supplemental form is safe (especially at higher doses). As an alternative, toxin-free sea vegetables and spirulina are likely the ideal natural sources from which to obtain your iodine\u2014however, make sure that these are harvested from uncontaminated waters. Raw milk and eggs contain iodine, as well. At the same time, you\u2019ll want to avoid all sources of bromine as much as possible, as this appears to play a large role in the rising levels of iodine deficiency. Here are several strategies you can use to avoid bromine and thereby help optimize your iodine levels naturally:<\/p>\n
MORE INFORMATION<\/p>\n