Iodine

Iodine is found in seaweed (especially kelp),
seafood, iodized salt and sea salt, eggs, garlic,
turnip greens, watercress. It is commonly used as a topical antiseptic. Vegans and others who
don’t eat dairy products or fish may benefit from taking
iodine.

Iodine stimulates the thyroid gland to produce
the thyroid hormones thyroxin and triiodothyronine,
which regulate metabolic rate.  The
trace element is also present in more than a hundred
enzyme systems such as energy production, nerve
function and hair and skin growth. Iodine promotes the
conversion of body fat to energy,
thereby regulating basal metabolic
rate. It also protects against toxic
effects from radioactive material. Finally, iodine has the ability to relieve pain and
soreness associated with fibrocystic breast disease and can
loosen clogged mucous in breathing tubes.

Goiter (characterized by enlarged thyroid
gland which may thicken the neck, restrict breathing and cause bulging of the eyes), hypothyroidism (low thyroid), physical and mental sluggishness, poor circulation and low vitality, dry
hair and skin, cold hands and feet, obesity, cretinism
(characterized by physical and mental retardation in
children born to mothers deficient in iodine), hearing
loss.

Since the introduction of iodized salt, iodine
supplements are not recommended for most people.150-300mcg (micrograms) RDA is 150mcg. Liquid
iodine for medicinal uses (as a topical antiseptic for
wounds) should NOT be used orally.

Iodine supplementation is usually only necessary
upon medical advice. Upper safe level: 500mcg (long term usage); 700mcg (short term
usage)

None if taken as recommended. People taking
lithium and anti-thyroid drugs such as methimazole and propylthiouracil should not take
supplementary iodine without consulting their
doctor.

Slightly soluble in water, soluble in many
other solvents, for example alcohol.