Iodine is critical for a healthy thyroid. In healthy adults, about 70 to 80 percent of the mineral in the entire body is found in the thyroid gland alone.
According to Cheryl Myers, chief of scientific affairs and education at EuroPharma, Inc. in Wisconsin, without enough iodine, there’s a shortage of thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). That, in turn, affects metabolism, energy levels, focus and a lot more. In fact, one of iodine’s other most important functions is stopping tumor formation.
“Unfortunately,” she said, “the levels of iodine consumption are quite low, which in turn, may explain the rates of thyroid disorders and breast cancer. In fact, one in seven American women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. Compare that to 30 years ago, when iodine consumption was much higher, and one in 20 women developed breast cancer. So supplemental iodine may be necessary to fill the dietary gap and prevent slow thyroid and potential cancer risk.”
Myers explained that scientific tests using estrogen-sensitive breast cancer cells exposed to iodine have shown that they are less likely to grow and spread. Fibrocystic breast disease is also common concern, and creates swelling, tenderness, and discomfort. In a clinical study, 98 percent of women receiving iodine treatment were pain-free by the study’s end, and 72 percent had improvements in breast tissue.
“This is because iodine helps rid the body of toxic bromide, chloride and fluoride—three iodine impostors that attach themselves to iodine receptor sites in the body and are all too common in our environment,” Myers said. “No wonder people experience issues with their thyroid, including energy levels, body temperature, and metabolism.
“Our Tri-Iodine line of supplements provides the three most beneficial forms of iodine: potassium iodide, molecular iodine, and sodium iodide at various dosage levels.”
References:
Abraham GE. The History of Iodine in Medicine Part III: Thyroid Fixation and Medical Iodophobia. Original Internist. 2006;13: 71-78.
Triggiani V, Tafaro E, Giagulli VA, et al. Role of iodine, selenium and other micronutrients in thyroid function and disorders. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2009;9(3):277-94.
“Country Comparison, Life Expectancy At Birth” CIA World Factbook, available at: www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2102rank.html. Accessed: October 3, 2012.
“Country Comparison Infant Mortality Rate”, CIA World Factbook, available at: www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2091rank.html. Accessed on October 3, 2012.
“Breast Cancer Statistics” available at www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics, accessed October 3, 2012.Ghent WR, et al.
Iodine replacement in fibrocystic disease of the breast. Can J Surg 1993;36:453-460.
