Overview

Iodine deficiency is associated with a number of medical conditions, including [Brownstein2009]:

Please see conventional, complimentary and alternative medical treatments for important background information regarding the different types of medical treatments discussed on this page. Naturopathic, Complimentary and Alternative treatments that may be considered include:

Etiology

All cells in the body contain iodine receptors, especially endocrine glands. These receptors are susceptible to being blocked by other halides (e.g. fluorine, chlorine, bromine) that are present in the environment, resulting in functional iodine deficiencies.

Previously, people living in land-locked areas with iodine-deficient soil were susceptible to iodine deficiency, but with the widespread use of iodized salt, this is no longer a common problem in developed countries.

Differential Diagnosis

Treatment

Dr. Starr recommends treating iodine deficiency with Lugol's Strong Iodine Solution (iodine + iodide). A course of treatment starts by rubbing one drop into the skin per day, titrating up an additional drop every four or five days, up to 4 drop/day (25mg) [Brownstein2009], [Starr2005, pg 187].

Pathophysiology

Dr. Derry has proposed a number of functions for iodine [Derry2003], some of which include:
  • Needed to make T4.
  • Plays a role in apoptosis.
  • Detoxifies chemicals, including foreign proteins (anti-allergy and anti-autoimmune) including venoms and toxins.
  • Protects unsaturated fatty acids.
  • Antimicrobial against Helicobacter pylori in the stomach.
  • Regenerates scar tissue to normal tissue [Derry2008a]; [Derry2008b].

References