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IODINE
WHY YOU NEED IT
WHY YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT IT
5th Edition
David Brownstein, M.D.For further copies of 
Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It, 5
th
 Edition
Call: 
1-888-647-5616
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Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It 5
th
 Edition
Copyright © 2014 by David Brownstein, M.D. All Rights Reserved
No part of this book may be reproduced without written consent from the publisher. ISBN: 978-0-9660882-3-6
Medical Alternatives Press
4173 Fieldbrook
West Bloomfield, Michigan 48323
(248) 851-3372
(888) 647-5616Acknowledgements
I gratefully acknowledge the help I have received from my friends and colleagues in putting this book together. This book
could not have been published without help from the editors—my wife Allison, Dr. Guy Abraham, Stephanie Buist, Dr. Robert
Radtke, Dawn Malott, and Janet Darnell. To Hailey Brownstein, thanks for the title pages! I would also like to thank my patients. It is your search for safe and effective natural treatments that is the driving force behind
holistic medicine. You have accompanied me down this path and I appreciate each and every one of you. And, to my staff. Thank you so very much for taking this trip with me. Without your help and support, none of this would be
possible. I do appreciate all of your hard work and your dedication.A Word of Caution to the Reader
The information presented in this book is based on the training and professional experience of the author. The treatments
recommended in this book should not be undertaken without first consulting a physician. Proper laboratory and clinical monitoring
is essential to achieving the goals of finding safe and natural treatments. This book was written for informational and educational
purposes only. It is not intended to be used as medical advice.ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Brownstein, M.D. is a Board-Certified family physician who utilizes the best of conventional and alternative therapies. He is the Medical Director for the Center for Holistic Medicine in West Bloomfield, MI. He is a graduate of the University of
Michigan and Wayne State University School of Medicine. Dr. Brownstein is a member of the American Academy of Family
Physicians and the American College for the Advancement in Medicine. He is the father of two beautiful girls, Hailey and Jessica
and is a retired soccer coach. Dr. Brownstein has lectured internationally about his success using natural items. Dr. Brownstein
has authored eleven books: 
Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It, 5
th
 Edition; Vitamin B12 for
Health;
 
Drugs That Don’t Work and Natural Therapies That Do, 2
nd
 Edition;
 
The Miracle of Natural Hormones 3
rd
Edition;
 
Overcoming Thyroid Disorders 3
rd
 Edition;
 
Overcoming Arthritis;
 
Salt Your Way to Health, 2
nd
 Edition;
The Guide To Healthy Eating, 2
nd
 Edition;
 
The Guide to a Gluten-Free Diet, 2
nd
 Edition;
 
The Guide to a Dairy-
Free Diet;
 and 
The Soy Deception. Dr. Brownstein’s office is located at:
 
Center for Holistic Medicine
5821 W. Maple Rd. Ste. 192
West Bloomfield, MI 48322
248.851.1600
www.drbrownstein.com
www.centerforholisticmedicine.comContents
Preface
Foreword
Chapter 1: Introduction to Iodine
Chapter 2: Iodine Deficiency and Iodized Salt
Chapter 3: Different Forms of Iodine
Chapter 4: Iodine and the Thyroid Gland
Chapter 5: The Oxidation and Organification of Iodine
Chapter 6: Iodine and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
Chapter 7: The Selenium/Iodine Connection
Chapter 8: Iodine, Breast Cancer, and Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Chapter 9: The Importance of Iodine Before Pregnancy
Chapter 10: Children, ADHD, Autism, and Iodine
Chapter 11: Toxic Halides: Bromide and Fluoride
Chapter 12: Detoxification Questions and Answers
Chapter 13: Iodine Dosage Guidelines
Chapter 14: Case Histories
Chapter 15: Questions and Answers
Chapter 16: Final Thoughts: Overcoming Medical Iodophobia
Appendix
IndexDEDICATION
To the women of my life: Allison, Hailey, and Jessica, with all my love
To physicians not satisfied with the dogma who are willing to search for a new paradigm that promotes
health. To my staff: Thanks so much for all of your help and encouragement. I appreciate all of your hard work. And, to my patients. Thank you for being interested in what I am interested in. Last, but certainly not least. I dedicate this book to my mentor on iodine: Dr. Guy Abraham.PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION
Of all the elements known so far to be essential for human health, iodine is the most misunderstood and the most feared. Yet
iodine is the safest of all the essential trace elements, being the only one that can be administered safely for long periods of time to
large numbers of patients in daily amounts as high as 100,000 times the RDA. However, this safety record only applies to
inorganic nonradioactive forms of iodine. Based on a review of the literature, both forms, iodine and iodide, are needed for
optimal function of every organ and cell of the human body. 1
Some organic iodine-containing drugs, such as amiodarone, are extremely toxic and prescribed by physicians. The severe
side effects of these drugs are blamed on inorganic iodine although studies have clearly demonstrated that it is the whole molecule
that is toxic, not the iodine released from it. A case in point: the thyroid hormones are organic iodine-containing substances. Not a
single physician has attributed the effects of thyroid hormones to inorganic iodine. Why not? They are basically the same forms of
iodine covalently bound to an organic molecule. This author believes that this inconsistency of doublethink is most likely due to
decreased cognition caused by iodine deficiency. Medical iodophobia may have caused more human misery and death than both
world wars combined by 
preventing meaningful clinical research in the daily amount of iodine needed for optimal physical and
mental health
2
. It is of interest that the recommended daily amount of iodine for supplementation by clinicians of previous generations, that is
12.5-37.5 mg in the form of Lugol’s solution, turns out to be the exact range of intake for sufficiency of the whole human body,
based on a recently developed loading test. 3
 Iodine/iodide in the proper amounts resulted in increased urinary excretion of heavy
metals such as lead and mercury; and had a detoxifying effect by increasing excretion of the toxic halides fluoride and bromide. 4
 It
is time to wake up and realize that we are sitting on the shoulders of the giants of past generations who have given us useful
information, which we have discarded in favor of preconceived ideas by self-appointed experts. This book by Dr. David Brownstein is a welcome departure from the past and a fresh look at facts only, discarding myths and
unfounded concerns about inorganic nonradioactive iodine/iodide. Patients will be grateful to Dr. Brownstein for bringing to light a
simple, safe, inexpensive way of healing many medical conditions. The ultimate Healer is the Creator of heaven and earth. His guidance has been felt constantly during this project by this
author. May He bless and guide Dr. Brownstein and his patients. “I the LORD am your healer.”
(Exodus 15:26)
Guy E. Abraham, M.D., FACN. 1
 Abraham, G.E., Flechas, J.D., Hakala, J.C., Orthoiodosupplementation: Iodine sufficiency of the whole human body. The
Original Internist, 9:30-41, 2002. 2
 Abraham, G.E., The Wolff-Chaikoff Effect of Increasing Iodide Intake on the Thyroid. Townsend Letter, 245:100-101,
2003. 3
 Abraham, G.E. The safe and effective implementation or orthoiodosupplementation in medical practice. The Original
Internist, April 2004 (In press). 4
 Abraham, G.E., Iodine Supplementation Markedly Increases Urinary Excretion of Fluoride and Bromide. Townsend Letter,
238:108-109, 2003Preface to the Fourth Edition
(Author’s note: Dr. Abraham died before I began working on the 5
th
 Edition of this book. He was gracious to write a new
Preface for each edition. I am including the last Preface that he wrote for me.) Less than five years ago, David Brownstein, M.D. introduced to the medical community and to consumers, his book on the
essential element iodine, describing his experience with the orthoiodosupplementation program and the iodine/iodide loading test. 1
 This test is simple, straightforward, and practical. Since then, he has crisscrossed the continental U.S.A. from East to West and North to South, lecturing on his experience with
inorganic non-radioactive iodine to physicians, other healthcare professionals and consumers. Due mainly to his persistent efforts,
reassuring healthcare professionals that inorganic non-radioactive iodine is safe and effective, there are now thousands of
physicians and other healthcare professionals using the iodine/iodide loading test and implementing orthoiodosupplementation
safely and successfully in their practices. After trying orthoiodosupplementation on themselves and their loved ones, they became
confident that medical iodophobia was not justified for the inorganic, non-radioactive forms of this essential nutrient. The number of publications presenting new research data on the orthoiodosupplementation program has increased markedly
in this short time. As of December 2008, 23 manuscripts have been published. Dr. Brownstein is the sole author or coauthor in
five of these publications. These publications are available on our website at 
Optimox.com
, under Iodine Research. Dr. Brownstein and I coauthored a publication, reporting the positive effect of vitamin C at 3000 mg/day on a defective
cellular transport system for iodine, emphasizing the importance of a complete nutritional program for best results with
orthoiodosupplementation. 2
 In collaboration with Drs. Brownstein and Flechas, I recently published a procedure for assessing the
saliva/serum ratio of inorganic iodide as an index of the efficiency of the iodine/iodide symporter system. 3
 We have established
normal values and have demonstrated a negative effect of elevated serum bromide on this ratio, suggesting that bromide interferes
with cellular uptake of iodide. Iodine intake in daily amounts from 50 to 75mg iodine in the form of Lugol’s tablet (Iodoral®) had
a positive effect on the saliva/serum iodide ratio and decreased serum bromide. Abnormalities in the cellular uptake of iodine were reported in breast cancer patients with elevated bromide levels. 4
Organification defects in the utilization of cellular iodide were reported in a subject with fibromyalgia. 5
 Iodine alone at 
100mg/day
markedly improved the symptom scores. The addition of high dose vitamin B2 and B3 further improved the overall well-being in
FM patients. 6
The iodine project is now eight years old and strong, but not without enemies. Continued research and publications,
education of physicians and consumers, and more widespread utilization of the orthoiodosupplementation program are the most
effective ways to fight iodophobic bioterrorism and medical iodophobia. The future of the essential element iodine in medical practice looks very promising. We are rediscovering what our medical
predecessors already knew. To quote Nobel Laureate Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
7
: “When I was a medical student, iodine in the form
of KI was the universal medicine. Nobody knew what it did, but it did something and did something good. We students used to
sum up the situation in this little rhyme…If ye don’t know where, what, and why; prescribe ye then K and I… Our medical
predecessors, possessing very few and crude instruments only, had to make use of two given by nature (the use of which has
since gone out of fashion): eyes and brains. They were keen observers and the universal application of iodide might have been not
without foundation.”
May the most-high God, Creator of heaven and earth, continue to guide us and bring to light what was kept in darkness 
for
over 60 years--the safe and effective use of the essential element iodine in the medical practice. Guy E. Abraham, M.D., FACN. 1
 Brownstein, D., 
Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It. Medical Alternatives Press, West Bloomfield,
MI 2004
2
 Abraham, G and Brownstein, D. Evidence that the administration of Vitamin C improves a defective cellular transport
mechanism for iodine: A case report. The original Internist. 12 (3): 125-130, 2005
3
 Abraham, G., Flechas, J., Evidence of defective cellular oxidation and organification of iodide in a female with fibromyalgia
and chronic fatigue; The Original Internist. Vol 14: 2: 77-82. 2007
4
 Abraham, G., Flechas, J. Evidence of defective cellular oxidation and organification of iodide in a female with fibromyalgia
and chronic fatigue. The Original Internist. Vol. 14:2:77-82. 2007
5
 Abraham, G., et al. IBID. The Original Internist. Vol. 142:77-82. 2007.6
 Abraham, G., and J.D. Flechas, MD, The Effect of Daily Ingestion of 100 mg Iodine Combined with High Doses of
Vitamins 
B2
 and B3 (ATP Cofactors) in Five Subjects with Fibromyalgia The Original Internist, Vol. 15, No. 1, 8-15, March
2008
7
 Szent-Gyorgyi, Bioenergetics Academic Press, NY. 1957FOREWORD to the 1
st
 Edition
Practicing holistic medicine for over 10 years has brought me into contact with many wonderful teachers. From these people I
have learned a tremendous amount about how to use safe and natural remedies to promote true healing in the body while not
relying on foreign substances (i.e., drugs) that simply treat the symptoms of illness and do little for treatment of the underlying
cause of illness. There are many physicians that I have learned from. Some of these wonderful physicians who have researched and educated
others about their successes in using natural items to promote true healing include: Jonathan Wright, Majid Ali, Broda Barnes and
William Jeffries. There are many more. I would like to add one more name to that list. His name is Guy Abraham, M.D. Dr. Abraham has been researching the
benefits of iodine therapy for 6 years. He studied the effects of iodine and looked at the research on iodine therapy. Dr. Abraham
has written numerous articles about the misinformation on iodine and how this misinformation has contributed to the poor health of
many of us. While reading the 
Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients
 (May, 2003), I read a letter to the editor that was titled,
“Iodine Supplementation Markedly Increases Urinary Excretion of Fluoride and Bromide”. I was intrigued. I knew of the
deficiency of iodine and the consequences of this deficiency. I was also aware of certain toxic items (i.e., fluoride and bromide) in
our diets that not only inhibited iodine utilization in the body but also accentuated iodine deficiency. After reading Dr. Abraham’s
letter, I phoned him. I expressed my interest in iodine testing and treatment and Dr. Abraham began to educate me about how to test for iodine
and how to properly use iodine. Since that time, I have tested hundreds of patients and found a significant percentage (>90%)
exhibit laboratory and clinical signs of iodine deficiency. Treatment with the correct amount and correct form of iodine has greatly
contributed to the good health of many of these patients. Dr. Abraham and I have been collaborating for many months now. He is one physician (amongst many) who is not afraid to
stand up and report what he thinks is true, even if it does not sit well with the establishment. But, Dr. Abraham uses good science
to back up his claims. After pulling hundreds of research articles to educate myself, I realized that Dr. Abraham’s view of iodine
deficiency was 100% correct. This book certainly would not have been written without the help and research of Dr. Abraham. I have learned a 
tremendous
amount from Dr. Abraham and I can’t thank him enough. David Brownstein, M.D. April, 2004Foreword to 5
th
 Edition
It has now been ten years since I began working with my mentor on iodine—Dr. Guy Abraham. Dr. Abraham died in
February, 2013. I will miss him terribly. Dr. Abraham was one of the most brilliant physician/scientists that I have known. He was an interesting man who started his
career as a researcher developing testing methods for measuring hormone levels. Dr. Abraham’s early research, dating back to
the 1950’s, is still used today in testing steroidal hormone levels. His interest in iodine came about in his quest to search for safe and natural therapies that would help people achieve their
optimal health. When Dr. Abraham began researching iodine, he was amazed that there was no accurate testing to measure the
body’s iodine status. Over the course of a few years, Dr. Abraham developed the 24-hour iodine loading test. Dr. Abraham reported on his discovery in the 
Townsend Letter for Doctor’s and Patients
 (May, 2003). I read a letter to
the editor that was titled, “Iodine Supplementation Markedly Increases Urinary Excretion of Fluoride and Bromide.” I was
intrigued. At that time, I knew of the deficiency of iodine and the consequences of this deficiency. At this time, I was frustrated
because the iodine I was using (iodide versions) was not helping 
my patients. It was not harming anyone, but no one was getting
better by using it. After reading Dr. Abraham’s letter, I phoned him. I expressed my interest in learning about his new test. After an extended
time period (Dr. Abraham takes some time before he “warms” up to someone) we started developing a relationship. Over the
next ten years, Dr. Abraham taught me more than he will know about iodine, how to test for it and how to treat deficiencies of it. I would fly to California a few times per year to work/study in Dr. Abraham’s lab. Those trips were the most intellectually
stimulating times I have had during my adult life. Dr. Abraham taught me to critically evaluate medical research. During our visits,
we would always have biochemistry books out and we spent many hours discussing the biochemical pathways of the body. I will
miss him and those times terribly. But, I will continue to carry on his work. We all learn from our predecessors. I learned from one of the greatest. Dr.
Abraham, you will be missed, but your work has advanced medicine and, more importantly, has helped untold numbers of
patients. The iodine story is not complete. Our continuing exposure to increased amounts of toxic halogens—bromide, fluoride, and
chlorine derivatives—necessitates that we all ensure that our 
iodine levels are optimal. We are suffering from a plethora of
illnesses all related to iodine deficiency including: cancer of the breast, thyroid, ovary, uterus, and prostate, as well as autoimmune
thyroid illnesses, hypothyroidism, fibrocystic breast disease, ADHD, chronic fatigue, and fibromyalgia. All of these conditions can
be related to iodine deficiency. This book was written to educate you about iodine. Ensuring that you and your family ingest adequate amounts of iodine can
make the difference between living a healthy life or a life troubled with medical issues. Iodine is truly an amazing essential nutrient. I am honored to write about it. TO ALL OF OUR HEALTH!! David Brownstein, M.D. January, 2004Chapter 1
Introduction to Iodine 
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO IODINE
Steven, a 55-year-old photographer, complained of losing his creative abilities. “I can’t see the pictures like I used to. In fact, I have no motivation to even work. I feel like I am in a fog,” he claimed. Steven was diagnosed with depression
three years earlier and treated with antidepressant medications. Although he felt some improvement from the
antidepressant medications, he found that he was having difficulty being productive at work. “My business was going
down the tubes. Clients were leaving me left and right,” he claimed. When I saw Steven, he had many of the signs of
hypothyroidism including poor eyebrow growth, slow reflexes, puffiness under his eyes, and very dry skin. Steven’s blood
tests showed low-normal thyroid function tests and a very low basal body temperature (96.6 degrees Fahrenheit—normal
97.8-98.2 degrees Fahrenheit). Steven’s iodine-loading test showed a low iodine level at 23% excretion (normal: >90%
excretion. The iodine-loading test will be explained in 
Chapter 2
). He was initially treated with 50mg/day of iodine/iodide
(Iodoral
®
). His blood and hair tests revealed nutritional deficiencies that were contributing to his problems. He was
prescribed a combination of vitamins, minerals, and unrefined salt (Celtic Sea Salt
®
), in addition to the iodine. At a two-
month follow-up visit, he reported, “I am so much better. It is like night and day. My creative level is tremendously
improved. I can now see things at work. You either have the eye for photography or you don’t. Now I have it again. I feel
like I am 20 years old. At work, my phone won’t stop ringing. The only bad thing is that I am getting too busy.”
Update (2
nd
 
Edition) on Steven’s case: Steven has been taking 50mg/day of iodine for two years. His recent iodine
loading test has improved to 85% excretion (normal >90% excretion). New 5
th
 
Edition Update: Steven’s iodine loading test now is normal (>95% excretion). He recently reported, “I feel
great. The iodine has truly changed my life and changed it for the better. I am grateful to feel this good.”
Steven’s story is not unique. The human body is a wonderful thing. If you give it the proper nutrients, it can perform optimally. Conversely, when the raw materials (vitamins, minerals, hormones, enzymes, amino acids, etc.) are lacking or imbalanced, it sets
the stage for poor health and the onset of 
disease. At the present time, iodine deficiency is occurring in epidemic proportions. This
book will explore the causes and treatment of iodine deficiency. WHAT DOES IODINE DO? For over 100 years, iodine has been known as the element that is necessary for thyroid hormone production. However, it is
rare to see any further mention of iodine’s other effects in the body. Iodine is found in each of the trillions of cells in the body. Without adequate iodine levels, life itself is not possible. Iodine is not only necessary for the production of thyroid hormone, it is also responsible for the production of all of the other
hormones in the body. Adequate iodine levels are necessary for proper immune system function. Iodine contains potent
antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Iodine is also effective for treating fibrocystic breasts and ovarian
cysts. Table 1
 (
page 26
) lists some of the many benefits of iodine and some of the conditions that would benefit from adequate
iodine supplementation. This book will review the many therapeutic aspects of iodine. Approximately 1.5 billion people, about one-third of the earth’s population, live in an area of iodine deficiency as defined by
the World Health Organization. Iodine deficiency disorder can result in mental retardation, goiter, increased child and infant
mortality, infertility, and socioeconomic decline. 1
 Iodine 
deficiency disorder is the most common preventable form of mental
retardation known. Table 1: Therapeutic Actions of Iodine and Conditions Iodine Can Treat
 
Iodine is a relatively rare element, ranking 62
nd
 in abundance of the elements of the earth. Iodine is primarily found in
seawater in very small quantities and solid rocks (usually near the ocean) that form when seawater evaporates. Iodine can also 
be
found in sea organisms, such as seaweed. In fact, seaweed is one of the most abundant sources of iodine because seaweed has
the ability to concentrate a large amount of iodine from the ocean water. Iodine is not very abundant in the earth’s crust. It is estimated to be about 0.3-0.5 parts per million. In fact, it is in the bottom
third of the elements in terms of abundance. 2
If the soil has adequate iodine levels, the crops grown on that soil will contain adequate iodine levels. Conversely, deficient
iodine levels will be found in crops grown on iodine-deficient soil. There are naturally occurring non-radioactive and radioactive forms of iodine. Radioactive iodine can be used in medicine to
diagnose and treat certain illnesses, particularly illnesses of the thyroid gland. Commercially available non-radioactive iodine primarily comes from several sources: Chilean saltpeter, seaweed, and brine
water in oil wells. The action of the waves from the ocean can make iodine gas. Once airborne, iodine can combine with water or
air and enter the soil. Non-radioactive iodine can enter our food system in a variety of ways. First, plants can take up iodine from
the soil. Second, airborne iodine can land on fresh water supplies and, finally, airborne iodine can land on the ground, combine
with salt, and become iodized salt. Radioactive iodine can enter the air from reactions in 
nuclear power plants or explosions of nuclear materials. Radioactive
iodine has been associated with certain types of cancer including thyroid cancer and certain blood cancers. Children are more
susceptible to radioactive iodine since they have smaller thyroid glands, and they will receive a proportionately larger radioactive
dose than an adult when they are exposed to radioactive iodine. Radioactive iodine damage can be prevented by the ingestion of
non-radioactive inorganic iodine. The meltdown of the Fukushima nuclear reactor in Japan should give us all pause. It is best to ensure iodine sufficiency–for
both health and safety issues. If we are ever confronted with a Fukushima-like event, iodine sufficiency would be a protective
factor minimizing problems with radioactive iodine exposure. WHERE IS IODINE FOUND IN THE BODY? Every cell in the body contains and utilizes iodine. Iodine is concentrated in the glandular system of the body. The thyroid
gland contains a higher concentration of iodine than any other organ of the body. Large amounts of iodine are also stored in many
other areas of the body including the salivary glands, cerebrospinal fluid and the brain
3
, gastric mucosa, choroid plexus, breasts,
ovaries, and the ciliary body of the eye. In the brain, iodine concentrates in the substantia nigra, an area of the brain that has beenassociated with Parkinson’s disease. Iodine is essential for the normal growth and development 
of children. Severe iodine deficiency can result in severe mental
deficiency and deafness (i.e., goiter). In addition, spontaneous abortion, as well as delayed physical and intellectual development
is associated with iodine deficiency. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is also related to iodine deficiency (see
Chapter 10
). Conversely, too much iodine can be a problem. In rare cases, excess iodine (i.e., doses greater than 1gram/day) has been
associated with hyperthyroid symptoms. HISTORY OF IODINE
Bernard Courtois first discovered iodine in 1811 during the course of making gunpowder. 4
 He was making compounds of
potassium and sodium from seaweed. When he accidentally added too much sulphuric acid to the mixture, he observed purple
vapors arising from it. Due to its purple color, the new element was named iodine (iodes in Greek means violet). 5
The first medical use of iodine was reported by Jean Francois Coindet (1774-1834), who showed that goiter (i.e., swelling of
the thyroid) could be treated with iodine. The use of iodine in treating goiter was the first time that a single item (iodine) was used
to treat a specific illness (goiter). Some cite this discovery as the birth of western medicine. Jean-Baptiste Boussingault (1802-1887) verified the work 
of Coindet in 1824. Boussingault observed that goiter did not
occur at many silver mining sites. His experiments showed conclusively that iodine in the water at these mining sites prevented
goiter in people who drank the water. His recommendation at the time was that goiter could be prevented by having people eat
the iodine-containing salt from these mines. Unfortunately, it took the United States nearly 100 years to implement the findings of
Boussingault. During this time period, untold numbers of Americans suffered from the ravages of iodine deficiency and goiter. MICHIGAN/OHIO STUDIES
In the early 1900’s there was a high prevalence of goiter in the states bordering the Great Lakes. Due to the earlier work of
Boussingault and Coindet, it was hypothesized that adding iodine to the diet of people in the Great Lakes area would decrease
the incidence of goiter. In 1923-1924, the State of Michigan’s Department of Health conducted a large-scale survey of goiter in
four counties. Of 66,000 school children examined, nearly 40% had enlargement of the thyroid gland (i.e., goiter). 6
 
7
 
8
 In 1924,
iodized salt was introduced to the area. By 1928, there was a 75% reduction of goiter observed and by 1951, less than 0.5% of
school-age children had a goiter. Research also showed a greater 
reduction in goiter among regular users of iodized salt as
compared to non-users. David Marine conducted the first large-scale study on using iodine as a therapy to reduce goiter. In the early 1900’s, he
looked at the positive effects of iodine supplementation for decreasing goiter in farm animals. From the results in animals, Marine
estimated the amount of iodine necessary to treat humans. Dr. Marine chose Akron, Ohio as the test area for iodine supplementation. Akron, Ohio was chosen due to the high rate of
goiter—56% of school-aged girls had goiter in Akron. 9
 There was a 600% increase in goiter in adolescent girls versus boys. 10
The reason for this increase was due to the increased iodine requirements in pubertal girls as compared to boys. The first
glandular tissue to grow at puberty is the breasts, which require significant amounts of iodine. Dr. Marine studied two groups of
students:
 
1. A control group of 2305 students where no iodine was given. 2. A treatment group of 2190 students who were given 9mg/day of sodium iodide (averaged daily) for 2.5 years. This dose
of iodine is nearly 100x the present RDA for iodine. The results are shown in 
Figure 1
. The control group (no 
iodine) showed a 22% incidence of goiter. The treatment group had
a significantly lowered 0.2% incidence of goiter. Figure 1: Dr. Marine’s Iodine Test
 
Due to the positive results from using iodized salt in Michigan and Ohio, the rest of the United States quickly adopted thepolicy of adding iodine to salt, thus decreasing the goiter rate throughout the country. Today, the World Health Organization
actively promotes the use of iodized salt to help prevent goiter throughout the world. HOW DO YOU INGEST IODINE? Iodine, unlike vitamins and minerals, is not present in adequate amounts in most foods. Specific plants absorb iodine when it
is present in the soil. Iodine is found in many ocean foods, such as fish (cod, sea bass, haddock, and perch) and sea vegetables
(seaweed). Iodine can also be found in many other 
food products either by adding iodine to animal feed or by adding iodine to
the food source. Iodine has also been added to salt products (i.e., iodized salt). The U.S. government determined that the most cost-effective
way to prevent goiter of the thyroid gland was to add iodine to the salt supply. Ingesting iodine through the use of iodized salt
costs pennies per day. Although the addition of iodine to the salt supply has lessened the prevalence of goiter, it is inadequate to
supply the body’s need for iodine. This will be more fully explained in 
Chapter 2
. HOW MUCH IODINE IS IN SALT? Iodine is added to table salt at 100ppm as potassium iodide, which amounts to 77ug iodine/gram of salt. Estimates are that
less than 50% of the U.S. population uses iodized table salt. 11
 However, that estimate is probably high due to the prevalence of
low-salt diets and low-salt food products. I believe the number of Americans using iodized salt is well-below 50%, probably
around the 30% level. Chapter 2
 will explore this topic in more detail. The amount of iodine in food varies. Seafood, multiple vitamins, and many farm products may contain iodine. Dairy products,
eggs, and meat may contain iodine if iodine is properly added to the feed of animals. Table 2
 lists the iodine content of many
different food sources. However, iodine was removed from many food products in the 1980’s and these estimates may not be
valid today. Table 2: Iodine Content in Selected Food Items in the United States
1990 Iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium and iodine in foods from the United States total diet study. J. Food Compos. Anal. 3:166
WHY THE SOIL IS DEFICIENT IN IODINE
The soil around the oceans generally contains adequate amounts of iodine. The more inland and mountainous areas generally
have lesser amounts of iodine. The Midwestern United States, including my home state of Michigan, is part of the “Goiter Belt”
since our soils are so deficient in iodine. The Goiter Belt is 
not close to any natural iodine-containing source such as the ocean. Any natural or man-made phenomenon that leads to soil erosion will make an iodine-deficient soil problem worse. The movement
of the glaciers across the Midwest is cited as one of the reasons why the soil is iodine deficient. In addition, deforestation and
poor farming techniques exacerbate this problem. This book will explore, in detail, the medical conditions that can arise as a result of iodine deficiency and how these disorders
can be improved by supplementing with the correct amount and form of iodine. The next two case histories give examples of
some of the conditions that can be treated with iodine supplementation. Kevin, a 31-year-old sales representative, was well until he had a flu shot one year ago. “Before receiving thatvaccination, I was an extremely active weight lifter for 12 years. After the flu shot, I became disabled. I could not work
and I could barely get out of bed in the morning,” he said. Kevin was diagnosed with hypothyroidism shortly after the flu
shot and put on Synthroid. When I saw Kevin, he had many of the signs of hypothyroidism, including puffiness, dry skin,
thickened tongue, and slow reflexes. I changed Kevin’s medication to Armour thyroid
®
 and he noticed an immediate
improvement, but he still did not feel like his normal self. Laboratory tests showed that Kevin was extremely iodine
deficient (24-hour loading test showed 55% iodine excretion—normal >90% excretion). After supplementing with an
iodine/iodide supplement, he noticed an immediate improvement. He was feeling so much better that he wrote me a letter
which said:
“In the first five weeks of taking the iodine, I lost five pounds. The weights that I have been able to use on practically
all of my exercises have increased between 15-25%. My recuperation time between workouts seems to be steadily
improving. It seems as though I have been waking up on time much more consistently than ever before. I am awake and
energized at about 6:00 a.m., which has never been the case before in my life! Additionally, I feel as though my energy
level is much more stable throughout the day. Since I have been taking the iodine, my need for caffeine in the morning
has disappeared. Overall Dr. Brownstein, I feel much better than I did before starting the iodine therapy.”
Paula, age 42, suffered with severe headaches for over ten years. “I almost learned to live with the headaches. They
just became a daily part of my life,” she said. Paula was being treated for hypothyroidism with Armour
®
 thyroid and
noticed the thyroid hormone improved her headaches by approximately 40%. Paula said, “I was happy to get some
relief, but I wasn’t satisfied. It is no fun to wake up most days with a vice around your head.” When Paula was checked
for iodine levels, her serum iodine levels were 
zero (below the detectable limits of the test). The low iodine levels were
confirmed with an iodine-loading test which was extremely low at 17% (normal >90%). Paula was placed on 37.5mg of
a combination of iodine and iodide (Iodoral
®
) and noticed an improvement in her headaches within two weeks. “I
couldn’t believe it. I started to actually have headache-free days. After four weeks on the iodine, my headaches were over
95% better. Even if I did get a headache, it was not nearly as severe. As I started to feel better, I began to realize how
much the headaches were impacting my life,” she claimed. Paula ran out of the iodine two months later and all of her
symptoms began returning. Paula reported, “It took about two weeks off of the iodine before the headaches started to
return. All of the same symptoms I was suffering with began to come back. Again, after I started the iodine, the
headaches began to go away. I feel like the iodine has given me a new lease on life. My husband and my children thank
you.”
FINAL THOUGHTS
Iodine deficiency is, unfortunately still with us, and is occurring at epidemic levels. Iodine deficiency is associated with a
plethora of illnesses (see 
Table 1
). The next chapters will show you how to properly measure iodine levels and will educate you
on the mechanisms of action that iodine has in our bodies. Furthermore, you will learn that iodized salt is not only an 
inadequate
source for providing sufficient amounts of iodine to the body, it is a toxic, devitalized substance that is best avoided. 1
 Manner, M.G., et al. Salt Iodization for the Elimination of Iodine Deficiency. International Council for the Control of Iodine
Deficiency Disorders. 1995
2
 Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 9
th
 Edition. Williams and Wilkins, 1999. 3
 Adrasi, E. Iodine concentration in different human brain parts. Analytical and Bioanalytical chemistry. November 13, 2003
4
 Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 9
th
 Edition. Williams and Wilkins, 1999. 5
 Newton, David. Chemical Elements. Lawrence W. Baker, Editor. 1999
6
 Kimball, O.P. Prevention of goiter in Michigan and Ohio. JAMA. 1937; 108:860-864
7
 Matovinovic, J., et al. Goiter and other thyroid disease in Tecumseh, Michigan. JAMA. 1965: 192(#): 134-140
8
 Kimball, O.P. Endemic Goiter: A food deficiency disease. J. Am. Dietetic. Assn. 1949; 25:112
9
 Marine, D. Prevention and treatment of simple goiter. Atl. Med. J. 26:437-442, 1923
10
 Marine, D. The prevention of simple goiter in man. J. Lab. Clin. Med. 3:40-48
11
 Dunn, John. Editorial: What’s happening to our iodine? J. of Clinical Endcrin. And Metab. Vol. 83, No. 10. 1998Chapter 2
Iodine Deficiency and Iodized Salt 
CHAPTER 2: IODINE DEFICIENCY AND IODIZED SALT
David, a 42-year-old Michigander, had taken good care of himself. He regularly took vitamins and minerals, did not
eat a lot of junk food and exercised regularly. “I feel better now than I did when I was in my 20’s. I eat better and my
energy level is better,” he said. His father, mother, and two sisters were being treated for hypothyroidism. David was
diagnosed with hypothyroidism eight years ago and was taking thyroid medication (Armour
®
 thyroid) 
regularly. When
David’s iodine level was checked with an iodine/iodide loading test, he was shocked. His iodine level was found to be
very low at 46.2% excretion (normal excretion is greater than 90%). “I couldn’t believe it. How could my iodine level be
so low, when I felt so good? I have been taking vitamins and minerals for years,” he said. When he started
supplementing with an iodine/iodide combination (Iodoral
®
), he immediately felt better. “My energy level dramatically
increased. I thought I was feeling good before I began taking the iodine, but now I know what really feeling good is
about. I started sleeping better and my dreams became much more vivid. In addition, my head felt much clearer. It feels
wonderful,” he exclaimed. After three months of iodine supplementation, David’s iodine levels improved to a more
healthy 87% excretion (normal levels >90%). David is your author. After experiencing the wonderful effects of taking iodine, and hearing of the positive results my patients
have experienced with using iodine, I became very interested in researching its clinical uses. New 5
th
 
Edition update on David’s case: I am still taking iodine—now at 75mg/day. I still feel well on it. If I miss a
few days of taking it, I feel my energy level decline. My bromide level, which was high at 126mg/L has now fallen to
10mg/L. There is no known therapeutic effect of bromide. I believe our continual exposure to toxic halides has allowed
my bromide levels to still 
remain elevated. Bromide is a toxic halide that is detoxified from the body by iodine. More
about bromide can be found in 
Chapter 11
. INTRODUCTION
Iodine deficiency is a worldwide problem. Diets that are deficient in iodine can result in many severe medical conditions
including cretinism (very severe brain damage occurring very early in life), mental impairment, reduced intellectual ability, goiter,
and infertility. In addition, iodine deficiency predisposes one to an increased risk of breast, prostate, endometrial, and ovarian
cancer. 1
 There is a decreased childhood survival rate associated with iodine deficiency. Studies have shown that neonatal
mortality can be decreased by up to 50% when iodine deficiency is rectified. 2
 Other illnesses that may result from iodine
deficiency include sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), multiple sclerosis, and other myelin disorders,
3
 as well as ADHD. The World Health Organization has recognized that iodine deficiency is the world’s greatest single cause of preventable
mental retardation. 4
 Iodine deficiency has been identified as a significant public health problem in 129 countries. Approximately
one-third of the world’s population lives in iodine deficient areas and up to 72% of the world’s population is affected by an iodine
deficiency disorder. 5
IODIZED SALT
Some may think that the iodization of salt (i.e., iodized salt) has eliminated iodine deficiency disorders in the United States. However, the data does not support that conclusion. Over the last 40 years, studies by the National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey I (NHANES—completed 1971-1974) and NHANES 2000 show iodine levels have dropped 50% in the
United States (see 
Figure 2
 next page). 6
 This drop was seen in all demographic categories: ethnicity, region, economic status,
population density, and race. The percentage of pregnant women with low iodine concentrations increased 690% over this time
period. As previously mentioned, low iodine concentrations in pregnant women have been shown to increase the risk for
cretinism, mental retardation, attention deficit disorder, and other health issues in children. These topics will be explored in more
detail in 
Chapter 10
. HOW MUCH IODINE IS IN IODIZED SALT? In the United States, iodine is added to salt to provide a content of 77μg of iodine per gm of salt. 7
 Although the content of
iodine in salt varies from country to country (depending on the standard set by the governing agencies), the goal is to achieve the
RDA for iodine. In the United States, the RDA of iodine is from 150μg/day to 290μg/day (see 
Table 3
). The average salt intake
in 
the U.S.A. is estimated to be approximately 5gm/day, which would theoretically supply 385μg of iodine. However, studies
have shown that urine levels of iodine in 24-hour urine tests are approximately five times lower. 8
 Figure 2:
NATIONAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION EXAMINATION SURVEY IODIDE LEVELS
 
Table 3: RDA for Iodine
9
The recommended daily allowance of iodine
Remember, the RDA for iodine was set up to prevent goiter, which it does very well. However, as illustrated in this chapter
and throughout this book, the RDA for iodine is 
inadequate to provide enough iodine to promote optimal thyroid, endocrine, and
immune system functioning. Furthermore, the RDA is inadequate to prevent cancer. IS IODIZED SALT A GOOD SOURCE OF IODINE? As mentioned above, iodine levels have fallen by approximately 50% over the last 40 years according to the NHANES
data. 10
 Iodine was added to salt in the 1920’s to help combat thyroid goiter. Since that time, iodine is still being added to many
brands of salt. I was taught in medical school that there is enough iodine in salt to supply the body’s need for iodine. In fact, I believe that
this has been taught in every medical school for over 80 years. However, there were no studies to back up this claim and the
NHANES data clearly shows that there is something happening to cause iodine levels to decrease by over 50% during the last 40
years. Is iodized salt the best source of iodine for the body? The research does not support the idea that iodized salt is a readily
available source of iodine for the body. In 1969, researchers looked at the bioavailability of iodine in salt versus bread. 11
 Two groups of people were studied; one
group ingested a measured amount of iodine in salt, the other group ingested a measured amount of iodine in bread. Both subject
groups were estimated to ingest approximately 750μg of 
iodine. By ingesting 750μg of iodine, the expected serum levels of
iodine would be 17.2μg/L. However, as shown in 
Figure 3
, the iodized salt group only had a serum level of 1.7μg/L. versus
18.7μg/L for the bread group. This information would suggest the iodine in iodized salt is only 10% bioavailable. 12
 
Figure 3: Bioavailabiltiy of Iodide in Salt
 
Iodine is added primarily to refined salt. Refined salt is a lifeless, devitalized product that has had all of its minerals removedand has also been exposed to toxic chemicals that gives it its white color. The ingestion of refined salt leads to many health
problems and it needs to be avoided. Unrefined salt should be the salt-of-choice. For more information on the health benefits of
unrefined salt, I refer the reader to 
Salt Your Way to Health. WHY ARE PEOPLE DEFICIENT IN IODINE? It has been assumed that since the iodization of salt was implemented, iodine deficiency disorders would be a thing of the
past. Due to the poor availability of iodine in salt as well as a 
declining salt intake by the population, this is not the case. There are
additional reasons why iodine deficiency disorders are still present today. Over the years, poor farming techniques have led to deficiencies of iodine and other minerals in the soil. Crops grown in
iodine-deficient soil will be deficient in iodine. Also, the stigma of salt causing high blood pressure has convinced many individuals
not to use salt in their foods. Many times the only iodine one will get from the diet is found in iodized salt. A low-salt diet can
naturally lead to an iodine-deficient state. Radioactive iodine, used in many medical procedures, will further exacerbate an iodine deficiency problem. Also, exposure to
many chemicals that inhibit iodine binding in the body (e.g., bromide, fluoride, chloride—explained in 
Chapter 11
) further worsens
the problem. Certain diets and lifestyles can also predispose one to developing iodine deficiency. Some examples of these diets are listed in
Figure 4
 on the next page. Inadequate dietary iodine intake can cause many severe problems including thyroid problems, cancer,
intellectual decline, cretinism, and others. The most significant change in the iodine status of recent times occurred with the changing of the food industry. In the 1960’s,
iodine was added to the commercial baking industry as a dough conditioner to aid bread and pastry manufacturers. Figure 4: Diets That May Cause Iodine Deficiency
1
. Diets without ocean fish or sea vegetables
2
. Inadequate use of iodized salt including low-sodium diets
3
. Diets high in the consumption of bakery products (e.g., breads, pasta) which contain bromide
4
. Vegan and vegetarian diets
This single addition to baked goods significantly increased the iodine intake of the U.S. population, as one slice of bread
contained the RDA for iodine of 150μg. 13
 Articles from the NIH were published which questioned the safety of using iodine in
bakery products. Some researchers felt that this level of iodine in baked goods would cause a malfunctioning of the thyroid gland. Ten years later, bromine replaced iodine in the baking industry. Bromine is a halide (as are iodide, fluoride, and chloride). All
halides compete with one another for absorption and receptor binding in the body. Bromine interferes with iodine utilization in the
thyroid as well as wherever else iodine would concentrate in the body. 14
Due to the interference of iodine binding in the body, bromine is a known “goitrogen”—it promotes the formation of goiter in
the body. Bromine is a toxic substance that has no therapeutic use in our bodies. Bromine also can bind to iodine 
receptors in the
breast and is a known carcinogen to the breast. On the other hand, iodine has anticarcinogenic properties. We now have two major reasons why iodine deficiency disorders have become much more common. 1
. The substitution of bromine for iodine in the bakery process lowered the iodine utilization. 2
. Bromine began effectively binding to and inhibiting iodine from binding to its own receptors. The consequence of replacing iodine with bromine has been to make a bad situation worse. Iodine deficiency has been
accelerated and, due to increasing bromide levels, iodine is now being competitively inhibited from binding to its own receptors. The medical consequences include increased thyroid disorders including autoimmune thyroid disorders (Hashimoto’s and Graves’
disease), and thyroid cancer. Furthermore, the rise of other cancers including breast, ovarian, uterine, and prostate may be related
to this phenomenon. This will be explained further in 
Chapter 11
. PERCHLORATE
Perchlorate is a substance that is found in nature and is also a man-made substance. Perchlorate is manufactured for rocket
fuel and many industrial uses. Perchlorate contains one 
atom of chlorine and four atoms of oxygen. Chlorine is part of the halide
family (iodine, bromine and chlorine). Excess perchlorate levels can displace iodine in the body and damage the transport of
iodine into the cell. Perchlorate contamination of our water supply is widespread and increasing. Increasing perchlorate exposure
is another reason why iodine levels have fallen over the last 30 years. Chapter 11
 reviews the details and consequences of
perchlorate exposure in much more detail.HOW DO YOU MEASURE IODINE LEVELS? The generally accepted method of testing iodine is by measuring the amount of iodine in the urine. However, that is not a
reliable method in order to determine the whole-body iodine status. Over 10 years ago, Dr. Abraham and co-investigators developed an iodine-loading test. It is based on the concept that
whole-body iodine status can be established by measuring the amount of iodine excreted over 24 hours after taking a 50mg
iodine tablet. Since over 95% of orally ingested iodine in an iodine-sufficient individual is excreted in the urine, following urinary
excretion levels of iodine can provide useful information about the body’s utilization of iodine. The iodine loading test is based on
a simple premise; the body will hold onto more iodine in a deficient state as compared to a sufficient state. In other words, 
if the
body is deficient in iodine, you would expect more iodine to be retained by the body. Conversely, if the body has sufficient iodine
levels, you would expect the body to retain less iodine. This is exactly what happens with the 24-hour iodine loading test. It is a
functional test of whole-body iodine levels. 15
 In my experience, the iodine-loading test has been found to provide useful
information on the body’s iodine status. Iodine binds to iodine receptors throughout the body. If the body’s receptors for iodine are sufficient in iodine, a large
percentage of ingested iodine will be excreted from the body. On the other hand, if there is an iodine deficiency present, ingested
iodine will be retained at a much larger percentage. The iodine-loading test is performed after taking 50mg of an iodine/iodide combination. Urine is collected for 24 hours after
taking the iodine. In an iodine-sufficient state, approximately 90% of a mixture of a 50mg dose of iodine/iodide would be
excreted (i.e., 45mg), and 10% of the iodine would be retained (i.e., 5mg). Levels below 90% excretion would indicate an
iodine-deficient state. FIRST LOOK AT IODINE LEVELS AT MY OFFICE
Twenty-four patients in my office were selected at random to have their iodine status evaluated. Each patient was instructed
to take 50mg of a combination of iodine/iodide (Iodoral
®
) and 
collect 24 hours of urine. The urine was evaluated for the amount
of iodine excreted. The results (
Figure 5
) show that 91.7% of the patients tested low for iodine levels. Iodine sufficiency occurs
when the urinary excretion is above 90%. FIGURE 5: IODINE LEVELS IN 24 PATIENTS
 
It is worthwhile noting that most of these patients were already on a holistic treatment plan which included vitamins, minerals
and herbs. However, they were not supplementing with iodine. Most of the patients studied had thyroid abnormalities, including
hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, or Graves’ disease. There was no difference in the iodine levels between the various thyroid
disorders; nearly all (22/24) were low. The results of this small study were the first clear indicators I had that iodine deficiency
was occurring in a large percentage of the population. UPDATED RESULTS AT MY OFFICE
To the present date, we (Drs. Brownstein, Ng, and Nusbaum) have now tested iodine levels in over 6,000 patients. Our
results have been consistent; approximately 96% of patients test low for iodine. In fact, many patients initially test at severely low
iodine levels (via spot urinary iodine) as their results are reported as ‘below the detectable limits’. Dr. Jorge Flechas (the Dr.
Jorge Flechas (the owner of FFP labs) and Charles Hakala, RPh, (owner of Hakala labs) have been at the forefront of testing
people world-wide for their iodine levels. They have now tested tens of thousands of subjects and their results are consistent with
mine. 16
 Contact information for the labs that test iodine status is found in the appendix. FINAL THOUGHTSIodine deficiency is a huge public health problem. The continuing and increasing exposure to goitrogens (substances that
promote goiter), including the halides bromide and fluoride, has exacerbated the iodine deficiency problem (more on this in
Chapter 11
). Iodine deficiency is one of the main underlying causes of many varied illnesses including thyroid disorders, chronic
fatigue, fibromyalgia, cancer (including cancer of the breast and prostate), and other health issues. I believe that 
properly
evaluating and treating iodine deficiency will not only help people improve the functioning of their immune systems, it will also play
an integral role to help people achieve their optimal health. 1
 Stadel, B. Dietary iodine and risk of breast, endometrial and ovarian cancer. The Lancet. 4.24.1976
2
 DeLong, FR, et al. 1997 Effect on infant mortality of iodination of irrigation in water in a severely iodine-deficient area of
China. Lancet. 350:771-773
3
 Foster, H. The iodine-selenium connection: Its possible roles in intelligence, cretinism, sudden infant death syndrome, breast
cancer and multiple sclerosis. Medical Hypothesis. 40. 61-65. 1993
4
 WHO. IB1D 3/27. 12 Nov. 1998
5
 WHO IBID 12 Nov. 1998
6
 Hollowell, JE et al. Iodine nutrition in the United States. Trends and public health implications: Iodine excretion data from
National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys I and III (1971-74 and 1988-94). J Clin Endocrinol Metab 83:3401-3408. 1998. 7
 Venkatesh, M, et al. Salt iodization for the elimination of iodine deficiency. 1995
8
 Abraham, G. Orthoidosupplementation: Iodine Sufficiency of the Whole Human Body. The Original Internist. December,
2002
9
 Dietary Reference Intakes (2001). Institute of Medicine
10
 Hollowell, JE et al. IBID. 1998. 11
 Pitman, JA. Changing normal values for thyroidal radioiodine uptake. NEJM. 1969; 280:1431-34
12
 Abraham, G. The Concept of Orthoiodosupplementation and Its Clinical Implications. The Original Internist. June, 2004. 13
 Dunn, J. Editorial: What’s happening to our iodine? J. of Clinical Endocrin. And Metab. Vol. 83, No. 10. 1998
14
 Vobecky, M. Effect of enhanced bromide intake on the concentration ratio I/Br in the rat thyroid gland. Bio. Trace Element
Research, 43:509-513, 1994
15
 Abraham, G. Measurement of urinary iodide levels by ion-selective electrode: Improved sensitivity and specificity by
chromatography on an ion-exchange resin. Optimox Research Info. IOD-03. 1.6.03
16
 Personal communication with Dr. Flechas and Charles Hakala. 11.15.08Chapter 3
Different Forms of Iodine 
CHAPTER 3: DIFFERENT FORMS OF IODINE
Iodine is not very soluble in water. Jean Lugol, a French physician, was interested in substances that could treat infections and
became very interested in iodine because it showed promise in this area. In 1829, Dr. Lugol found that potassium iodide added to
water increased the solubility of iodine. Dr. Lugol began using a solution termed “Lugol’s Iodine” that was a mixture of 5% iodine
and 10% potassium iodide in water (see 
Figure 6
, next page). Two drops of 5% Lugol’s solution (0.1ml) contains 5mg of iodine
and 7.5mg of iodide. Iodide is the reduced form of iodine which contains an extra electron. Dr. Lugol began treating many different infections with his solution and had great success. Dr. Lugol’s recommended dose for
a wide variety of problems was two drops per day of Lugol’s solution. This provided 12.5mg of iodine, which is very similar to
the physiologic dose of iodine for sufficiency of the entire body. Dr. Lugol’s solution was widely available at apothecaries and was
routinely prescribed for many different conditions. Figure 6: Lugol’s Iodine Solution
10% Potassium Iodide
5% Iodine
85% Distilled Water
IODIDE AND IODINE
As mentioned above, it is very difficult to get iodine into a solution that uses water as a solvent. Therefore, as Dr. Lugol
discovered, using the reduced form of iodine (iodide) increased the solubility of iodine. In order to do this, iodine must first be
reduced to iodide. For the science majors, this means that the molecule of iodine has gained an electron, which allows it to form a
salt with certain elements like potassium and sodium. In the case of Lugol’s solution, it is in the form of potassium iodide (10% in
Lugol’s solution). When there is a full complement of electrons in the iodine molecule, it is referred to as iodide. It was thought that the intestinal tract could easily convert iodine to iodide, but research has shown this is not true. 1
 Different
tissues of the body respond to the different forms of iodine. The thyroid gland primarily utilizes iodide while the breast tissue
concentrates iodine. To decrease the incidence of goiter, potassium iodide was added to table salt. Donald, 49 years old, had Hashimoto’s disease for ten years. Donald was found to be hypothyroid and to have many
nutritional deficiencies. He was treated with Armour
®
 thyroid, vitamins and minerals, and diet changes–I asked him to
eliminate refined carbohydrates and trans-fatty acids. “I am definitely feeling much better with the thyroid hormone. I
felt like I was dying before. But, I still don’t feel like myself. I still have brain fog and some muscle aches,” he stated. Iodine testing showed that Donald was iodine deficient. He excreted only 35% of a challenge test of iodine (normal levels
should be over 90%). Donald was initially treated with a form of iodide known as SSKI. He claimed, “I did not feel
worse with the SSKI, I just did not feel better. I still had the brain fog while on it.” Donald was switched to a mixture of
iodine and iodide (Iodoral
®
) and he noticed a definite change. Iodoral
®
 is a tablet form of Lugol’s solution. “Within one
week of starting the Iodoral
®
, my brain fog began to clear. I began sleeping better, my energy improved, and even my
libido picked up. I feel almost totally back to normal. Two months after taking
 
25mg of Iodoral
®
 per day, his iodine test
improved dramatically (94.4% excretion). Update on Donald: After eight years of taking Iodoral
®
, he reported, “I feel
fantastic. It still helps me feel better every day. I could not imagine being without it.”
The breasts, on the other hand, primarily utilize iodine. Studies have shown that iodine deficiency can alter the structure and
function of breast tissue. 2
 This can include dysplasia and atypia that is the forerunner for breast cancer. Animal studies have
shown that iodide (the form of iodine that is present in iodized salt) is ineffective at reversing the pre-cancerous lesions of animal
breast tissue, whereas iodine is much more effective. 3
 Research has also shown that iodine, not iodide, will decrease
lipoperoxidation of breast tissue. 4
Lipoperoxidation is a chemical reaction that can cause damage to the lipids of the cell membrane and mitochondria. This can
lead to many serious illnesses such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. Lipoperoxidation has been found to be elevated in
breast tumors and animal breast tissue exposed to agents that promote cancer. Iodine decreases lipoperoxidation in the body. This will be more fully explored in 
Chapter 5
. Different body tissues concentrate different forms of iodine. As mentioned above, the breasts concentrate iodine. The
prostate gland concentrates iodine. The thyroid gland and the skin primarily concentrate iodide. Other tissues, including the
kidneys, spleen, liver, blood, salivary glands, and intestines can concentrate either form. With various body tissues responding to
different forms of iodine, it would make common sense that a greater therapeutic benefit from iodine will be achieved by using a
combination of iodine and iodide. My clinical experience has proven, beyond a doubt, that a combination of iodine/iodide (e.g.,
Lugol’s or tableted Lugol’s such as Iodoral
®
 or Iodozyme HP
®
) is much more effective than an iodide-only supplement (e.g.,
SSKI and most other liquid iodide formulations).Leslie, a 43-year-old nurse, suffers with fibrocystic breast disease. “My breasts always hurt and before my period, I
can’t even stand to have a shirt on. The rubbing of clothing is excruciating,” she said. Leslie had been to many doctors
and was told to change her diet. She said, “Eliminating caffeine and chocolate did help somewhat, but I am still
miserable.” When I saw Leslie, she not only had a severe case of fibrocystic breast disease, she also had cysts on her
ovaries. Leslie commented, “I kept thinking that there must be something wrong with me. Why would I be getting all of
these cysts in my body?” On examination, Leslie had an enlarged thyroid gland and many signs of an underactive thyroid
condition, including being very fatigued. Laboratory testing showed severe iodine deficiency with a 12% excretion on an
iodine-challenge test (normal levels should be above 90%). Upon taking iodine (in the form of an iodine/iodide
mixture—
Iodoral
®
), Leslie noticed a dramatic improvement in her condition. “Within two weeks of taking iodine, I had more
energy and within one month, my breast cysts began to fade. After taking the iodine for two months, my breasts were soft
and the lumpiness was gone. It no longer hurts to wear clothing. It feels like a miracle,” she said. The ovarian cysts
Leslie had struggled with also resolved. Repeat testing of iodine levels showed a normal excretion rate on a challenge
test (94% excretion). Leslie’s holistic treatment plan includes the use of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and natural hormones. Update on Leslie’s condition: Leslie has been on iodine for over three years now. “I am 100% better. There is no sign
of fibrocystic breast disease. I would like to tell everyone who suffers with this disease that there is a simple treatment—
iodine. No one should suffer from this illness,” she said. New 5
th
 
Edition Update on Leslie’s condition: At Leslie’s last visit, I told her I was writing an update to the iodine
book. She became excited and said, “You must let your readers know how much it has changed my life. I was miserable
before taking iodine. Every woman with fibrocystic breast disease should know about this.”
Leslie’s case is not unique. The treatment of breast cysts with iodine has been reported for over 50 years. Most patients with
breast cysts will significantly improve their condition with 
iodine supplementation. Chapter 8
 contains more information on the
relationship between breast disease and iodine deficiency. FINAL THOUGHTS
I have used various iodide preparations for years, with mixed success. Although they are effective for certain conditions such
as sinusitis, there is clearly an advantage to using a combination of iodide and iodine together. The results that I have seen in my
patients have convinced me that using a combination of iodide and iodine is a much more effective and appropriate treatment than
using iodide alone. 1
 Thrall, K. Distribution of iodine into blood components of the Sprague-Dawley rat differs with the chemical form
administered. Fundamental and applied Toxicology. 15:75-81. 1990
2
 Eskin, B.
Iodine_-_Why_You_Need_It_Why_You_Cant-Live_Without_It.txt
Summarize the following text section accurately and concisely. Maintain specific details and numerical information, and use anti-repetition mechanisms:

        • NATIONAL BEST SELLER •
New Edition • 3 New Chapters
IODINE
WHY YOU NEED IT
WHY YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT IT
5th Edition
David Brownstein, M. D. For further copies of 
Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It, 5
th
 Edition
Call: 
1-888-647-5616
 or send a check or money order in the amount of: $23. 00 ($18. 00 plus $5. 00 shipping and handling)
or for Michigan residents $24. 08 ($18.
David Brownstein, M.D.
Who is the author of the book "Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It"?
The purpose of the iodine-loading test is to evaluate the body's utilization of iodine.
What is the purpose of the iodine-loading test?
Iodine can be found in seaweed, fish, and some farm products.
What are some of the sources of iodine?
The text does not provide the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for iodine in the United States.
What is the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for iodine in the United States?
The text does not explicitly state the primary function of the thyroid gland, but it does mention that iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormone.
What is the primary function of the thyroid gland?