Iodoral or Kelp Tablets: Have been advised by Dr... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

141,246 members166,490 posts

Iodoral or Kelp Tablets

pussycatwillow profile image
15 Replies

Have been advised by Dr P to I am low in iodine and should supplement with Iodoral or Kelp tablets.

Does anyone take these and/or have recommendation where to buy.

I did the Genova thyroid hormones test and T4 production is low, but have not idea what that really means.

Test results 229 (347 - 1994)

Any advice?

Thanks

Written by
pussycatwillow profile image
pussycatwillow
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
15 Replies
crimple profile image
crimple

I am also very low in Iodine, 20 (ideal is 100-190) and have been reading "Iodine, why you need it" by David Brownstein. Also read "Hope for Hashimotos" (which I have/had) by Dr Alexander Haskell. So far I have been DIY with respect to supplements of Vit D, B12, folate and Zinc and also DIY blood tests from Blue Horizon and genova urine/iodine test. I am now following D Brownstein, as I am already Gluten and lactose free (Got rid of my TPO antibodies) the next stage is using Celtic sea salt etc then go onto using Lugol's iodine. Bit nervous about that bit as don't know any medic that I could turn to and here up north we seem to be without any decent endos etc. Iodoral is the tablet form and Lugol's the liquid form for Iodine. Please let me know how you get on, could do with some moral support!

pussycatwillow profile image
pussycatwillow in reply tocrimple

Hi Crimple

Thanks for reply. Why did you decide on the liquid form. I haven't bought any yet but will keep you updated.

Thanks

crimple profile image
crimple in reply topussycatwillow

I decided on liquid as it is much easier to adjust the dose and start off very low. I think I also read in one of the books that it is easier to use for that reason.

You're hypothyroid Puss?

Diets these days are too low in iodine. Thus supplementing sounds like a good idea. However, I'd take it slow : start on a low dose and raise very gradually. Too much iodine can be as bad for hypothyroid folk as too much. When I tried to buy Kelp tabs from Holland & Barrett and, foolishly, replied to her query that yes, I was hypothyroid, she refused to sell them to me!

Be very interested to hear how you go on.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to

Are they allowed to do that? Sounds a bit heavy-handed. What they should do, in my opinion, is warn you of the possible dangers, and then it's up to you whether you buy it or not. But refusing to sell it... hmm

in reply togreygoose

Indeed. I became incandescent and had to leave.

I don't believe she even knew what the possible dangers were.

The joke is that usually you cannot get any kind of opinion out of an H & B employee about the stuff they sell ... ;-$

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to

Yes, did notice that. Only been in the Folkestone branch about twice because they don't have branches in France, but the employee couldn't even tell me where stuff was in the shop! lol

I can absolutely imagine the incandescence! Congratulations on leaving and not trashing the shop!

pussycatwillow profile image
pussycatwillow in reply to

Hi Humphrey

Yes am hypothyroid... Currently taking 125 Levo, Nutri adrenal and Nutri Thyroid. Do you know what side effects there could be from taking iodine? Are you taking? Thanks

Opinions vary about iodione, Puss. I am not taking it, although I'm wondering whether to give it a go. I use Thyroid S to control my hypothyroidism. I think the opinion agin it is that the Levo (or whatever one is taking) sort of cuts to the chase, as it were, and takes over the function of iodine to the thyroid. Correct me if I have that wrong, someone.

Spareribs profile image
Spareribs in reply to

Thyroid medication already 'contains' iodine - here's a previous thread.... healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

& a quick search....

healthunlocked.com/search/i...

Here's the skinny from Sparerib's very helpful discoveries in the archives, Puss:

"Taken from the Livestrong website:

Levothyroxine is a synthetic version of T4. It is used to treat individuals who have hypothyroidism due to any cause. Levothyroxine can be converted to T3 in your body, so you only have to take one medication to supply both hormones. Since levothyroxine already contains iodine, you do not need to take additional iodine to treat hypothyroidism. Any extra iodine you consume will not be incorporated into new thyroid hormones, because your thyroid’s function is being replaced by levothyroxine. In fact, according to a 1992 study published in “International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research,” any additional iodine you obtain from supplements will be eliminated in your urine, feces and sweat.

Read more: livestrong.com/article/..."

From which the upshot appears to be that it might conceivably work for me, but is contraindicated for you.

The other link Spareribs gives is to a collection of posts on iodine, asking broadly similar questions to yours.

OzoneGirl profile image
OzoneGirl in reply to

Other parts of your body need Iodine as well!

It's not just your Thyroid - in women the breasts & reproductive organs contain & need Iodine. If you are Iodine deficient your body will deplete the stores in other areas of the body.

Putting a bit of Iodine in Levo does not supply everything the body needs!

pussycatwillow profile image
pussycatwillow

Thanks Humphrey and Spareribs, very informative. I am really confused now as Dr P suggested I supplement but that article indicates it would be a waste of time. I'm sure Dr P would disagree or else he wouldn't suggest taking it. In a quandary now

OzoneGirl profile image
OzoneGirl in reply topussycatwillow

I know this is 3 years old, but just in case anyone comes to this thread now - please do as advised by your current doctor/specialist - there is a great deal of misinformation re' Iodine - many of us are deficient because of excess fluorine/ fluoride and bromine/bromide in water/food etc...

Read Dr Barry Durant-Peatfield's book, The Great Thyroid Scandal and How To Survive It (Barons Down Publishing), & then decide about Iodine.

Also see:

BBC - Iodine deficiency 'may lower UK children's IQ': bbc.co.uk/news/health-22607161

dragondave profile image
dragondave in reply toOzoneGirl

just been diagnosed with Hypo (yesterday) and of course am trying to read everything on it and getting a little overwhelmed. Thank you OzoneGirl for the recommended read, i am that person who has joined the thread now!.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Kelp

Not diagnosed with a thyroid issue, no diagnosis at all (so far), but as my previous post, have...

Kelp and Hashimoto

Hi there, I only found this forum the other day and the comments are so helpful!! I was diagnosed...
spaneast profile image

kelp supplements

hello all, I am new to this site and would appreciate some help. I have an under active thyroid,...
Munp profile image

Levothroxine, thyroid & Sea Kelp

Hi I am new on here I am a 48 year old peri menopausal... Doctor put me on sertraline for insomnia...
Runner9 profile image

Kelp

Hi any advice on taking Kelp I have been for my reflexology session today and she advised Kelp as a...

Moderation team

See all
Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.