Should I be giving Iodine Supplements to my children to prevent Thyroidism?

As thyroidism can be passed on in families and my parents and brother have been diagnosed with hypothyroisim as well as myself, would Iodine supplements help my young children in preventing the disease? In the book Thyroid for Dummies (Alan Rubin MD), states that children who take iodine supplements generally do not develop thyroid disease. I am desperate to try and spare my twins from thyroid issues. Does anyone give their kids iodine supplements?

[jimh111]

It's easy to give too much iodine which is harmful. Much better to have some iodine rich food such as fish and dairy products. From memory, if I remember correctly, being deficient in iodine increases the risk a bit, having enough iodine dosn't prevent thyroid disease, it just helps.

[slimecity]

Perhaps micro-doses would be OK? If one of those kids develops hashimotos from auto-immune disease then iodine is not indicated for that and can worsen the condition. If you want to do it, I think administer as small a dose as possible. Selenium could be important too.

[Cat4health]

I could be wrong but I remember reading that excess iodine can actually trigger the hashimoto autoimmunity (ironic) so I'd do wider research before supplements. Wouldn't naturally iodine sources fish/dairy n focus on low stress healthy living be more beneficial? It's a multi pronged issue I think but I'm not a hashimoto expert at all.

[Treepie]

I think you need to know whether they are low in iodine before supplementing.

[Hidden]

Thank you folks for your thoughts, appreciate it.

[silverfox7]

I suspect being low in iodine was my initial problem but I think you should look into a good diet and then test

[PMRandRA]

Personally I would not give anything to my kids that a doctor has not prescribed.

👍

[julia35]

Hi, I have hypothyroidism and have been taking iodine to shrink my thyroid nodules. You can find very useful information in this book: alaalsayid.com/ebooks/Iodin...

[Hidden]

Thanks for the helpful posts

[loueldhen]

Definitely not. I had a 'practitioner' who was very keen on betadine (povidone iodine) and I suspect it did me no good in the longer term. Keep it natural. Food rich in iodine but not supplements.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Hidden in reply to loueldhen]

Thanks! I think I will not venture down the supplement route. I don't believe in pill pushing normally anyway, certainly not for children unless very necessary. Appreciate your thoughts.

[jgelliss]

No . I would not give my children extra "iodine" . It's in the food they eat and most multi vit. have enough iodine in them too . Giving extra iodine might just set the children up with problems you might regret later . It's very smart of you to ask . Your a great MOM .

[Hidden in reply to jgelliss]

Thank you jgelliss, that's most kind!

My kids eat a healthy diet so should be fine then.

[jgelliss in reply to Hidden]

I can tell that you are a very concerned MOM and that you want to do all the right things for the children . Lucky Children to have you for their mother . I can see your concern because of all the hype that is with "IODINE" . Rest assure the children are getting enough and they are just fine .