iodine

[roslin]

Hi, Iodine is important in the production of T4 in the thyroid and many may not get enough. Dr P recommends that you take 10x RDA (recommended daily allowance)Should I take iodine even if I had a thyroidectomy? I have not been able to find any information about this.

Roslinxx

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Funnily enough, I came across an Australian video about Iodine this morning:

youtube.com/watch?v=rO9xJuj...(Not working as expected?)

But I am very wary about iodine as are quite a number here.That is NOT saying it should never ever be taken, but research and understand before doing so. Mind, there is so,so much conflicting information out there...

Rod

[greygoose]

Personally - and at the risk of assasination by post - I would say no. T4 is produced in the thyroid. If you've had your thyroid removed, then where are you going to make T4? What is your body going to do with that iodine?

And, don't forget, that when you take thyroid hormone replacement, you are taking iodine. If you take T4, that is four atoms of iodine to each molecule of T4. When T4 is converted into T3, one iodine molecule is released into the blood and, if you still have your thyroid, is recycled by the body. Excess is supposed to be excreated in the urine. But I know from my own case that it can mount up to quite high levels. So you're not likely to be short of iodine.

Also, you should never take anything unless you have been tested and shown to be deficient.

Hugs, Grey

[RedApple Administrator in reply to greygoose]

Pretty much my thinking too

[roslin in reply to greygoose]

Thank you, that is what I think too. Didn't know the thing about iodine being recycled by the body. I don't have any reason to think I am low but I don't think I will have it tested--too expensive.

Roslinxx

[Spicer21 in reply to greygoose]

Very interesting post about the iodine molecules, Greygoose - Would those who still have a thyroid gland that's working a bit, but are hypothyroid and choose to take T3 on its own or NDT that contains T3, probably need to supplement with some iodine (albeit I guess that it would be best to get tested for iodine deficiency before ever supplementing with iodine or increasing the intake of iodine in the diet)? I take T4, but am asking for a friend who takes NDT. Thanks in advance, if you get to see and reply to this (I know that this thread is very old).

[greygoose in reply to Spicer21]

As I said, T4 contains 4 atoms of iodine. One iodine is removed to make T3, therefore T3 has three atoms of iodine. One atom of iodine is removed from T3 to make T2, and another atom of iodine is removed from T2 to make T1. All that iodine is recycled.

100 mcg T4 contains 65 mcg iodine

100 mcg T3 contains 48.75 mcg iodine

NDT contains 38 mcg T4 and 9 mcg T3, in general. Therefore on grain of NDT contains around 29 mcg iodine. That's only a rough calculation, because we don't know how much, if any, T2 and T1 is in one grain of NDT - and it's more than likely negligeable.

Excess iodine can cause more harm than it cures, so you should never supplement iodine unless you know that your hypo is caused by iodine deficiency. And, even then, it should be supervised by a health practitioner experienced in iodine supplementation - there are protocols to follow, it's not just a case of taking a daily pill. And, if you have Hashi's, your hypothyroidism won't be caused by iodine deficiency, it will be caused by damage done by the immune system. And, as iodine stimulates the thyroid, it will also stimulate the immune system and cause more attacks, more damage and therefore worsened symptoms.

Iodine is just one of the ingredients of thyroid hormone. It is not a magic potion to make the thyroid work 'better', as some people like to believe. Therefore just adding more iodine will not automatically make more hormone. But, it will stimulate the thyroid for a brief period - which is why some people feel better when first taking iodine. But, if you stimulate a sick gland for too long, all you do is hasten its demise, you don't cure it.

Also worth noting is that iodine used to be prescribed for people with hyperthyroidism, to lower their thyroid hormone production.

Also, excess iodine can trigger Hashi's, if you don't already have it. It can also cause thyroid cancer.

So, all in all, I would say, no, those people you mention would certainly not need to supplement iodine. It might be the worst thing they could possibly do.

[Spicer21 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you so much, Greygoose. You are an absolute mine of information. I appreciate you explaining all of that to me.

[greygoose in reply to Spicer21]

You're welcome.

[h226]

You can also try to see if you can get enough iodine from foods instead of supplements:

foodhealth.info/iodine-defi...