Going on a treasure hunt...The Forgotten Iodine

source:
http://panaminstitute.com/de-iodine.htm


The Forgotten Iodine

Trace Nutrient, Natural Antibiotic, Stimulant, Deobstruent,

Expectorant, Disinfectant

Only a little over two centuries ago, man struggled to discover the

value of fresh fruit, vegetables, and vitamin C. The first attempt to

give scientific basis for the cause of scurvy was by a ship's surgeon

in the British Royal Navy, James Lind.

While at sea in May 1747, Lind provided some crew members with

two oranges and one lemon per day, in addition to normal rations,

while others continued on cider, vinegar or sea water, along with

their normal rations. In the history of Science this is considered to

be the first example of a controlled experiment comparing results

on two populations of a dietary factor applied to one group only

with all other factors the same. The results conclusively showed

that citrus fruits prevented the disease. Lind wrote up his work and

published it in 1753, in Treatise on the Scurvy.

It was 1795, some forty years later, the life expectancy for many at

that time, before the British navy adopted lemons or lime as

standard issue at sea. This practice led to the nickname limey for

British sailors. Captain James Cook had previously demonstrated

and proven the principle of the advantages of fresh and preserved

foods, such as sauerkraut, by taking his crews to the Hawaiian

islands and beyond without losing any of his men to scurvy, that is

debility, spongy gums, and hemorrhages into the skin and mucous

membranes. One can well imagine the status of a sailor's arse

[hemorrhoid] in a case of scurvy, would be of equal concern as it

was for Napoleon when he could not ride his horse into Russia for

the pain he experienced for the status of his rump. [1]

The name "antiscorbutic" was used in the eighteenth and

nineteenth centuries as general term for those foods known to

prevent scurvy, even though there was no biochemical

understanding. These foods include lemons, limes, and oranges;

sauerkraut, salted cabbage, malt, and portable broth which were

employed with variable effect. While most discovered vitamins are

a group of organic substances, present in minute amounts in

natural foodstuffs, that are essential to normal metabolism are

nitrogenous based, ascorbic acid is a pure carbohydrate.

Cobalamin is the general term for compounds containing the

dimethylbenzimidazolylcobamide nucleus of vitamin B12

containing the trace element cobalt.
With iodine, the medical world has struggled to understand a trace

mineral, readily available in nature, yet has not reached the

commercial awareness as vitamin C, scurvy, and the common cold.

In 1811 when Bernard Courtois (1777-1838) discovered iodine, he

was not searching for a way to heal his fellow humans. On the

contrary; he was looking for a way to kill his fellow humans.

Napoleon’s army at the time required huge quantities of gunpowder

and supplies were running short. Saltpeter (potassium

nitrate—KNO3) is a major component in gunpowder and requires

an abundant source of sodium carbonate to be manufactured.

Sodium carbonate is extracted from wood ashes, but the war had

gone on so long that they had run out of willow wood, the preferred

source. Someone suggested using dried seaweed burnt to ash. In

the process of making saltpeter, excess sulfur compounds were

created and they had to add sulfuric acid to the mixture to get rid of

the sulphur. Courtois accidentally added a bit too much acid one

day, and a violet vapor cloud appeared and condensed onto the

colder, metal objects and formed lustrous, purple crystals.

Courtois, a working chemist, realized he’d created something new.

However, it would be two years later that the English chemist, Sir

Humphrey Davy, realized it was a halogen and named it iodine.

Later, French physician, Jean Lugol discovered that bonding iodine

to a mineral (potassium) made it water soluble, and allowed for the

later discovery of iodine’s antiseptic qualities. Iodine naturally

dissolves in alcohol, but not in water until it is first bonded to the

elements potassium or chlorine. A History of Lugol's

Iodine

It was first developed by the French physician, Jean Lugol, in 1829.

It is a transparent brown liquid consisting of 10 parts potassium

iodide (KI) to 5 parts Iodine to 85 parts of (distilled) water. It is an

effective bactericide and fungicide and, in fact, was, for the better

part of a century, a common antiseptic - (though it has laboratory

uses separate and apart from any medical application). Lugol's and

similar Iodine solutions probably fell out of favor in the last half of

the 20th century due to combination of economics and esthetics:

first, it is so cheap to make that it cannot compare to "cleaner,"

value-added antiseptics with more marketing muscle; and

secondly, it will stain clothes and will even temporarily stain skin

when used topically to treat a wound. The internal applications of

various iodine solutions have been published and discussed for well

over a century.

Eight years after the purple haze discovery by Courtois, Swiss

physician J.F. Coindet who previously showed successfully that

giving burnt sponge and seaweed for reducing simple goiter,

reasoned that iodine could be the active ingredient in seaweed. [2]

In 1819, he tested tincture of iodine at 250 mg per day, [labeled as a

poison on bottles of tincture iodine today], an excessive amount by

today’s minimum daily requirement of 150 mcg (0.15 mg) per day.

Of 150 goiter patients with goiter, he had great success. He

published his results in 1820. Coindet was the first physician to use

the newly discovered element iodine in medical practice. In 19th

Century Europe, potassium Iodide (KI) was used empirically for a

wide range of medical conditions. [3] Shortly thereafter, it would be

one of the most frequentlly prescribed drugs of medical physicians,

which led to the aphorism - "If ye don’t know where, what, and

why, prescribe ye then K and I.”

In 1932, Bernard Cohn, M.D. wrote: “…the widespread use of

compound solution of iodine, U.S.P., is the result of a paper by

Plummer and Boothby, published in that year (1923). Since then

compound solution of iodine has been used by nearly every

clinician ...” [6]

According to Hungarian Nobel Laureate Szent-Györgyi, KI was the

universal medicine in Europe during the late 1800’s and early

1900’s. Szent-Györgyi himself ingested 1 gm of KI [postassium

iodide[ daily to keep himself fit. [12]

Deficiency diseases, both glandular and dietary, were but dimly

understood in those days. Proper diagnosis and effective treatment

of goitre, diabetes, and the various vitamin deficiencies belong to

the twentieth century, as is true with allergies, many of which must

also have imitated the early symptoms of acute diseases. Thousands

of sufferers from eczema, hives, pellagra, beriberi or asthma not

only were given superficial relief, but were ignorant of the nature of

their maladies.

Cretinism, a severe mental retardation due to congenitally

under-active thyroid, derived from creta (eraie)—a sallow or

yellow-earthy complexion, being a mark of cretinism. The condition

was known to be commonest when born far away from the sea as

seawater contains iodine. It was commonest in Switzerland and in

the UK mainly in the midlands at Lancashire, Yorkshire and

Derbyshire dales. Indeed an acquired form of under-active thyroid

disease due to dietary deficiency of iodine and causing swelling of

the thyroid (or goitre) is often known as Derbyshire neck was well

recorded. [4] Wherever endemic goitre is present, endemic

cretinism is present also, and it has been constantly observed that

when a new family moves into a goitrous district, goitre appears in

the first generation, cretinism in the second. Cretinism usually

remains unrecognized until the child reaches some eighteen

months or two years, when its lack of mental development and

awkward bodily form begin to attract attention. Occasionally the

child appears to be normal in infancy, but the cretinoid condition

develops later, anytime of up to puberty. The essential point in the

morbid anatomy of these cases is the absence or abnormal

condition of the thyroid gland.
Derbyshire neck

There is one disease," wrote James Pilkington in 1789, "to which

the inhabitants of Derbyshire are so much subject, that it has taken

its name from its great prevalence in this situation."

Derbyshire Neck, also called Goitre, is a swelling of the thyroid

gland and is now known to be caused by lack of iodine. It is almost

unknown today because iodine is added to drinking water. In the

eighteenth century no-one knew for sure what caused it. Some

thought it was hereditary in particular families, others that it was

caused by living "on the bleak sides of hills." They all agreed that

women, particularly "child-bearing poor women" were the main

victims of "this very unfortunate female disease."

Cretinism
Mental retardation due to congenital under-activity or absence of

the thyroid gland
The condition is commonest when born far away from the sea, as

seawater contains iodine, which is essential for the thyroid gland to

work. Therefore, it is commonest in the Swiss valleys in mainland

Europe and in the U.K. mainly in the Lancashire, Yorkshire and

Derbyshire dales. Indeed an acquired form of under-active thyroid

disease due to dietary deficiency of iodine and causing swelling of

the thyroid (or goitre) is often known as Derbyshire neck
Cretins have a characteristic face that is pale and puffy, the hair is

coarse (like horse hair) and the tongue protrude. The subjects of

this disease seldom reach five feet in height, and usually not more

than four. The word cretin is derived from the Latin creatura. They

are found all over the world. In Switzerland it is estimated that in

some cantons there is one cretin to every 25 inhabitants. In Styria,

the Tyrol, and along the Rhine cretins are quite common, and not

long since cases existed in Derbyshire.

Iodine, forgotten nutrient

Iodine (from the Gr. Iodes, meaning "violet"), is a chemical element

in the periodic table that has the symbol I and atomic number 53. It

is required as a trace element for most living organisms.

Chemically, iodine is the least reactive of the halogens, and the

most electropositive halogen. Lack of iodine is the cause of goitre

(Derbyshire neck). Historically underactive thyroids were common

in Derbyshire causing people to develop a neck 'goitre' (swollen

thyroid) - termed 'Derbyshire neck' - because their diets were

deficient in iodine. It is assimilated by seaweeds from which it may

be recovered, and is found in Chilean saltpetre, caliche, old salt

brines, and salt wells.

In areas where there is little iodine in the diet—typically remote

inland areas and semi-arid equatorial climates where no marine

foods are eaten—iodine deficiency gives rise to goiter, so called

endemic goiter. In some such areas, this is now combatted by the

addition of small amounts of iodine to table salt in form of sodium

iodide, potassium iodide, potassium iodate—this product is known

as iodized salt. Iodine deficiency is the leading cause of preventable

mental retardation. Iodine deficency remains a serious problem

that affects people around the globe. [5]

After the discovery of thyroid hormones and their clinical

applications in the 1930’s, medical textbooks started promoting the

idea that the only role of iodine as an essential element was in the

synthesis of thyroid hormones. Thyroid fixation resulted in

endocrinologists, not nutrionists, dictating the human need for this

nutrient, which was defined as the minimum amount of iodine

needed for synthesis of thyroid hormones, that is, 200 ug/day. [7]

The RDA for iodine was established based on data supplied by

endocrinologists regarding the minimum amount of iodine needed

for synthesis of thyroid hormones. [8] No attempt was apparently

made to assess the optimal daily requirement of iodine for whole

body sufficiency and nutrition, yet many medical doctors used it

very successfully and wrote about it, like Dr. D. C. Jarvis [9] and Dr.

Max Gerson [10].

You will ask, "How can such a cancerous tumor go down?" That was

a difficult question for me to understand. I had learned in my

treatment of tuberculosis patients that I had to add potassium,

iodine, and liver injections to help the liver and the whole body to

restore the potassium. Now as far as I can see this is the situation.

At first we give the patient the most salt-free diet possible. So, as

much salt (sodium) is removed from the body as can be. During the

first days, 3 grams, 5 grams, up to 8 grams a day of sodium are

eliminated while the patients receive only about one half gram of

sodium content in the diet and no sodium is added." Lecture given

by Dr. Gerson in Escondido, California, in 1956

Far away from the sea, evolutionary understandings

Being born far away from the sea was an early observation of goiter

and cretinism. And is it here that this clue was left for the clueless.

The prevalence of endemic goitre and endemic cretinism is closely

related to geological conditions. As a rule, endemicity is prominent

in mountainous areas, but serious endemic foci have also been

found on sedimentary plains. Goitre is usually prevalent in places

far away from the sea.

Humans (as well as any other species), are adapted by evolution to

live in particular environments. In other words, we thrive best

under conditions with a particular combination of environmental

factors, including social and nutritional factors. There are many

differences between the Stone Age environment to which we are

adapted and the industrialized environment in which we live today.

While many of these differences have a positive impact on health

and quality of life, like creature comforts, many also have a negative

impact, like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

The story of iodine deficiency takes us to the work's and

observations of early biologists. Until quite recently the notion was

universally entertained that human beings were, in many respects,

quite different from all other beings, forming, as it were, a world by

themselves. This notion is even now very generally held by those

not versed in natural science, and is often put forward by those who

are considered teachers of people. The fact is, however, as all

observation proves, that man is, in all respects, like other animals.

His body is composed of the same elements, he has the same

organs, acting in the same way, the same or similar nutritional

needs, and only different in his mental faculties, the cortical factors

far more fully developed. In short, man is a part of the animal

world, and not something separate and distinct from it, save for his

brain.

Evolution, then, teaches us that not only have all organic forms

been derived from pre-existing and simpler ones, but also all our

social organizations, our corporeal impulses, and our nutritional

needs. It teaches us, also, that all the various departments of

knowledge have not only developed individually in this way; but

that they have also developed conjointly, as a whole. No one science

ever did or could originate and perfect itself, standing alone, but

each one contributes upon every other one, and develops only as

that does, so that knowledge advances as a whole by separate steps.

At this stage in our evolution we are able to appreciate many

branches of science, not only biology, but also paleontology,

geology, genetics, chemistry and physics.

The whole universe, according to physics, is one in every

department, and the same laws rule, from the atom to the

mountain, and from molecular motion to thought. Everything that

is, is connected with everything else, and there is nothing that

exists or acts alone. Quantum physics teaches us this postulate, but

it was first proposed by Paracelsus.

The timeline of human evolution outlines the major events in the

development of our species and the evolution of our ancestors.

Human evolution is the process of change and development by

which human beings emerged as a distinct species from a former

species. It is the subject of a broad scientific inquiry that seeks to

understand and describe how this change and development

occurred. The study of human evolution encompasses many

scientific disciplines, most notably physical anthropology and

genetics.

When we study the development of animals from the primary

germs, or eggs, we observe that they all begin the same as an egg,

but some progress farther than others in differentiation. Darwin in

particular showed that through evolution it was possible for one

species to be transformed into another species. Ernst Haeckel first

gave us an evolutionary viewpoint from observations in

embryology. With the evolution of life, at a certain stage, came the

development of animals with a nervous system, and eventually

human beings with a large brain. Some embryos stop at one stage

of development, and others at another, and each one on reaching

its limit having gone through all the stages below that limit. Thus,

taking the most perfectly organized being in either type, and tracing

its embryonic growth, from the primary germ upward, we find that

it has gone through every stage, first as germ, then as fish, then as

amphibian, and finally through mammals. The embryo goes

through stages of its growth, like every one of the lower animals of

its type.

This is the case with man, the most neurologically perfected of all

the vertebrates. He starts embryonically the same as all the rest

below him; but the other mammals stop at various inferior stages,

while man/woman passes on. Thus the human embryo, after it has

passed the simpler stages, from the germ, resembles

(microsopically) first a fish, then it becomes like one of the

amphibia, and, still progressing, it next becomes a reptile, then a

bird, and finally a true mammifer. Thus men may be said to be a

true epitome of his type, or to comprise it wholly in himself in the

course of his foetal development. We can comprehend from this

how different beings have originated from those below them, by the

gradual evolution of new organs for special purposes. In one sense

all animals are the same. They are all, when primary germs, alike in

many respects save that otheir chromosomes, but some develop

farther than others. Fundamentally it is thus a evolutionary

process.

The beginnings of human culture reach back about a half a million

years ago. The first men as we have learned were meat eating

hunters that lived in tropical grasslands. For thousands of years

man threw whole animals into his fires where the skin burst, and

he cracked skulls with stones to eat the brain and marrow. Towards

the end of this paleolithic age and into the mesolithic stage, man

was collecting grains of wild grasses, pounding them into flour and

making a watery paste into bread. In the Indus valley, man learned

to cultivate rice. Once the principles of seeding, transplantation,

and harvesting were mastered, man moved to a mixed dietary, and

moved to the harvesting of carbohydrates. This knowledge spread

rapidly from a historical view, and forever changed man's dietary.

Iodine in general diets comes mainly from animal-derived foods

just as does cobalamin. As to be expected, with migrations and

settlements, dietary elements would be diverse.

The rapid evolution of man, and the apparent rapid cortical

development in terms of evolution, allowed him to migrate and

adapt to many different geological locations. In thousands of

millions of years of animal evolution, paleolithic man is the first

instance of survival depending on fire, tools, agriculture and

housing, rather than on biological adaptations to the environment

like other animals. Man learned to make the environment adapt to

him, rather than adapting to an abrupt change of his environment

by migration. However, the nutritional needs for his body remained

essentially the same. Cortical development has far out paced

corporeal and glandular development. For as we see with

cretinism, a withdrawl of iodine during fetal development has

disasterous cortical effects, just as does folate in spina bifida.

Our biology dictates that we emerged from marine life. In adult

humans the body content of iodine is between 20 and 50

milligrams. Most of this trace element is concentrated in the

thyroid gland, but it is also found in the liver which can concentrate

iodine. All vertebrates require iodine and possess a similar gland or

tissue somewhere in their bodies. Dietary iodine is rapidly

absorbed by the intestinal tract, chiefly as iodide, and is then

transported by the blood to the thyroid gland. There Iodide is

oxidized to iodine and combined with the amino acid tyrosine to

produce mono- and di-iodotyrosines. Further conversion, which

results in the formation of the hormones thyroxine (T4) and

triiodothyronine (T3), takes place in the epithelial cells of this

gland. Both hormones are essential for human health and are

involved in brain development, growth, and metabolism. Mentality,

speech, and the condition of the teeth, skin, hair, and nails are all

dependent on a thyroid gland that functions well [24].
Justus von Liebig, generally credited with being the "Father of the

Fertilizer Industry", propounded the "Law of the Minimum" which

states that if one crop of the nutritive elements is deficient or

lacking, plant growth will be poor even when all the other elements

are abundant. Any deficiency of a nutrient, no matter how small an

amount is needed, will hold back plant development. If the deficient

element is supplied, growth will be increased up to the point where

the supply of that element is no longer the limiting factor.

Increasing the supply beyond this point is not helpful, as some

other element would then be in a minimum supply and become the

limiting factor.


The yield potential of a crop is like a barrel with staves of unequal

length. The capacity of the barrel is limited by the length of the

shortest stave (in this case, nitrogen), and can only be increased by

lengthening that stave. When that stave is lengthened, another one

becomes the limiting factor.

In the case of the thyroid, there is no question iodine is the limiting

factor. If withdrawn, the gland swells into hyperplasia. Not only is

iodine essential for the production of triiodothyronine, selenium is

as well, and thus another stave in the body's requirements.

Researchers from the Hahn-Meitner Institute in Berlin first

discovered that selenium plays a key role in deiodinase, an enzyme

required to catalyze the conversion of thyroxine to

triiodothyronine. When a selenium deficiency is present,

deiodinase levels are depressed, and so too is the production of

triiodothyronine .


Chemistry of Iodine

Iodine is a basic element, as are calcium, zinc, oxygen and other

elements. The word "iodine" usually refers to two iodine molecules

chemically "bonded together" (I2), just as the word "oxygen"

usually refers to two oxygen molecules "stuck together" (O2). Since

iodine is more reactive, and therefore more likely to cause

problems, iodine is usually used as "iodide", a word which refers to

one iodine molecule combined with another molecule such as

potassium (KI) or sodium (NaI, as in iodized salt). Iodide is the

negative ion of iodine. In chemical terms, such molecules are called

"salts"; the best known salt is sodium chloride (NaCl), a "salt" of

chlorine (Cl2).

The chemistry of iodine is relatively complex since it can exist in a

number of valence states, it is chemically reactive and forms

various inorganic and organic compounds. [11] In the atmosphere,

iodine is derived largely from seawater. Iodine concentrations have

been reported to range from 3 ng/m3 to 50 ng/m3 with an average

global concentration estimated to be about 10-20 ng/m3. Based on

this latter estimate, the daily iodine intake from air would be less

than 0.4 µg/person and air is therefore not considered a significant

source of iodine.

The iodine present in the upper crust of earth is leached by

glaciation and repeated flooding and is carried to the sea. Sea water

is, therefore, a rich source of iodine. About 1/3 of iodine found in

seawater is composed of iodide eventually oxidised to iodate by

organic matter. Iodide is mostly found above a depth of

approximately 500'. Iodine in the ocean takes a wide variety of

forms, both organic and inorganic, and the iodine cycles between

these various compounds are very complex and are still an active

area of research. The nature of inorganic iodine in the oceans has

been generally known for decades. The two predominate forms are

iodate (IO3-, with the central iodine and three attached oxygen

atoms) and iodide (I-). Together these two iodine species usually

add up to about 0.06 ppm total iodine (~0.5 mM), but the reported

values vary over about a factor of 2. In surface seawater, iodate

usually is the dominant form with typical iodate values in the 0.04

to 0.06 ppm iodine (0.3 – 0.5 mM). Likewise, iodide is usually

present at lower concentrations, typically 0.01 to 0.02 ppm iodine

(0.07 – 0.18 mM). Organic forms of iodine are any in which the

iodine atom is covalently attached to a carbon atom, such as methyl

iodide, CH3I. All of these various forms can be interconverted in the

oceans. Phytoplankton, for example, take up iodate and convert it

into iodide, which is mostly, but not completely, released. Iodate is

also converted to iodide by bacteria in low oxygen environments of

the oceans.

Who uses iodine: Algae
The presence of large quantities of iodine in various species of

marine algae has been known for nearly 100 years. Plankton,

micro/macroalgae, bacteria, fish, coralline algae, anemones,

sponges and other invertebrates utilise iodine, existing in natural

seawater mostly as iodide and iodate. Some species can contain

almost 1% iodine (100,000 ppm) by dry weight. Iodine is

concentrated considerably by all macroalgae, including the

Rhodophyta (red algae), Phaetophyta (kelp and other brown algae)

and the Chlorophyta (green algae). There are, however, great

species differences in the amount of iodine contained in the

macroalgae tissue. [22, 23] Japanese consume 4.6 grams of

seaweed per day and continue to be amongst the world’s healthiest

peoples.

The RDA

Drs Steve Hickey and Hilary Roberts have for a limited time made

the their new book: "Ridiculous Dietary Allowance" free (until Jan.

15th 2005) so more people can read it and understand what a

travesty the RDA limits are. In the pretense of improving our health

these guidelines actually hinder it.

The same rationale for iodine was used for the RDA of vitamin C;

that is the daily, miniscule amount that prevents your teeth from

falling out (scurvy). The RDA for iodine was established based on

data supplied by endocrinologists regarding the minimum amount

of iodine needed for synthesis of thyroid hormones. Based on

research performed by other investigators on animals who can

synthesize vitamin C, Linus Pauling suggested that the optimal

intake of vitamin C for humans was around 100 fold the RDA.

Pauling was ridiculed by physicians for attacking the sacred cow,

the RDA. He consulted with his friend, the discoverer of vitamin C,

A. Szent-Györgyi. This is an excerpt from Szent-Györgyi’s reply:

“…the medical profession said that if your don’t get scurvy you are

all right. I think that is a very grave error. Scurvy is not the first sign

of the deficiency but a premortal syndrome.”

(Szent-Györgyi, To Pauling, 1966)

Based on a review of the literature, Dr. Abraham's research group

have calculated that a daily intake of 6 mg iodide would be required

for sufficiency of the thyroid gland alone, without considering the

rest of the human body. (Abraham et al, Orig. Int., 9:30-41, 2002)

The medical use of Iodine and iodides has more than a 100 year

history. Rural Medicine Editor of Medical World, Dr. DeForest

Clinton Jarvis, born in 1881, a member of the Academy of

Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, the American Medical

Association and other leading medical societies of the time was a

great user and advocate of Lugol's solution. His interest in the folk

medicine of Vermont began soon after the start of his medical

practice. To counter the effects of iodine loss, Dr. Jarvis

recommended various methods including: (1) Eating foods rich in

iodine: food from the ocean, radishes, asparagus, carrots,

tomatoes, spinach, rhubarb, potatoes, peas, strawberries,

mushrooms, lettuce, bananas, cabbage, egg yolk, and onions; (2)

Painting a small area of the body with tincture of iodine; and (3)

taking preparations known to be rich in iodine, including cod liver

oil, kelp tablets ...

But he was particularly keen on the power of Lugol's iodine, for

treating various illnesses, including colds and flu, and for

countering the effects of stress: "Supposing you do follow the

suggestions outlined above and find that some weeks the pressures

of your private and your business life are causing you to lose the

ability to bounce back. Then you should add a drop of Lugol's

solution of iodine to your glass of apple or grape juice at breakfast,

or you may take it in the mixture of apple cider vinegar and water.

The point is that the potassium in the solution (Lugol's is 5%

potassium iodine) blocks off the body mechanism that organizes for

aggressive action, releasing its hold on the body when opportunity

for rest and relaxation arises. The iodine swings into action the

body and the building up and storing of body reserves. When

working under pressure, include the Lugol's solution dose each day

until the period of pressure passes. If it should happen that your

body becomes saturated with iodine, you will find that there is an

increase of moisture in the nose. If this occurs, omit the iodine until

the nose is normal."

" I believe the doctor of the future will be a teacher as well as a

physician.
His real job will be to teach people how to be healthy."

"All the old remedies do not do any harm if they do not do any good
which means they are safe remedies to take." Dr. D.C. Jarvis

The many uses of Iodine

1. Germicide: Elemental iodine is a potent germicide with wide

spectrum and low tissue toxicity. A solution of 50 ppm (eg, 50 mg/L)

kills bacteria in 1 min and bacterial spores in 15 min. Topically,

Iodine is excellent for toenail fungus, ringworm, fever blisters,

moles and skin tags, warts, hangnails, etc. Just a few drops on a

q-tip is all it takes. Use daily until the topical gaffes are gone.

2. Water purification: Iodine has been used to disinfect water for

nearly a century. It has advantages over chlorine in convenience

and probably efficacy; many travellers find the taste less offensive

as well. It appears safe for short and intermediate length use (3-6

months), but questions remain about its safety in long-term usage.

It should not be used for a long term by persons with allergy to

iodine, persons with active thyroid disease, or pregnant women.

A retired Indian physician used of SSKI during more than 30 years

traveling from village to village in rural Africa. Most usually, the

only drinking water available was from a local stream or river,

muddy and contaminated. After removing sediment and debris by

straining the dirty water through cheesecloth, he'd add several

drops of SSKI , and wait two to three minutes. He and his team

could then drink the water. In over 30 years, he never got an

infection from contaminated water. The SSKI killed any

micro-organisms present.

Note that Iodine and other halogens appear to be relatively

ineffective at killing cyclospora, a troublesome diarrhea-causing

bacteria seen in Nepal only in the late Spring and Summer months.

At these times it may be reasonable to pre-filter water to remove the

large cyclospora (about the size of Giardia cysts), and then treating

with iodine.
Iodine Preparations

Preparation


Iodine


Amount/Liter
Iodine Topical Solution

2%


8 drops
Iodine Tincture

2%


8 drops
Lugol's Solution

5%


4 drops
Povidone-Iodine (Betadine®)

10%


4 drops
Tetraglycine hydroperiodide
(Globaline®, Potable Aqua®, EDWGT®)

8 mg


1 tablet


Disinfecting Contact Times
WATER CLARITY WATER TEMPERATURE
5 °C 15 °C

Clear


30 min


15 min

Cloudy


60 min


30 min
Iodine Preparations

Preparation


Iodine


Amount/Liter
Iodine Topical Solution

2%


8 drops
Iodine Tincture

2%


8 drops
Lugol's Solution

5%


4 drops
Povidone-Iodine (Betadine®)

10%


4 drops
Tetraglycine hydroperiodide
(Globaline®, Potable Aqua®, EDWGT®)

8 mg


1 tablet


Disinfecting Contact Times
WATER CLARITY WATER TEMPERATURE
5 °C 15 °C

Clear


30 min


15 min

Cloudy


60 min


30 min

NOTES:

- final drinking concentrations calculated at 8 mg iodine/liter

- measure with a tuberculin syringe or dropper: 1 drop = 0.05 ml

- In general, if you are in a hurry double the chemical dose and

halve the contact time; if you want better flavor halve the dose and

double the contact time.

- If you believe the water may be heavily contaminated, double the

chemical dose or double the contact time.

- Iodine Topical Solution and Iodine Tincture also contain 2.4%

sodium iodide, Lugol's Solution also contains 10% potassium iodide,

increasing the dose of iodine ingested.

- Povidone is a non-toxic polymer that binds the iodine and allows

higher concentrations in a water-based solution. This complex

system provides a sustained-release reservoir of free iodine, and

makes calculation of the "strength" of the solution difficult.

- A system comprising iodine crystals in plain water is available,

and works well. It lasts an extremely long time. I have not shown it

here because the amount of iodine dissolved in the water is highly

temperature-dependent, and this is problematic in the universally

cold environment of the Himalaya.

- Addition of a small amount of vitamin C (50 mg) to your water

after the contact time with the iodine will render the water nearly

flavorless!


3. Radioactive Fallout: There is no medicine that will effectively

prevent nuclear radiations from damaging the human body cells

that they strike. However, a salt of the elements potassium and

iodine, taken orally even in very small quantities 1/2 hour to 1 day

before radioactive iodines are swallowed or inhaled, prevents

about 99% of the damage to the thyroid gland that otherwise would

result. The thyroid gland readily absorbs both non-radioactive and

radioactive iodine, and normally it retains much of this element in

either or both forms.

When ordinary, non-radioactive iodine is made available in the

blood for absorption by the thyroid gland before any radioactive

iodine is made available, the gland will absorb and retain so much

that it becomes saturated with non-radioactive iodine. When

saturated, the thyroid can absorb only about l% as much additional

iodine, including radioactive forms that later may become available

in the blood: then it is said to be blocked. (Excess iodine in the blood

is rapidly eliminated by the action of the kidneys.)

4. Fibrocystic Breasts: Many women develop "fibrocystic breast

disease". In the 1970s, pioneering trace element researcher Dr.

John Myers showed that iodine would eliminate even the most

severe cases of fibrocystic breast disease. In "medium" to "minor"

cases, 6 to 8 drops of SSKI or Lugol's taken in a few ounces of water

daily will frequently reduce fibrocystic breast disease to

insignificance within three to six months. [16]

5. Herpes virus: If the truth be known, there are many chemicals

that destroy or inactivate the herpes simplex virus. Iodine is a very

common antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal agent for topical use. A

bit of a water soluble iodine complex like Povidine Iodine (Betadine

iodine) might be added to the "zinc gluconate" wash to help in the

struggle against herpes. Tincture of iodine is also used, but it is in

alcohol, which may sting tender tissues. Iodine stains the skin and

clothing, and it is absorbed into the skin where it has its activity. An

iodine-colored zinc gluconate wash might be helpful in reminding

one to retreat. Iodine disappears into the skin at rates that are

different between people. For example, in a very small 1975 study

patients with vulvovaginal and cervical herpes virus infections were

treated with a regimen of external and intravaginal

povidone-iodine preparations. In all but one case, the expected

duration of symptoms and healing time were shortened.

7. Ophthalmia neonatorum prevention. "Ophthalmia neonatorum"

is defined as conjunctivitis with eye discharge that occurs during

the first month of life. Various bacteria can cause this condition,

including gonococcus and Chlamydia trachomatis . Several agents

have been used as drops in the eyes to prevent this condition in

infants, including erythromycin, silver nitrate, gentamicin, and

Povidone-iodine. Tetracycline and penicillin drops have also been

used. Although this condition is now uncommon in industrialized

nations, it remains a problem in the developing world with an

incidence as high as 20-30% and cases of blindness reported in

Africa each year. Povidone-iodine ophthalmic solution appears to

have broad spectrum activity against bacteria, and is less expensive

than many Antibiotics . It therefore may be a cost-effective option in

some populations. One drop of 2.5% solution in each eye has been

demonstrated as being effective in multiple studies.

8. Molluscum contagiosum: Iodine has been suggested as a topical

treatment for molluscum.

9. Ovarian cysts: It's very likely that SSKI helps eliminate

fibrocystic breast disease and ovarian cysts at least partly through

it's interaction with estrogens….which brings us to another

important use for SSKI (and other forms of iodine such as "Lugol's

solution" and "di-atomic iodine"). All of these forms of iodine help

your body to metabolize estrone (a slightly carcinogenic human

estrogen) and 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone (a much more dangerous

metabolite of human estrogen) into estriol, an "anti-carcinogenic"

or at worst "neutral" form of human estrogen.

10. Dupuytren's contracture and Peyronie's disease are two

"fibrotic" conditions that can be helped considerably by SSKI or

Lugol's solution. In Dupuytren's contracture, thickening (fibrosis)

occurs along one of the tendons in the palm in the hand, pulling the

related finger down towards the palm. As the problem progresses,

the finger often can't be straightened any more.

In Peyronie's disease, a very similar thickening occurs along the

shaft of the penis, making erections increasing "curved" and

painful. In both cases, rubbing SSKI into the thickened tissue at

least twice daily softens and lessens the fibrotic area over a period

of several months, allowing for more normal function.

For these conditions, it's additionally helpful to take

para-amino benzoic acid (PABA) 2 grams, three times daily, and to

rub a mixture of Vitamin E and DMSO into the thickened areas,

also. However, if "caught early", SSKI alone will often "do the job".

11. Keloids are abnormally thick scars, sometimes as much as an

inch thick, that can form after injury. Although anyone can get a

keloid, they're more common among blacks than other ethnic

groups. Rubbing SSKI into a keloid at least twice daily will

ultimately flatten them down to a "normal scar", but it can take

many months to a year for particularly bad ones. The treatment

goes faster if SSKI or Lugol's is mixed "50-50" with DMSO.

12. Fistulas are literally abnormal tunnels through tissues,

"tunnels" prevented from healing by chronic infection. Two

not-unusual types are "peri-anal fistulas" (a "tunnel" from outside

the anus to the inside of the rectum) and "recto-vaginal" fistulas.

Although these fistulas can be treated successfully by surgery, they

can often be healed by frequent swabbing inside and out with an

SSKI-soaked "Q-tip". Patience is required: Complete healing often

takes several months. The treatment appears to work better if the

SSKI is mixed with DMSO, which enhances penetration.

13. Hemorrhoids. Richard Kunin, M.D. of San Francisco, is a

"world class" expert on the use of SSKI and other forms of iodine.

He has found that hemorrhoids will sometimes disappear literally

overnight, when SSKI (20 drops) mixed with flaxseed oil (1 ounce)

is rubbed in them at bedtime. He's also found that SSKI alone will

do the same job, although it "really stings" when applied to a

hemorrhoid by itself.

14. Arteriosclerosis. Over 30 years ago, two ophthalmologists

observed that a combination tablet called "Iodo-niacin" (iodide 120

milligrams, niacin 15 milligrams) taken for several months could

actually reverse atherosclerotic clogging of arteries. They proved

this effect by taking pictures of clogged arteries in the backs of the

eyes (retinal photomicrographs) before and after treatment. The

published photographs showed a significant lessening of the

cholesterol-laden artery clogging in the "after" pictures. [14] True

to cause, no follow-up study has ever been published (probably

because niacin and iodide aren't patentable). Recommended is 1 to

2 drops of SSKI or Lugol's and niacin-containing B-complex daily

(along with essential fatty acids or fish oil) for anyone with

significant cholesterol-related atherosclerotic clogging. Thyroid

function must be monitored!

15. Sebaceous cysts are cysts which contain oily, fatty material.

They usually appear rather suddenly on the face or in the groin or

labia. Rubbing in SSKI mixed 50-50 with DMSO will almost always

persuade these cysts to go away in a week or two; it appears that the

iodide "dissolves" the fatty, oily material contained in the cysts,

allowing your body to slowly re-absorb and dispose of it. The

famous chemistry professor Louis Feiser made a point of

demonstrating to all the medical students that iodine and iodide

would make oils, fats, and waxes (cholesterol is actually a wax)

more soluble in water. This known action of iodide might likely

explain why it might be needed in patients with lipomas.

16. Sialoliths, parotid duct stone. These are "stones" which can

form in the saliva-carrying duct(s) from the major salivary glands

("parotid" glands, located at the "angle of the jaw"). 3 to 4 drops of

SSKI taken in water daily reportedly will almost always dissolve

parotid duct stones within four to eight months.

17. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema ("COPD"). Lugol's is an

invaluable medicine, it gets into all body secretions, including often

thick and hard to cough up bronchial secretions, which get infected

very easily. As a well known and old time expectoran, it "loosens"

secretions remarkably, making them much easier to expectorate,

and it prevents micro-organisms from growing easily. With regular

use, bronchial infection is a much less frequent problem for these

patients. Depending on the severity of COPD, I recommend 3 to 6

drops of lugol's taken in water once daily. As COPD is usually a

chronic condition, use will usually be indefinite, so make sure to

monitor thyroid function!

18. Infected hangnails are perhaps the easiest to clear up this way,

as are nagging bacterial infections around the edges of the toenails.

Rub in the mixture several times daily, and the problem's usually

gone in a few days. Herpes simplex ("herpes") ourbreaks can be

"stopped cold" in the same way, but it often takes longer for the

"sore" to heal itself over.

19. Enlarged tonsils. Persistent "swollen glands" in the throat or

groin areas, see a doctor first! These can very rarely be signs of

leukemia, lymphoma, or another cancer, especially in older people.

But if all tests and studies are negative, rub in the SSKI with DMSO.

In a large majority of cases, the "just swollen glands" will gradually

fade away.

20. Onychomycosis. Fungus under the toenails is a difficult

problem to treat. Even "conventional" anti-fungal drug treatment

takes months to work, and (for safety) monthly liver function tests

are necessary. Lugol's or Tincture of Iodine and DMSO rubbed on,

around, and under the affected toenails doesn't work any faster,

but it's just as effective, and definitely safer.

21. Vaginal infections. 20 to 30 drops in water, used in a small

"douche" once daily for five to ten days will usually resolve the

infection in several days.

22. Bladder Infections. 1-2 drops of lugol's in a glass of water, four

times daily. Since the iodide excretion generally exits the kidney in

four hours, for a severe bladder infection give it every four hours. I

have treated successfully some of the worst bladder infections by

this method. Lugol's works better than Antibiotics , and unlike

Antibiotics , the infection is not so nearly prone to return.

23. Hypothyroidism. Even though iodine and iodide are absolutely

essential to thyroid hormone formation, in most "developed"

countries, hypothyroid conditions are not usually due to an outright

lack of iodine or iodide. Still, hypothyroidism is occasionally helped

by 1 drop of lugol's daily. Make sure to monitor the thyroid profiles!

24. Vegan gas. reducing the gas from eating beans! Macrobioticists

have know for years that cooking beans with seaweed reduces bean

flatus. If you're soaking beans before cooking them, add 1 or 2

drops of Lugol's, and let them soak for an hour or more. Pour offf

that water before cooking, and add fresh water. You'll be surprised

at the reduction in resulting intestinal gas! (Technical explanation:

There's a naturally occurring enzyme inhibitor in beans which

interferes with starch digestion in the gut, producing gas. Lugol's

inactivates this enzyme inhibitor.)

25. Baldness: In Mexico, some people have used iodine as a means

of preventing baldness. One woman used iodine for years as a

preventive measure against her baldness. She used it as a rinse

after washing her hair. Another woman told me to "cure" a bald

spot by dabbing iodine on the bald spot or area of thinning hair.

After a while, a crust will form. Eventually, beneath the crust fine

hairs will start to grow. She said it can take about three months to

see the results.

26. Heavy Metal Detox. The bioavailability of a Lugol's containing

12.5 mg elemental iodine was evaluated by measuring 24 hr urine

levels of iodide together with the minerals, trace elements and toxic

metals before and after administration of this preparation. The

results obtained following iodine supplementation revealed that in

some subjects, the urine levels of mercury, lead and cadmium

increased by several fold after just one day of supplementation. For

aluminum, this increased excretion was not observed usually until

after one month or more on the iodine supplementation. [15]

Preliminary data so far suggest that orthoiodosupplementation

results in detoxification of the body from the toxic metals

aluminum, cadmium, lead and mercury. One of the old materia

medicas listed using iodine for mercury detoxification. [Mercurial

Poisoning, and other chronic metallic toxaemiae, —Potassium

Iodide, to promote elimination of the poison.]

27. Precancerous skin lesions: From my own clinical experience,

repeated application of Lugol’s to the skin appears to cause

regeneration of the skin from the bottom up, causing eventually

sloughing the old version of the skin off. It is very helpful in

granulation of new skin in leg ulcers when used twice daily as a

wound spray. For suspicious spots, if there was a pre-cancerous

lesion on the old skin, it is replaced with new skin minus the lesion.

There does not seem to be any skin lesions which are not helped or

cured by this procedure. In some cases I found clinically obvious

low thyroid conditions also needed to be treated to be more

aggressively. Minor lacerations and healing of surgical wounds

respond well. If skin regeneration is from the bottom, then there is

little or no scar formation. It is better than vitamin E, but that helps

too.

28. Cuts and scabs. It is my belief a water solution of iodine (like

Lugol's) is an important therapeutic agent for skin. Because of its

effectiveness and the results, perhaps many skin diseases are

related to local tissue areas of relative iodine deficiency. Perhaps

the most graphic lesions are the "keloid" (worm) incision scars

formed after surgical procedures. If the iodine intake and tissue

levels are adequate, such as in Japan, keloid formation doesn't

happen (17). In addition, iodine's ability to trigger natural cell death

(apoptosis) (18) makes it effective against all pre-cancerous skin

lesions and likely many cancerous lesions. The local site is replaced

with normal skin.

Our older generation tended to put tincture of iodine onto a fresh

wound to prevent infection. This turns out to be helpful. It is much

more effective (and doesn't hurt) to apply iodine repeatedly after a

scab has been formed also. The iodine put onto the scab helps to

organize total repair of the tissue. It is implied a similar approach

could be taken to burns of all depths but at the same time the

physiology of burns suggest there is an acute lack of thyroid

hormone.

29. Common cold. The next time you feel that scratchy throat or

that first onset snuffle, reach for a bottle of Lugol's and start

snorting from the open top. You may be surprized to see it rapidly

quench a rhinovirus infection before it sets in.

30. Breast Cancer: Based on an extensive review of breast cancer

epidemiological studies, R.A. Wiseman [25] came to the following

conclusions: 92-96% of Breast Cancer cases are sporadic; there is a

single cause for the majority of cases; the causative agent is

deficiency of a micronutrient that is depleted by a high-fat diet; and

if such an agent is detected, intervention studies with

supplementation should lead to a decline in the incidence of breast

cancer. It is the opinion of several investigators that this protective

micronutrient is the essential element iodine. [26] Demographic

surveys of Japan and Iceland revealed that both countries have a

relatively high intake of iodine and low incidences of simple

endemic goiter and breast cancer. Whereas in Mexico and

Thailand, just the reverse is observed -- a high incidence of both

endemic goiter and breast cancer.

Conclusions

From one year of clinical observations and experience in the use of

dispensing oral lugol's, I believe that 80% of North Americans, and

by extension the general populations, are iodine/iodide defficient.

They used to put iodine in many flour products before 1966, then

they discovered bromide, it is easier, cheaper, and makes

ingredients mix well, so it's in all of our bread, flour products,

cakes, even Gatorade, Mountain Dew and it was found in Dansani

water too! Bromide is a serious goitrogen. The anion salt of

hydrogen bromide (HBr); and several salts were formerly used as

sedatives, hypnotics, and anticonvulsants. Chronic bromide

intoxication is characterized by headache, drowsiness, confusion

and occasionally violent delirium, muscular weakness, cardiac

depression, an acneform eruption, foul breath, anorexia, and

gastric distress. Sound familiar?

Fluoride, chlorine, bromide & iodine are all halogens, their atomic

weight determines which one deletes the other, fluoride being the

worst. Iodine is the loser, so all three compete with iodine. That's

why we are all deficient, we cannot escape fluoride, chlorine and

bromide! It's in food and water. J.C. Jarvis, was particularly fond of

iodine replacement due to the chorine content of our drinking

water. [9] He writes: "The clinical activity of any one of these four

halogens is in inverse proportion to its atomic weight. This means

that any one of the four can displace the element with a higher

atomic weight, but cannot displace an element with a lower atomic

weight. For example, flourine can displace chlorine, bromine and

iodine because flourine has a lower atomic weight than the other

three. Similarly, chlorine can displace bromine and iodine because

they both have a higher atomic weight. Likewise, bromine can

displace iodine from the body because iodine has a higher atomic

weight. But a reverse order is not possible. A knowledge of this

well-known chemical law brings us to a consideration of the

addition of chlorine to our drinking water as a purifying agent. We

secure a drinking water that is harmful to the body not because of

its harmful germ content but because the chlorine content now

causes the body to lose the much-needed iodine...

There is mounting evidence that the major contributor of breast,

ovarian, uterine and prostrate fibroids and cancers is dietary

iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency is probably also a major

contributor of obesity, Arthritis and some mental illness. I think

that the MD's who performed the research for these discoveries

should be nominated for the Nobel Prize. The health care

implications for this discovery are enormous. Virtually every older

patient I see shows some symptoms of iodine deficiency and those

symptoms are fibroids/cysts of the reproductive organs, thyroid

problems, obesity, arthritis, dry eyes, compromised immune

systems, reduced sex drive, urinary tract infections, enlarged

prostate, and a long list of other symptoms. Some young people

already show symptoms of iodine deficiency such as Acne and ADD.

Iodine deficiency may play a role in autism.

As cheap as making Lugol's is, and the universal medical uses as a

disinfectant and germicide, would be of great service to all

impoverished countries. Its implications on the benefit to HIV,

tuberculosis and malaria deserve important attention.

[Malaria,—the Ammonium Iodide with Arsenic, in chronic

malaria.]

Iodine deficiency is responsible not only for very widespread

endemic goitre and cretinism, but also for retarded physical growth

and intellectual development and a variety of other conditions.

These conditions together are now termed iodine deficiency

disorders (IDD). They are particularly important because:
• · perhaps one-quarter to oneo-half of the world's people consume

inadequate amounts of iodine;
• · the disorders have a major impact on the individual and on

society;
• · of the four major deficiency diseases, IDD is the easiest to

control.

The treatment of goitre caused by iodine deficiency is easy and

satisfying in the case of a simple goitre or a colloid goitre that is not

very large. Usually either Potassium Iodide (6 mg daily) or Lugol's

iodine (one drop daily for ten days, then one drop weekly) will lead

to a fairly rapid reduction in the size of the goitre. One drop of

Lugol's iodine provides about 6 mg of iodine. Alternatively, Lugol's

iodine can be diluted in any small hospital laboratory so that one

teaspoonful of the dilute solution yields 1 mg of iodine. Lugol's

solution is very cheap and is widely available. Of primaryschool

children treated in Tanzania, over 60 percent with Grade 1 goitre

had no goitre after 12 weeks of receiving Lugol's iodine, and most

larger goitres had improved markedly. The alternative treatment

which is also effective but which needs careful medical supervision

is the use of thyroid extract or medicinal thyroxine, which makes no

sense as it does not treat the cause, only the effect.

Clearly, rather than treating each individual who has goitre caused

by iodine deficiency, it is much preferable to take measures to

control iodine deficiency in the community, the district or the

nation. The most common measure is iodization of salt, which will

reduce the prevalence and also the severity of goitre over a

relatively short period among those who consume the salt. But salt

itself is not healthy and the amounts of iodide are very scanty. If

rural doctors would use iodine routinely as a drug, and iodine was

freely dispensed to purify drinking water, so many more health

benefits would be enjoyed.

There has been no significant clinical research on iodine therapy or

use for over 40 years until recently that of Dr. Abraham. I feel it is

important for research to be directed at this potentially significant

area of medical treatment. It is worth noting the greatest part of

significant research with iodine was done before the Medline

search facilities were available. Since large doses of iodine are

tolerated intravenously without side effects, it has yet to be

explored what help this may have for many cancer patients or even

other diseases like malaria, HIV. lyme's disease, and tuberculosis.

For many decades in the 1800s people carried around little bottles

of iodine around their necks to use on all occasions, just as before

they used garlic during the plague. People in mosquito, fly and tic

infested areas should think of doing this again. Iodine put onto a

mosquito bite would kill all bacteria and viruses at the site of the

bite within 10-30 seconds making it impossible for any virus or

bacteria to multiply and get started --such as in West Nile Fever. In

addition, it has been forgotten vaporized iodine rapidly kills air

borne viruses such as polio and SARS viruses.. Used extensively in

the forties and fifties it may be of use to explore this approach

again.
A Compend of Materia Medica, Therapeutics, and Prescription

Writing
by Sam’l O. L. Potter, M.D., M.R.C.P.L., 1902.
Therapeutics of Iodine. The Tincture is much used locally as a

counterirritant, and an alterative application. Iodo-tannin is chiefly

employed as an antiseptic and alterative application in local

diseases. The preparations of Iodine are used with benefit in—
Catarrh and Hay Fever,—inhalations of Iodine or the Carbolate.
Inflammations,—Tincture of Iodine locally, to promote absorption.
Skin Diseases,—the Glycerite or Tincture, in chloasma, lentigo,

lupus.
Chronic Diseases of the Spleen and Liver,— the Tincture or

Ointment may be used locally for counter-irritation.
Glandular Tumors, hypertrophied tonsils, cervical cysts, etc.,—the

Tincture or Compound Solution parenchymatously injected, is an

efficient resolvent.
Empyema, Hydrocele, Ovarian Cysts, etc. ,—the Tincture injected

undiluted, is one of the best applications to prevent return of the

effusion.
Sores, Ulcers, Fissures, etc,—Iodoform, Iodo-tannin, or Iodized

Starch, are highly recommended, as local antiseptics and

alteratives.
Vomiting of Pregnancy,—drop doses of the tincture every hour,

have often succeeded in very obstinate cases.

Therapeutics of the Iodides. They are especially used in—
Acute Catarrh and Hay Fever,—Potassium Iodide with Arsenic

internally ; also Iodine and Carbolic Acid in weak solution locally .
Chronic and Capillary Bronchitis,—the Ammonium Iodide, in small

doses, rapidly administered, is remarkably efficacious.
Catarrhal Pneumonia,—the Ammonium Iodide, to prevent

caseation of the products. Arsenic may well be combined with it.
Spasmodic Asthma,—Potassium Iodide, in 15 to 30-gr. doses, is

often very efficient, especially when the asthma is due to bronchial

catarrh.
Hepatic Cirrhosis, in the first stage,—Ammonium Iodide with

Arsenic.
Duodenal Catarrh, and jaundice therefrom,—Ammonium Iodide.
Aneurisms,—Potassium Iodide, in large doses (gr. xv-xxx) is often

curative of internal aneurisms, when conjoined with absolute rest.
Tertiary Syphilis, and many of its results, as neuralgiae, paralysis

from gummata, syphilitic ulcerations, syphiloma of the internal

viscera, chronic rheumatism and sciatica of syphilitic origin, lupus

of syphilitic or scrofulous origin,—are all best treated by Potassium

Iodide.
Mercurial Poisoning, and other chronic metallic toxaemiae,

—Potassium Iodide, to promote elimination of the poison.
Malaria,—the Ammonium Iodide with Arsenic, in chronic malaria.
Tonsillitis, and simple sore throat,—a weak solution of Potassium

Iodide.
Chronic Bright's Disease,—the prolonged use of Potassium Iodide

has seemed to retard the progress of the parenchymatous changes.

Diagnostic Used of Iodine/Iodide

1. .Gram iodine: Iodine crystals 1.0 gm Potassium Iodide 2.0 gm ,

Distilled water 300 ml. Gram's stain is a method for differential

staining of bacteria; smears are fixed by flaming, stained in a

solution of crystal violet, treated with iodine solution, rinsed,

decolorized, and then counterstained with safranin O;

Gram-positive organisms stain purple black and Gram-negative

organisms stain pink; useful in bacterial taxonomy and

identification, and also in indicating fundamental differences in cell

wall structure.

Grind the dry iodine and Potassium Iodide in a mortar. Add water,

a few ml at a time, and grind thoroughly after each addition until

the iodine and iodide dissolve. Rinse the solution into an amber

glass bottle with the remainder of the distilled water.

2. Vaginal smears: This is a simple test to detect the onset of

menopause: swab the vagina with a q-tip, place on a glass slide and

put it over a small vial of a few drops of lugol's. Let the iodine

evaporate and fixate to the slide for 5 minutes. If glycogen is

present, it will stain reddish orange, if no glycogen is present,

meaning onset of menopause, it will not stain or show a very faint

yellow.

3. Pap smears: Schiller's test is a test for nonglycogen-containing

areas of the portio vaginalis of the cervix, which may be the site of

early carcinoma; such areas fail to stain dark brown with iodine

solution; loss of glycogen due to erosion and other benign

conditions may also give a positive result. The old naturopaths

learned that by using this as a cheap and easy office test for cervical

screening, the breast nods disappeared in 3-6 months after

diagnosis! This is indisputable proof. of the value of the Schiller

Lugol test and is a definite aid in locating cervical cancer.

Sources of Iodine:

Tincture of Iodine: USP tincture of iodine contains 2% iodine and

2.4% sodium iodide dissolved in 50% ethyl alcohol. For water

purification use, the sodium iodide has no purification effect, but

contributes to the total iodine dose. Thus it is not a preferred source

of iodine, but can be used if other sources are not available. 0.4 cc's

(or 8 drops) of USP tincture (2% iodine) added to a liter of water will

give the 8 mg/l (same as 8 PPM). If the iodine tincture isn't

compounded to USP specs, then you will have to calculate an equal

dose based on the iodine concentration.

SSKI: The "SS" in "SSKI" refers to "Saturated Solution Potassium

Iodide". Potassium iodide (KI) is an odorless, colorless,

transparent or opaque crystalline substance. It may occur as a

white granular powder. In either case, the powder is fairly

hygroscopic. One gram is soluble in 0.7 mL of water, about 23 mL of

alcohol, and 2 mL of glycerin. Aqueous solutions are neutral or

alkaline to litmus. When iodine is added to an aqueous solution of

KI, a dark brown solution containing potassium triiodide is formed.

The chemical should be stored in containers with tight-fitting lids

and should be protected from light. In acid, KI decomposes rapidly

to liberate iodine; the reaction can be retarded with sugar.

Oxidizing agents will liberate iodine from KI as the agent is

reduced.

Saturated solution of KI may be used instead of Lugol’s solution to

treat toxic goiter. The dose is 0.3 mL (well diluted), 3 times daily.

This solution is potassium iodide oral solution USP, containing 94%

to 106% of the labeled amount of KI. The former National

Formulary SSKI monograph defined it as containing 97 g to 103 g of

KI in each 100 mL of solution. Other medically useful forms of

iodine include "Lugol's solution", invented by Dr. Lugol of Paris in

the 1840s, which contains a mixture of types of iodine and iodide,

and "di-atomic iodine", which is another name for iodine, but

usually prepared as a solid in a capsule instead of a liquid.


Lugol's solution: Contains 5% iodine and 10% potassium iodide.

0.15 cc (3 drops) can be added per liter of water, but 3 times more

iodine is consumed compared to sources without iodide.

Betadyne (povidone iodine): Some have recommended 8 drops of

10% povidone iodine per liter of water as a water treatment method,

claiming that at low concentrations povidone iodine can be

regarded as a solution of iodine. One study indicated that at

1:10,000 dilution (2 drops/liter), there was 2 PPM iodine, while

another study resulted in conflicting results. However, at 8

drops/liter, there is little doubt that there is an antimicrobial effect.

The manufacturer hasn't spent the money on testing this product

against EPA standard tests, but in other countries it has been sold

for use in field water treatment.

Kahn-Vassher solution: By adding a sufficient amount of iodine

crystals to a small bottle, an almost unlimited supply of saturated

iodine solution can be produced. As long as crystals remain in the

bottle, the solution is saturated.

Safety

The safety of long-term exposure to low levels of iodine was proven

when inmates of three Florida prisons were given water disinfected

with 0.5 to 1.0 PPM iodine for 15 years. No effects on the health or

thyroid function of previously healthy inmates was observed. Of 101

infants born to prisoners drinking the water for 122- 270 days,

none showed detectable thyroid enlargement. However 4

individuals with preexisting cases of hyperthyroidism became more

symptomatic while consuming the water.

Nevertheless experts are reluctant to recommend iodine for long

term use. Average American iodine intake is estimated at 0.24 to

0.74 mg/day, higher than the RDA of 0.4 mg/day. Due to a recent

National Academy of Science recommendation that iodine

consumption be reduced to the RDA, the EPA discourages the use of

iodized salt in areas where iodine is used to treat drinking water.

Allergies
Some individuals are allergic/hypersensitive to iodide or to organic

preparations containing iodine. Hypersensitivity reactions may

involve rash, angioedema (throat swelling), cutaneous/mucosal

hemorrhage (bleeding), fever, arthralgias (joint pains),

eosinophilia (abnormal blood counts), urticaria (hives), thrombotic

thrombocytopenic purpura, or severe periarteritis (inflammation

around blood vessels). Reactions can be severe and deaths have

occurred with exposure. Iodine-based products should be avoided if

there is known allergy/hypersensitivity to iodine.


Topical use of iodine preparations may irritate/burn tissues and

cause sensitization in some individuals.

Note: This review does not cover adverse effects associated with

intravenous iodine-based contrast agents used for CT scan imaging,

or radioactive iodine.


General: Iodine preparations used orally (by mouth) or topically

(on the skin) are generally considered to be safe in healthy

non-allergic individuals when used in recommended amounts, not

exceeding tolerated upper limits. Higher amounts taken acutely or

chronically may result in adverse effects.


Acute toxicity: Acute iodine poisoning is rare and generally occurs

only with doses of many grams. Symptoms may include burning of

the mouth, throat, and stomach, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,

cardiovascular compromise, and loss of consciousness/coma.

Most people are unaffected by excess iodine. The dosages and

responses presented here represent those individuals who respond

adversely to excessive levels. The studies providin incidence

information indicate that probably less than 10% the general

population responds adversely to excess iodine. Side effects have

not been reported from the current high levels of iodine

(0.200-0.710 for teenagers and adults) in the USA food supply. The

National Academy of Sciences (1980) has indicated that levels of

iodine intake between 0.050 and one mg per day are safe, however

no references are provided to substantiate this fact.


Chronic toxicity (iodism, intoxication): There are three "hazards" to

using SSKI: staining, allergy, and a very small possibility of thyroid

suppression with longer-term use of "too much". Chronic iodism,

also known as iodide intoxication, may cause eye irritation, eyelid

swelling, unpleasant/metallic taste, burning or swelling of the

mouth/throat, soreness of the gums/teeth, increased salivation,

gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, anorexia, flu-like symptoms,

sneezing, cough, pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), confusion,

headache, fatigue, depression, numbness, tingling, pain, weakness,

muscle aches, easy bruising, irregular heart beat, or acne-like skin

lesions. Prolonged excess intake of iodides can lead to thyroid gland

dysfunction including hypo- or hyperthyroidism, parotiditis,

thyroid gland hyperplasia (enlargement), thyroid adenoma, goiter,

autoimmunity, and elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

levels.

Iodide acne: a follicular eruption on the face, trunk, and

extremities, due to injection or ingestion of iodide in a

hypersensitive individual.


Endocrine (thyroid effects): Prolonged excess intake of iodides can

lead to thyroid gland dysfunction including hypo- or

hyperthyroidism, thyroid gland hyperplasia (enlargement), thyroid

adenoma, goiter, autoimmunity, and elevated thyroid stimulating

hormone (TSH) levels. Individuals with autoimmune thyroid

disease (AITD) may have increased sensitivity to adverse effects of

iodine. Those with previous iodine deficiency or nodular goiter may

be particularly susceptible.


Dermatologic: Topical cadexomer iodine has been associated with

local burning sensation in clinical trials. Cutaneous (skin)

intolerance may develop with the topical use of iodinated

polyvidone. Other reported reactions to tinctures include rash,

blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or erythema (reddening) of

skin. Topical use of iodine may stain the skin.


Ocular/Otic: Eyelid edema may result from administration of

povidone-iodine.


Genitourinary: Povidone-iodine bladder irrigation has been

associated with increased risk of urinary tract infection.


Renal: Sodium iodide should be used cautiously in those with renal

failure. Lugol solution and saturated solution of potassium iodide

(SSKI, PIMA) should be avoided in those with hyperkalemia. (Note:

This review does not cover adverse effects associated with

intravenous iodine-based contrast agents used for CT scan imaging.

However, such contrast agents can cause impairment of kidney

function including permanent damage. Individuals with a history of

kidney disease or diabetes may be particularly susceptible. This

concern should be discussed with the patient's physician prior to

receiving intravenous contrast.)


Gastrointestinal: Sodium iodide should be used cautiously in those

with gastrointestinal obstruction.


Pulmonary: Lugol solution and saturated solution of potassium

iodide (SSKI, PIMA) should be avoided in patients with pulmonary

edema, bronchitis, or known tuberculosis.


Immunologic: It has been suggested thatapplication of

povidone-iodine to wounds (particularly surgical wounds) may

locally suppress immune cells and wound healing, and increase

susceptibility to local infection.


Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Iodine requirements are increased during pregnancy.

The U.S. recommended daily allowance of iodine for pregnant

women is 220mcg daily, which is higher than the recommended

daily dose for non-pregnant adults (150mcg). Iodine

supplementation during pregnancy may be particularly relevant in

areas of endemic iodine deficiency, such as non-industrialized

nations. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy has been associated

with an increased incidence of miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects,

and mental retardation. Moreover, severe iodine deficiency during

pregnancy may result in congenital hypothyroidism in the

newborn. In contrast, excess iodine intake by pregnant women may

lead to effects of excess iodine in the fetus/newborn, including

thyroid dysfunction or skin irritation.


Labor: It has been suggested to avoid topical use of povidone-iodine

for perianal preparation during delivery or postpartum antisepsis

due to possible iodine absorption by the newborn, or absorption by

the mother leading to increased breastmilk iodine concentrations.

Other reports suggest that this may not be a significant concern.


Breastfeeding: The U.S. recommended daily allowance of iodine for

breastfeeding women is 290mcg daily, which is higher than the

recommended daily dose for non-pregnant adults (150mcg). Iodine

supplementation during breastfeeding may be particularly relevant

in areas of endemic iodine deficiency, such as non-industrialized

nations. Infants are particularly vulnerable to the effects of iodine

deficiency, and iodine deficient women may not be able to provide

sufficient iodine in their breastmilk.

References

1. Disease and History, Frederick Cartwright, 1972, Dorset Press

2. Ann. Chim. Phys., 15:49, 1820

3. Abraham, G.E., Flechas, J.D., Hakala, J.C., Optimum Levels of

Iodine for Greatest Mental and Physical Health. The Original

Internist, 9:5-20, 2002.

4. "GOITRE." LoveToKnow 1911 Online Encyclopedia

5. The World Salt Conference, entitled SALT2000, February 4,

2002, The Hague;

6. Arch. Int. Med., 49:950-956, 1932

7. Wolff, J., Am. J. Med., 47:101-124, 1969

8. Abraham, G.E., Townsend Letter, 245:100-101, 2003

9. Folk Medicine-D.C. Jarvis, M.D. -A Vermont Doctor's guide to

good health, weight loss, and allergy treatment using apple cider

vinegar,honey, kelp and iodine. Crest Book, 1958.

10. A Cancer Therapy: Results ol 50 Cases, by Max Gerson, 3rd

edition, 1977, Totality Books, Del Mar, CA

11. Kirk-Othmer
Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 1981; Whitehead, 1984

12. Szent-Györgyi, Bioenergetics
Academic Press, NY, p112, 1957

13.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquatic_ape_hypothesis


14. Use of Iodo-Niacin, Abrahamson, I. A.: American Journal of

Ophthalmology 42 (5): 771-772 1956

15. Iodine: The Universal Nutrient, Guy E. Abraham, M.D.

16. Derry, DM. Breast Cancer and iodine How to prevent and

survive it. Trafford Publishing Victoria, Canada. 2001.
17. Updegraff,H.L. Reconstructive surgery and old facial burns.

JAMA 101:1138-1140, 1933. page 1139

18. Derry, D.M. One hour lecture: Iodine, thyroid hormone and

breast cancer. How to prevent and survive breast cancer. World

Breast Cancer Conference, Victoria BC June 4-6, 2002.

19. Nyiri,W., Jannitti,M.. About the fate of free iodine upon

application to the unbroken animal skin. J Pharmacol Exp Ther

45:85-107, 1932.

20. Biskind,M.S. Penetration through tissue of iodine in different

solvents. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 30:35-37, 1932.
21. Gershenfeld,L. Iodine Editor Reddish.G.F. Antiseptics,

disinfectants fungicides and chemical and physical sterilization,

Philadelphia:Lea & FebigerHa, 1957. pages 223 277.

22. Iodide and iodate concentrations in eastern Australian

subtropical waters, with iodide by ion chromatography.

McTaggart, A. R.; Butler, E. C. V.; Haddad, P. R.; Middleton, J. H.

Analytical Chemistry Department, University of New South Wales,

Kensington, Sydney, NSW, Australia. Marine Chemistry (1994),

47(2), 159-72.

23. Iodine speciation: A potential indicator to evaluate new

production versus regenerated production. Tian, R. C.; Marty, J.

C.; Nicolas, E.; Chiaverini, J.; Ruiz-Pino, D.; Pizay, M. D.

Laboratoire de Physique et Chimie Marines, Observatoire

Oceanologique, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Fr. Deep-Sea Research,

Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers (1996), 43(5), 723-738.

24. NEANDERTALS AND THE THYROID GLAND: HAROLD D.

FOSTER, Nutrition Search 1984; Mervyn 1985.

25. Wiseman R. "Breast cancer hypothesis: a single cause for the

majority of cases." J Epid Comm Health, 2000; 54:851-858.

26. Abraham GE, Flechas JD, Hakala JC.

"Othoiodosupplementation: Iodine sufficiency of the whole human

body. The Original Internist, 2002; 9(4):30-41.

useful links


http://www.thyroidmanager.org/thyroidbook.htm


Chemical Safety
IODINE ICSC: 0167
Jod
Iode
Iodio
Yodo
I2
Molecular mass: 253.8
TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE ACUTE HAZARDS/

SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible but enhances combustion of other

substances. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. Gives off

irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
NO contact with flammable substances.
In case of fire in the surroundings: use appropriate

extinguishing media.
EXPLOSION


EXPOSURE
STRICT HYGIENE!

•INHALATION Cough. Wheezing. Laboured breathing.

Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
Ventilation (not if powder), local exhaust, or breathing

protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial

respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN Redness. Pain.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
First rinse with plenty of water, then remove

contaminated clothes and rinse again.
•EYES Causes watering of the eyes. Redness. Pain.
Face shield or eye protection in combination with

breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes

(remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea. Nausea.

Vomiting.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Give plenty of water to drink. Refer for

medical attention.
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING &

LABELLING
Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers; if appropriate,

moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then

remove to safe place. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other

combustible absorbents. Do NOT let this chemical enter the

environment. Personal protection: filter respirator for inorganic

gases, vapours and halogens.
Separated from incompatible materials . See Chemical

Dangers. Well closed. Ventilation along the floor.

Xn symbol
N symbol
R: 20/21-50
S: 2-23-25-61

Chemical Safety
IODINE ICSC: 0167
I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
BLUISH BLACK OR DARK PURPLE CRYSTALS , WITH PUNGENT

ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
Iodine readily sublimes.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Upon heating, toxic fumes are formed. The substance is a strong

oxidant and reacts with combustible and reducing materials.

Reacts violently with metal powders, antimony, ammonia,

acetaldehyde, acetylene causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 0.1 ppm; (Ceiling value); (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: IIb (not established but data is available); (DFG 2005).
OSHA PEL: C 0.1 ppm (1 mg/m3)
NIOSH REL: C 0.1 ppm (1 mg/m3)
NIOSH IDLH: 2 ppm See: 7553562


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its

vapour, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly

on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Lachrymation. The substance is severely irritating to the eyes and

the respiratory tract , and is irritating to the skin . Inhalation of the

vapour may cause asthma-like reactions (RADS). Inhalation of the

vapour may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The effects may be

delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization in rare

cases. Repeated or prolonged inhalation exposure may cause

asthma-like syndrome (RADS). The substance may have effects on

the thyroid.
PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 184°C
Melting point: 114°C
Relative density (water = 1): 4.9
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 0.03
Vapour pressure, kPa at 25°C: 0.04
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 8.8
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 2.49
ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA
Tweet