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The Iodine Group | |
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IODINE AND THE BODY
Iodine is detected in every organ and tissue in the body. It is found in high levels in the thyroid, breast, stomach, saliva, ovaries, liver, lung, heart, and adrenals. It is essential in pregnancy.
Often, iodine is treated as if it is important only to the thyroid, and the effects of iodine on the rest of the body are ignored. However, iodine seems to impact every organ and system of the body.
Much of the research has been done on the thyroid since iodine is essential for the formation of thyroid hormones and the thyroid hormones affect every cell of the body. The primary thyroid hormones are T3 and T4, named for the number of iodine atoms contained. For example, T3 contains three iodine atoms and T4 contains four iodine atoms. Recent research indicates that T2 and T1 are also important hormones.
Many studies have been done on the metabolism of iodine by the thyroid. The NIS (Sodium/Iodide Symporter) allows iodide to be taken into the thyroid cells at levels of concentration much higher than the levels in the blood. Once the iodide is in the cell, it undergoes a complex metabolic process as it gets transformed into the thyroid hormones.
There is an extensive body of research and theory on iodine and the breast. The breast contains NIS receptors and is known to concentrate iodine in the excreted milk. Iodine is considered important for proper breast structure and health. The specific form of molecular iodine (I2) (versus iodide, I-) is considered to be essential for a healthy breast.
Research on iodine and the breast focuses on (1) fibrocystic breast disease, (2) breast cancer, (3) iodine metabolism and (4) relationships between thyroid issues and the breast.
Iodine is known to be essential for the development of the brain. Cretinism, a severe form of mental retardation with physical difficulties as well, is caused by severe iodine deficiency in the mother during pregnancy. It is the best known of the Iodine Deficiency Diseases and is still a problem in much of the world. Many suspect that lesser forms of mental retardation are also caused by iodine deficiency. Iodine and the Heart. Iodine is essential for the heart. The thyroid hormones (which are molecules containing iodine) have major effects on the heart and circulatory system.
Iodine is accumulated by the immune system, especially by neutrophils during phagocytosis (engulfing of bacteria and other foreign bodies). A potent antimicrobial system is created with a peroxidase, hydrogen peroxide, and a halide. This system is highly effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other micro-organisms. During this process, iodoproteins such as monoiodotyrosine (T1) are created.
Iodine and the Gastrointestinal System. Iodine is concentrated in the stomach and is being studied in relationship to stomach cancer. Iodine is also important in the production of stomach acidity, bowel movements, and candida.
Much of the body's iodine is found in the skin. Moreover, iodine can be absorbed through the skin. Exactly what the iodine is doing in the skin and the various factors that affect transdermal absorption are not yet clear.
In addition to thyroid hormones, iodine also affects other hormones. Iodine affects estrogen metabolism, reported to transform estrone and estradiol to estriol. Iodine affects the ovarian production of estrogen and also affects estrogen receptors (at least in the breast).
Ovaries concentrate iodine and have NIS symporters. Ovarian iodide uptake varies with sexual activities and is enhanced by estrogens. Iodine deficiency is related to ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer.
There is a long history of the therapeutic use of iodine for lung issues. It has been used in asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. It is presently being studied in lung cancer.
Iodine occurs in large quantities in the ciliary body and lachrymal glands of the eye. It has been related to cataract formation and glaucoma, and is seen as useful in treating eye infections. Iodide has been found to be protective against UVB radiation.
The salivary gland concentrate iodine 20 to 100 times serum levels. The function of the iodine in the saliva is not yet clear. Povidone-iodine is used as a disinfectant in dentistry for periodontal issues.
Several studies have now shown a relationship between iodine and bones.
Iodine has been studied as an antioxidant in human blood and has been found to be as powerful as Vitamin C.
Some of the most fascinating work on iodine has been in the field of evolution, where scientists have been researching how iodine came to be concentrated by certain parts of the body.
There is lots more information on how iodine affects the body on The Iodine Group.
If you need Acrobat Reader for opening the PDF files, you can download it here.
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