The Iodine Crisis: Reclaiming Your Health One Drop at a Time
Feeling tired, foggy, or hormonally off-balance?
Discover how one forgotten mineral—iodine—could be the key to restoring your health.
For centuries, iodine has quietly underpinned human health. Once referred to as a “universal medicine,” this trace mineral offers an impressive array of benefits,most notably, its remarkable antimicrobial properties. Unlike conventional antibiotics, iodine supports the body’s internal ecosystem without disrupting the balance of beneficial bacteria (1). And while its role in immunity and detoxification is vital, it is perhaps iodine’s impact on brain function that is most striking. Cognitive sharpness, hormonal balance, and metabolic health all depend in part on this often-forgotten nutrient.
A Global Deficiency Crisis
Despite its importance, iodine deficiency remains a widespread issue. Soils in many regions,including the UK and the US, are increasingly depleted of this mineral, leading to reduced iodine levels in food. Compounding the problem, many individuals now opt for natural or low-sodium salts, which typically lack added iodine.
Historically, iodised salt (salt fortified with potassium iodide) was introduced to combat this deficiency. However, this form of iodine (known as iodide) can, in some individuals, irritate the thyroid and potentially lead to thyroiditis, making some clinicians cautious about its use. Yet, the consequences of deficiency are far more concerning.
Iodine deficiency is the leading cause of preventable intellectual disability worldwide. It is also associated with goitre (an enlarged thyroid), fatigue, infertility, fibrocystic breast disease, and a host of autoimmune and metabolic disorders. Alarmingly, research links inadequate iodine intake to an increased risk of cancers affecting the breast, prostate, ovaries, uterus, thyroid, and lungs (2).
Understanding Iodine and Iodide
Chemically speaking, iodine exists in several forms. The form most commonly used in fortified salt is iodide, typically bonded with potassium or sodium. While iodide is bioavailable, it may not be the most effective or efficient method of supplementation. Molecular iodine (I₂) is another form, though it is less readily absorbed by the body.
A particularly bioavailable form, known as nascent iodine, is gaining attention for its effectiveness. This form is more readily recognised by the body and easily utilised by the thyroid and other tissues. Supplementing with nascent iodine can help restore optimal levels safely and efficiently (3).
The Role of Iodine in the Body
Iodine is essential for the production of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism, protein synthesis, and enzyme activity. These hormones are also critical during early development, supporting the growth of the brain and central nervous system in infants and children.
But iodine’s function is not limited to the thyroid. Every cell in the human body utilises iodine in some capacity. In fact, muscle and fat tissues hold the majority of the body’s iodine stores, far more than the thyroid itself.
Deficiency, therefore, affects far more than energy levels or weight control. Women with low iodine levels may experience ovulatory disruption and difficulty conceiving. Chronic deficiency is also implicated in conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, autoimmune disease, and attention-related disorders
Symptoms of Iodine deficiency
General: Iodine deficiency affects motor skills, decreases reaction time, manual dexterity, muscle strength, and coordination. Lower IQ readings were registered in people who are iodine deficient. In pregnancy an iodine deficiency can cause ADD or mental retardation in the foetus (cretinism)
Hypothyroidism: (under active) an iodine deficiency results in a lack of thyroid hormones and affects mitochondrial receptors within cells that release energy. A low body temperature and slower metabolism are directly related to iodine deficiencies of the thyroid gland.
Hyperthyroidism (over active) and autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid (Hashimoto’s Disease), Grave’s disease. Lack of iodine is associated with autoimmune inflammation or thyroiditis to a large degree.(antibodies to constituents of thyroid cells) as they respond well to iodine supplementation with the thyroid returning to normal size.
Energy: Low energy and fatigue or tiredness, especially in the morning. Low blood pressure. Sleep disturbances, including the desire for 12 or more hours of sleep at a time.
Fitness: Shortness of breath on exertion with a very fast pulse and chest pain with stiffness of joints and muscular cramps explains the term: poor exercise tolerance. Also: heart palpitations, frequent respiratory infections and asthma. Excessive perspiration.
Digestion: Difficulty in losing weight with swelling of the face (myxoedema).and general fluid retention. High LDL cholesterol and increased blood fats. Difficulty in swallowing, indigestion, flatulence, constipation and irregular bowel movements.
Circulation: Intolerance to cold and/or heat. Cold hands and feet, poor circulation. In extremes: Raynaud's Syndrome whereby hands and feet turn white in response to the cold.
Mental picture: Depression, fatigue, apathy, slower thinking and reaction times, headaches and migraines, visual disturbances and eye protrusions, mood swings and loss of memory.
Skin: Dry and coarse skin with a yellowish tinge, dark brown eyelids, brittle finger nails, dry brittle hair and increased hair loss. Acne.
Reproduction: Menstrual problems-such as PMS and menstrual irregularities including heavy periods, fertility problems. Reduced libido, benign and malignant tumours, cystic breasts and ovaries, uterine fibroids and fibrocystic breast disease.
Sinus infections, post-nasal drip, allergies, frequent bladder infections.
Thyroid swollen (struma), tender throat and neck as the thyroid enlarges and may form a goitre
Extreme iodine deficiency: Heart disease, cancer of the thyroid, ovaries, breasts and prostate.
Low thyroid function frequently coincides with low adrenal function whereby most of these symptoms tend to overlap.
Iodine: Nature’s Antimicrobial Powerhouse
One of iodine’s most extraordinary characteristics is its unmatched antimicrobial ability. Unlike pharmaceuticals, which often target specific bacteria, iodine neutralises a wide array of pathogens, bacteria (both gram-positive and gram-negative), fungi, yeasts, protozoa, and viruses,with remarkable speed and efficiency. Studies show that iodine can destroy over 90% of bacteria on the skin within 90 seconds, and most microbes within 15 to 30 seconds.
In a medical landscape increasingly threatened by antibiotic resistance, iodine presents a powerful, non-toxic alternative. Its broad-spectrum action, lack of resistance development, and safety profile make it a compelling option for both preventative and therapeutic use.
The Toxic Load: Why We Need More Iodine Than Ever
Modern life brings with it a new set of challenges. Exposure to bromine and fluoride, chemicals that compete with iodine at receptor sites in the body, has increased significantly, particularly through bread, dental products, and drinking water. These substances inhibit iodine absorption and further contribute to deficiency. As a result, many experts now believe the recommended daily intake may be insufficient for optimal health.
Dr. David Brownstein, a physician and iodine researcher, notes that achieving vibrant health without adequate iodine is virtually impossible. His clinical experience suggests that iodine deficiency is far more prevalent than generally acknowledged, and that many health issues improve when iodine levels are restored.
Iodine and Cancer Prevention
Dr. David Brownstein states that iodine deficiency may play a significant role in breast cancer, suggesting that iodine helps regulate normal cell division, especially in hormone-sensitive tissues such as the breast, uterus, ovaries, and prostate. He has tested nearly 5,000 patients and found over 95% to be iodine deficient.
Animal and some human studies have shown that iodine can promote apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells. Additionally, some tumours and fibroids have reportedly decreased or disintegrated when iodine levels were restored. However, large-scale clinical trials are lacking, in part, Brownstein argues, because iodine cannot be patented and thus offers limited financial incentive for pharmaceutical companies.
Another practitioner, Dr. Jay Abrahams, found that all 60 cancer patients he studied were iodine deficient.
Iodine's Role in Detoxification
Iodine also plays a key role in eliminating halogens (bromide, fluoride, chlorine) and heavy metals (mercury, cadmium, lead) from the body. According to Dr. Kenezy Gyula Korhaz, iodine helps displace these elements from receptor sites, allowing them to be excreted more effectively than with most other detox methods.
Increased exposure to environmental radiation (e.g., from nuclear accidents like Fukushima) has raised the risk of thyroid damage. Iodine can help by blocking radioactive iodine uptake in the thyroid gland (4,5).
Iodine and Pregnancy
Pregnant and breastfeeding women require 220-290 micrograms of iodine daily. Deficiency during pregnancy can result in high blood pressure in the mother and cognitive impairments or even severe developmental disorders (e.g., cretinism) in the child.
Many prenatal vitamins fail to deliver adequate iodine despite label claims. Ensuring sufficient iodine intake during pregnancy is crucial for foetal brain development (9).
The Limits of Iodized Salt
Iodized salt was originally introduced to prevent goitre and cretinism, not to fully meet daily iodine needs. Over time, iodine levels in table salt have been reduced. Some table salts labelled as “iodized” may contain negligible or no iodine at all.
Dr. Brownstein distinguishes between refined salt (highly processed and stripped of minerals) and unrefined salt(containing over 80 trace minerals). He warns that refined salt contains additives like aluminium and ferrocyanide, whereas unrefined salt supports mineral balance and overall health (6).
Key Health Benefits of Iodine Supplementation (only under practitioner supervision)
· Supports thyroid function and hormone production
· Regulates metabolism and promotes energy
· Boosts immune defence and combats infections
· Enhances cognitive performance and IQ
· Protects against radiation exposure
· Promotes detoxification and cellular health
· May reduce the risk of several cancers
· Supports reproductive and neurological development (10,11).
Possible Side Effects
Insomnia: Due to increased energy, avoid taking it late in the day.
Detox Symptoms: Some users may experience fatigue, nausea, or headaches from toxin release. This is especially true in very toxic individuals or those with sluggish detox pathways.
Start with small doses and gradually increase. Try adding some salt to your drinking water as this can help mitigate bromine detoxification (caused by iodine). If symptoms occur, pause use for a day and increase salted water intake before resuming at a lower dose.
Iodine Deficiency Testing
The Iodine Patch Test can offer a basic indication of deficiency using molecular iodine. Apply a 2–3 inch patch to the skin:
If it fades within 8 hours, deficiency is likely.
If visible after 24 hours, iodine levels may be adequate.
Note: This test is informal and not a substitute for laboratory analysis.
Final Thoughts
Iodine may be one of the most underappreciated elements in modern nutrition. It has significant impact on health spans systems and functions, from metabolism and mental acuity to immunity and reproductive health. In a world where environmental toxins are abundant and natural food sources are increasingly compromised, ensuring adequate iodine intake has never been more essential.
For those considering supplementation, it is (as always) advisable to consult a healthcare practitioner before beginning any new supplement protocol, particularly if you have a thyroid condition or are taking medication.
Health begins at the cellular level. And iodine, it seems, is one of its most vital foundations.
References:
(1) Antimicrobial Effectiveness of Povidone-Iodine and Consequences for New Application Areas(2) The Disorders Induced by Iodine Deficiency(3) One missing mineral can transform your health: Iodine(4) Metabolism of bromide and its interference with the metabolism of iodine(5) Fluoride interactions with iodide and iodine: Implications for breast health(6) Iodine(7) Iodine research(8) Iodine deficiency disorders (9) The effects of iodine deficiency in pregnancy and infancy(10) Risks and benefits of iodine supplementation(11) Iodine supplementation: benefits outweigh the risks