PROPERTIES, FUNCTION AND SOURCES OF IODINE

2. A Brief History of IodineA Brief History of Iodine
 First discovered in 1811 by a French chemistFirst discovered in 1811 by a French chemist
 Signaled the “birth” of Western medicineSignaled the “birth” of Western medicine
– The use of iodine for treating goiter was the first timeThe use of iodine for treating goiter was the first time
that a single element (iodine) was used to treat athat a single element (iodine) was used to treat a
specific illness (goiter)specific illness (goiter)
 More than 100 years ago, iodine was calledMore than 100 years ago, iodine was called
““The Universal Medicine”The Universal Medicine”
 The minimum daily dose was one drop whichThe minimum daily dose was one drop which
contained 5 mg of diatomic iodine---33 X the RDA!contained 5 mg of diatomic iodine---33 X the RDA!

3. More Recent HistoryMore Recent History
 1930’s – Iodized salt was introduced & thyroidologists1930’s – Iodized salt was introduced & thyroidologists
began using thyroid hormones to treat iodine deficiencybegan using thyroid hormones to treat iodine deficiency
and simple goiter---The beginning of the “thyroid fixation”!and simple goiter---The beginning of the “thyroid fixation”!
 1948 – Wolff-Chaikoff effect concluded that one must avoid1948 – Wolff-Chaikoff effect concluded that one must avoid
inorganic non-radioactive iodine “like leprosy”. Animalinorganic non-radioactive iodine “like leprosy”. Animal
studies on rats were never duplicated in humans! Dr.studies on rats were never duplicated in humans! Dr.
Abraham says,“The ensuing medical iodophobia may haveAbraham says,“The ensuing medical iodophobia may have
resulted in more suffering and death in the U.S. than bothresulted in more suffering and death in the U.S. than both
World Wars combined!”World Wars combined!”
 1960’s – Antibiotics were replacing iodine use in infectious1960’s – Antibiotics were replacing iodine use in infectious
diseases; bronchodilators were used instead of iodine indiseases; bronchodilators were used instead of iodine in
lung patients; antihistamines replaced iodine for relief oflung patients; antihistamines replaced iodine for relief of
cold symptoms.cold symptoms.

4. The Pendulum is Beginning toThe Pendulum is Beginning to
Swing the Other Way!Swing the Other Way!
 1993 – Dr. W.R. Ghent reported the1993 – Dr. W.R. Ghent reported the
beneficial effects of using 5 mg iodine forbeneficial effects of using 5 mg iodine for
Fibrocystic Breast Disease.Fibrocystic Breast Disease.
 1997 – Dr. Guy Abraham became aware of1997 – Dr. Guy Abraham became aware of
Ghent’s work.Ghent’s work.
 2000 – Dr. Abraham initiated “The Iodine2000 – Dr. Abraham initiated “The Iodine
Project” with Drs. Brownstein and Flechas.Project” with Drs. Brownstein and Flechas.
 2007 – “If Dr. Abraham is correct, he2007 – “If Dr. Abraham is correct, he
deserves the Nobel Prize!”deserves the Nobel Prize!”

5. Why Do We Need Iodine?Why Do We Need Iodine?
 Every cellEvery cell in the body contains and utilizesin the body contains and utilizes
iodineiodine
 White blood cells cannot effectively guardWhite blood cells cannot effectively guard
against infection without adequate amountsagainst infection without adequate amounts
of iodineof iodine
 Iodine is concentrated in the glandularIodine is concentrated in the glandular
systemsystem
– Thyroid, breasts, salivary glands, parotidThyroid, breasts, salivary glands, parotid
glands, pancreas, cerebrospinal fluid, brain,glands, pancreas, cerebrospinal fluid, brain,
stomach, skin, lacrimal glands, etc.stomach, skin, lacrimal glands, etc.

6. Where Does The Iodine Go?Where Does The Iodine Go?
 Thyroid – 3% (50 mg)Thyroid – 3% (50 mg)
 Fat (700 mg) andFat (700 mg) and MuscleMuscle (650 mg) – 70%(650 mg) – 70%
 Skin – 20% (Helps you sweat!)Skin – 20% (Helps you sweat!)
 The body can hold up to 1500 mgThe body can hold up to 1500 mg
 The thyroid can only hold up to 50 mgThe thyroid can only hold up to 50 mg
 Iodine is needed for much more than justIodine is needed for much more than just
prevention of goiter!prevention of goiter!

7. ““RDA” for IodineRDA” for Iodine
((RReallyeally DDumbumb AAdvice)dvice)
 Adult maleAdult male 150 mcg/day150 mcg/day
 Adult femaleAdult female 150 mcg/day150 mcg/day
 PregnancyPregnancy 220 mcg/day220 mcg/day
 LactationLactation 290 mcg/day290 mcg/day
““RDA doses of iodine are ineffective in preventing oxidativeRDA doses of iodine are ineffective in preventing oxidative
DNA damage and have no anti-cancer effect in the body.”DNA damage and have no anti-cancer effect in the body.”
Guy Abraham, MDGuy Abraham, MD

8. Problem!Problem!
An estimatedAn estimated
95%95%
of individualsof individuals
are deficientare deficient
in iodine!in iodine!

9. Why is Iodine So Beneficial?Why is Iodine So Beneficial?
 Elevates pH (Iodine is an alkalinizing agent)Elevates pH (Iodine is an alkalinizing agent)
 Necessary for the production of thyroidNecessary for the production of thyroid
hormoneshormones
 Necessary for the production ofNecessary for the production of allall thethe
hormones of the body (adrenals, ovaries,hormones of the body (adrenals, ovaries,
testicles, etc.)testicles, etc.)
 Responsible for the formation of the normalResponsible for the formation of the normal
architecture of the glandular tissue, e.g.architecture of the glandular tissue, e.g.
breast, thyroid, ovary, & prostatebreast, thyroid, ovary, & prostate

10. Iodine’s Therapeutic ActionsIodine’s Therapeutic Actions
 Alkalinizing agentAlkalinizing agent
 AntibacterialAntibacterial
 AnticancerAnticancer
 AntiparasiticAntiparasitic
 AntifungalAntifungal
 AntiviralAntiviral
 Detoxifying agentDetoxifying agent
 Mucolytic agent (like Guaifenesin)Mucolytic agent (like Guaifenesin)

11. Conditions Treated With IodineConditions Treated With Iodine
 ADD/ADHDADD/ADHD
 AsthmaAsthma
 AtherosclerosisAtherosclerosis
 Fibrocystic Breast DiseaseFibrocystic Breast Disease
 CancerCancer
 COPDCOPD
 DiabetesDiabetes
 Excess Mucus ProductionExcess Mucus Production
 HemorrhoidsHemorrhoids
 HeadachesHeadaches
 Hypertension InfectionsHypertension Infections
 KeloidsKeloids
 Liver DiseasesLiver Diseases
 Ovarian Cysts (PCOS)Ovarian Cysts (PCOS)
 Parotid Duct StonesParotid Duct Stones
 Sebaceous Cysts (Acne)Sebaceous Cysts (Acne)
 Thyroid Disorders (hypo,Thyroid Disorders (hypo,
autoimmune, and cancer)autoimmune, and cancer)

12. How Do You Ingest Iodine?How Do You Ingest Iodine?
 Trace element; not common in most foodsTrace element; not common in most foods
 Ocean foodsOcean foods
– Cod, bass, haddock, perchCod, bass, haddock, perch
– Sea vegetables such as seaweedSea vegetables such as seaweed
 Can be found in food products if iodine is added toCan be found in food products if iodine is added to
animal feed or the food sourceanimal feed or the food source
 Iodized SaltIodized Salt
– Cost effective way to prevent goiterCost effective way to prevent goiter
– Inadequate to provide the body’s need for iodineInadequate to provide the body’s need for iodine

13. Why Are People Deficient in Iodine?Why Are People Deficient in Iodine?
 Stigma of using saltStigma of using salt
– HypertensionHypertension
– <50% of U.S. households use iodized salt<50% of U.S. households use iodized salt
 Radioactive iodine use in medicineRadioactive iodine use in medicine
– Exacerbates an iodine deficient stateExacerbates an iodine deficient state
 Chemical exposures: GoitrogensChemical exposures: Goitrogens
– Bromine, chlorine, fluorine (fluoride)Bromine, chlorine, fluorine (fluoride)
– Goitrogens competitively inhibit iodine binding as well asGoitrogens competitively inhibit iodine binding as well as
decrease iodine uptakedecrease iodine uptake
 Declining mineral levelsDeclining mineral levels
– Soil erosion, poor farming techniques, etc.Soil erosion, poor farming techniques, etc.
 Modern DietModern Diet

14. Why Is Our Modern-day DietWhy Is Our Modern-day Diet
Iodine Deficient?Iodine Deficient?
 Many do not eat much ocean fish or seaMany do not eat much ocean fish or sea
vegetablesvegetables
 Inadequate use of iodized saltInadequate use of iodized salt
 Vegan and vegetarian dietsVegan and vegetarian diets
 Bromine in food and drinkBromine in food and drink
– Gatorade, Mountain Dew, and other soft drinksGatorade, Mountain Dew, and other soft drinks
 Bakery productsBakery products
– Bromine is now added to bread, pasta, cereal,Bromine is now added to bread, pasta, cereal,
etc.etc.

15. What Happened To BakeryWhat Happened To Bakery
Products in Recent History?Products in Recent History?
 In the 1960’sIn the 1960’s iodineiodine was added to bakerywas added to bakery
products as an anti-caking agentproducts as an anti-caking agent
– 1 slice of bread contained the RDA for iodine1 slice of bread contained the RDA for iodine
 In the 1980’s,In the 1980’s, brominebromine was substituted forwas substituted for
iodine due to misinformation about iodineiodine due to misinformation about iodine
What did this substitution do?What did this substitution do?

16. Bromine andBromine and
The Endocrine SystemThe Endocrine System
 Rats fed a sodium bromide enriched diet for 4-12Rats fed a sodium bromide enriched diet for 4-12
weeksweeks
– Decreased spermatogenesis in highest groupDecreased spermatogenesis in highest group
– Decreased amount of thyroxine (T4) in thyroid glandDecreased amount of thyroxine (T4) in thyroid gland
– Decreased concentration of testosterone,Decreased concentration of testosterone, humanhuman
growth hormone and cortisol in bloodgrowth hormone and cortisol in blood ((deficienciesdeficiencies alsoalso
noted by Dr. St. Amand in patients with fibromyalgia)noted by Dr. St. Amand in patients with fibromyalgia)
– Pituitary gland was stimulated to release TSH, FSH,Pituitary gland was stimulated to release TSH, FSH,
ACTH and insulinACTH and insulin
 “…“…bromide, at least in high doses, directly disturbsbromide, at least in high doses, directly disturbs
the function of the thyroid, testes, and thethe function of the thyroid, testes, and the
adrenals.adrenals.

17. Bromine SummaryBromine Summary
 Bromine is aBromine is a toxic substancetoxic substance with no knownwith no known
value in the bodyvalue in the body
 Part of the family of halidesPart of the family of halides
– Iodine, bromine, fluorine, chlorineIodine, bromine, fluorine, chlorine
 All halides compete with one anotherAll halides compete with one another
– AbsorptionAbsorption
– Receptor bindingReceptor binding
 Bromine interferes with iodine utilization in theBromine interferes with iodine utilization in the
thyroid as well as other areas of the body (breast,thyroid as well as other areas of the body (breast,
prostate, etc.)prostate, etc.)

18. Iodine & The Hormonal SystemIodine & The Hormonal System
 It is impossible to balance the hormonalIt is impossible to balance the hormonal
system without iodine sufficiencysystem without iodine sufficiency
– ThyroidThyroid
– AdrenalsAdrenals
– Sex hormonesSex hormones
 Whole body iodine sufficiency generallyWhole body iodine sufficiency generally
requires higher doses of iodine/iodiderequires higher doses of iodine/iodide
combinationscombinations
 12.5 to 150 mg/day (per Dr. Brownstein)12.5 to 150 mg/day (per Dr. Brownstein)

19. Food For Thought:Food For Thought:
 Iodine levels have fallen 50% in the last 30 yearsIodine levels have fallen 50% in the last 30 years
 During this time, elevations in autoimmuneDuring this time, elevations in autoimmune
disorders, thyroid cancer, breast cancer, prostatedisorders, thyroid cancer, breast cancer, prostate
cancer, other cancers, and many other diseases,cancer, other cancers, and many other diseases,
including fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, haveincluding fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, have
occurredoccurred
 ““Discovery consists in seeing what everybody elseDiscovery consists in seeing what everybody else
has seen and thinking what nobody else hashas seen and thinking what nobody else has
thought.”thought.” (Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, M.D., Ph.D)(Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, M.D., Ph.D)

20. IODINE DEFICIENCY : Introduction
Iodine is essential for human health as it is a
constituent of thyroid hormones, which play an
important role in physical and mental
development.
Iodine is one of the leading causes of
preventable mental retardation and brain damage
in the world. Iodine deficiency not only leads to
goiter and cretinism but also to a much broad
spectrum of disorders.

21. Iodine deficiency is the single
most common cause of
preventable mental retardation
and brain damage in the world.
The deficiency has an immediate
effect on child learning capacity,
women's health, the qualities of
life in communities and economic
productivity.
The normal requirement of iodine
for human beings averages 150
μg per person per day.

22. When people consume diet
lacking sufficient iodine several
important health consequences
known as iodine deficiency
disorder (IDD) will result.
Iodine deficiency is a major
public health problem for
populations throughout the
world, particularly for the
pregnant women and young
children.

23. DefinitionDefinition
Iodine Deficiency DisordersIodine Deficiency Disorders refer torefer to
a spectrum of healtha spectrum of health
consequences resulting fromconsequences resulting from
inadequate intake of iodine.inadequate intake of iodine. TheThe
adverse consequences of iodineadverse consequences of iodine
deficiency lead to a wide spectrumdeficiency lead to a wide spectrum
of problems ranging from abortionof problems ranging from abortion
and still birth to mental andand still birth to mental and
physical retardation and deafness,physical retardation and deafness,
which collectively known aswhich collectively known as IodineIodine
Deficiency Disorders (IDDs).Deficiency Disorders (IDDs). 232306/07/1706/07/17 Iodine Deficiency DisorderIodine Deficiency Disorder

24. Spectrum of IDD

25. Most important consequences of theMost important consequences of the
spectrum of IDD are:spectrum of IDD are:
•• GoiterGoiter
•• Mental retardationMental retardation
•• HypothyroidismHypothyroidism
•• CretinismCretinism
•• Increased morbidity and mortality of infantsIncreased morbidity and mortality of infants
and neonatesand neonates
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26. Risk factorsRisk factors
Following is a list of potential risk factorsFollowing is a list of potential risk factors
that may lead to iodine deficiency:that may lead to iodine deficiency:
Low dietary iodineLow dietary iodine
Selenium deficiencySelenium deficiency
PregnancyPregnancy
Exposure to radiationExposure to radiation
Increased intake/plasma levels ofIncreased intake/plasma levels of
goitrogens, such as calciumgoitrogens, such as calcium
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27.  Sex (higher occurrence in women)Sex (higher occurrence in women)
 Smoking tobaccoSmoking tobacco
 Alcohol (reduced prevalence in users)Alcohol (reduced prevalence in users)
 Oral contraceptives (reduced prevalenceOral contraceptives (reduced prevalence
in users)in users)
 PerchloratesPerchlorates
 ThiocyanatesThiocyanates
 Age (for different types of iodine deficiencyAge (for different types of iodine deficiency
at different ages)at different ages)
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28. EpidemiologyEpidemiology
 Iodine deficiencyIodine deficiency is the single mostis the single most
important cause of preventable mentalimportant cause of preventable mental
retardation. Globally more than two billionretardation. Globally more than two billion
(or over 38% of the population living in 130(or over 38% of the population living in 130
countries) are estimated to be at risk ofcountries) are estimated to be at risk of IDDIDD
and 260 million people in Africa are at riskand 260 million people in Africa are at risk
and 150,000 are affected by goiter.and 150,000 are affected by goiter.
Source: 2007Source: 2007
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29. Distribution of Iodine Deficiency inDistribution of Iodine Deficiency in
Developing CountriesDeveloping Countries
06/07/1706/07/17 Iodine Deficiency DisorderIodine Deficiency Disorder 2929

30. According toAccording to WHOWHO a goitre rate above 5%a goitre rate above 5%
constitutes a public health problem. A profileconstitutes a public health problem. A profile
analysis from different studies in differentanalysis from different studies in different
countries showed that from all babies born tocountries showed that from all babies born to
iodine deficient mothers, 3% will have severiodine deficient mothers, 3% will have sever
mental and physical damage, 10% showmental and physical damage, 10% show
moderate mental retardation and themoderate mental retardation and the
remaining 87% show some form of mildremaining 87% show some form of mild
intellectual disability.intellectual disability.
303006/07/1706/07/17 Iodine Deficiency DisorderIodine Deficiency Disorder

31. Iodine deficiency world wide
WHO, UNICEF & International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency
Disorders
WHO Regions
Proportion of
population
with UI < 100 g/L
(%)
Population
with UI < 100
g/L (in
millions)
Africa 47.6 48.342
The Americas 14.1 9.995
Eastern
Medierranen
55.4 40.224
Europe 59.9 42.206
South East
Asia
39.9 95.628
Western
Pacific
19.7 36.082
Total 36.9 272.438

32. ESTIMATED POPULATIONS AT RISK AND PREVALENCE OFESTIMATED POPULATIONS AT RISK AND PREVALENCE OF
ENDEMIC GOITRE IN EIGHT COUNTRIES OF THE WHO SOUTHEASTENDEMIC GOITRE IN EIGHT COUNTRIES OF THE WHO SOUTHEAST
ASIAN REGION (numbers in 1000)ASIAN REGION (numbers in 1000)Country Total POP. Population at risk (TGR > 10%) Endemic goitre prevalence
Number % Number %
Bangladesh 97 438 37 150 38.1 10 225 10.5
Bhutan 1 446 1 466 100. 946 65.4
Burma 39 920 14 545 36.5 5 694 14.3
India 746 010 149 588 20.0 7.3
Indonesia 161 003 29 773 18.5 9 759 6.1
Nepal 16 386 15 099 92.0 7 555 46.1
Sri Lanka 16 099 10 565 65.6 3 112 19.3
Thailand 52 709 20 439 38.8 7 740 14.7
TOTAL 1 131 011 278 605 24.6 99 349 8.8
3232
TGR = Total Goitre Rate (prevalence)
Percentages shown are percentages of total populationSource: Clugston and Bagchi (1985, p. 14) and for total
population data UN Demographic Yearbook 1981/1982

33.  It is estimated that approximately 516 millionIt is estimated that approximately 516 million
people in Asia are at risk due topeople in Asia are at risk due to environmentalenvironmental
iodine deficiencyiodine deficiency, with about 176 million actually, with about 176 million actually
goitrous. In Nepal, about 14 million people are atgoitrous. In Nepal, about 14 million people are at
risk of which 8 million are goitrous.risk of which 8 million are goitrous.
Source: Tyabji, R: The use of iodated salt in the prevention of iodine deficiency disordersSource: Tyabji, R: The use of iodated salt in the prevention of iodine deficiency disorders
– a handbook of monitoring and quality control. UNICEF, ROSCA, New Delhi. January– a handbook of monitoring and quality control. UNICEF, ROSCA, New Delhi. January
1985.1985.
333306/07/1706/07/17 Iodine Deficiency DisorderIodine Deficiency Disorder

34. Prevention and Control of IDDPrevention and Control of IDD
Iodine deficiencyIodine deficiency is a significantis a significant
environmental problem. Iodine is essential forenvironmental problem. Iodine is essential for
the synthesis of thyroid hormones and cannotthe synthesis of thyroid hormones and cannot
be synthesized by the body.be synthesized by the body.
Leaching of iodine from the soil due to erosionLeaching of iodine from the soil due to erosion
of heavy rain, deforestation, overgrazing andof heavy rain, deforestation, overgrazing and
clearing lead to loss of iodine from the soilclearing lead to loss of iodine from the soil
and water.and water.
343406/07/1706/07/17 Iodine Deficiency DisorderIodine Deficiency Disorder

35. Subsequently theSubsequently the iodineiodine content would be lowcontent would be low
in water, animal and plant products originatedin water, animal and plant products originated
from suchfrom such iodine deficient soilsiodine deficient soils. Hence, an. Hence, an
iodine deficient environment requires theiodine deficient environment requires the
continued addition of iodine.continued addition of iodine.
353506/07/1706/07/17 Iodine Deficiency DisorderIodine Deficiency Disorder

36. The following methods areThe following methods are
intended as a major strategy:intended as a major strategy:
1. Food fortification:1. Food fortification:
Fortification of foods with iodine isFortification of foods with iodine is
an effective means of long-terman effective means of long-term
prevention and control of manyprevention and control of many
iodine deficiencies, and one thatiodine deficiencies, and one that
has been shown to be costhas been shown to be cost
effective in many countries.effective in many countries.
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37.  Universal salt iodizationUniversal salt iodization
- Iodization of salt for both human- Iodization of salt for both human
and livestock consumption isand livestock consumption is
requiredrequired
- Use- Use iodized saltiodized salt in the foodin the food
industry to the population on aindustry to the population on a
continuous and self sustainingcontinuous and self sustaining
basisbasis
373706/07/1706/07/17 Iodine Deficiency DisorderIodine Deficiency Disorder

38. 2. Supplementation2. Supplementation
In areas with lack of transportationIn areas with lack of transportation
and small salt producers are availableand small salt producers are available
Administration of iodized oil capsuleAdministration of iodized oil capsule
Direct administration of iodineDirect administration of iodine
solution such as Lugol's iodine atsolution such as Lugol's iodine at
regular intervalsregular intervals
Iodization of water supplies byIodization of water supplies by
addition of iodine solutionaddition of iodine solution
383806/07/1706/07/17 Iodine Deficiency DisorderIodine Deficiency Disorder

39. 3. Health education3. Health education
 Create awareness about theCreate awareness about the
consequences ofconsequences of iodine deficiency disorderiodine deficiency disorder,,
specially for high risk groups (infants,specially for high risk groups (infants,
pregnant and lactating women)pregnant and lactating women)
 Advise the people to use iodized salt forAdvise the people to use iodized salt for
household consumptionhousehold consumption
 Educate the public to eatEducate the public to eat iodine rich foodiodine rich food
items like sea fish, kelp, etc and avoiditems like sea fish, kelp, etc and avoid
goiterogenic foods.goiterogenic foods.
393906/07/1706/07/17 Iodine Deficiency DisorderIodine Deficiency Disorder

40. 4.4. Set surveillanceSet surveillance
techniquetechnique to monitorto monitor
the distribution ofthe distribution of
adequatelyadequately iodizediodized
saltsalt
in the community.in the community.
404006/07/1706/07/17 Iodine Deficiency DisorderIodine Deficiency Disorder
Severe IDD: a dwarfed cretin
woman with a barefoot doctor of the
same age from the Hetian district in
Sinkiang

41. 414106/07/1706/07/17 Iodine Deficiency DisorderIodine Deficiency Disorder

42. RecommendationRecommendation
 A monitoring system for IDD control andA monitoring system for IDD control and
quality control mechanisms must bequality control mechanisms must be
established.established.
 All salt should be checked for its iodineAll salt should be checked for its iodine
content and monitoring procedures shouldcontent and monitoring procedures should
be carried out on an on-going basis as partbe carried out on an on-going basis as part
of routine health assessments.of routine health assessments.
 Stability of Iodine in SaltStability of Iodine in Salt
 National Nutrition Policy and Strategy shouldNational Nutrition Policy and Strategy should
be implemented properly.be implemented properly.
 Quality assuranceQuality assurance06/07/1706/07/17 Iodine Deficiency DisorderIodine Deficiency Disorder 4242

43. THANK YOU !THANK YOU !
06/07/1706/07/17 Iodine Deficiency DisorderIodine Deficiency Disorder 4343

44. ANYANY QUESTIONSQUESTIONS OROR COMMENTCOMMENT
??????
IF NOIF NO
..….ANSWER MY QUESTION…..….ANSWER MY QUESTION…....
WHATWHAT YOUYOU LEARNLEARN FROMFROM THISTHIS
PRESENTATIONPRESENTATION ??????