Iodine Supplements Review

Lugol's Iodine is recommended, but do you really need it?

The truth is, iodine supplements can be beneficial for some people.

Just the other day I was watching Jeopardy and answered a question about the sources of iodine.

The questions was: "which food was iodine introduced to in the 1920s to help reduce thyroid problems?" The answer... Salt!

I know it doesn't seem like a great accomplishment, but anytime I get a few answers right on Jeopardy I'm pretty happy :)

So, people's diets can supply them with enough iodine, however those who avoid iodized table salt and other foods rich in iodine may experience some iodine deficiency symptoms.

Why is iodine important?

Iodine is an important element in the production of thyroid hormones.

Your thyroid gland is located in your neck and it regulates your metabolism.

Many people suffer from thyroid issues and without proper amounts of iodine you may experience symptoms of thyroid problems.

This is why iodine was introduced to salt; to help prevent thyroid related problems.

Thyroid health problems have been one of the most misdiagnosed health issues around. Many of the symptoms aren't life threatening, but they sure lower the quality of life.

For some people, adding iodine supplements may help with the functioning of their thyroid.

Who should take iodine pills or liquid supplements?

Most people living in industrialized countries should get enough iodine from their diets. Developing countries have a greater risk of not getting proper amounts.

Like many types of nutrients, iodine is found in our food depending on the iodine found in the soil, therefore certain areas are better than others, and this goes for industrialized countries as well.

Areas with lots of rainfall tend to get lower amounts of iodine. Again, this is why iodized table salt was introduce.

If you avoid salt and seafood in general, then you may have a greater chance of not getting proper amounts of iodine.

In this scenario, and if you're suffering from certain thyroid problems, iodine supplements may be beneficial.

Two other areas where these supplements might be useful is with pregnant women and vegetarians.

Some vegetarians may not be getting enough iodine if they restrict certain foods from their diet.

Iodine deficiency in pregnant women can lead to cognitive defects and other permanent health effects in infants.

Pregnancy is one area where women should really make sure they're getting enough essential vitamins and minerals.

Natural sources of iodine

With many health concerns, the first recommendation is a healthy diet.

For certain people, iodine supplements can help, but for others a proper diet will be enough.

Here are some good food sources of iodine:

Dried beans
Spinach
Seafood
Milk
Eggs
Whole grain wheat
Various fruits and veggies

Are there any iodine side effects?

If you have allergic reactions to certain foods and have been told it's the iodine, that's probably not the case.

The human body can function with large amounts of iodine.

If you're taking supplements, try and stay below 2000 mcg per day.

Mcg stands for micro grams. There are 1000 micro grams in 1 milligram, and 1000 milligrams in 1 gram.

The body has been known to function with amounts as high as 10 to 20,000 mcg, but this is not recommended.

If you take more that 2000 mcg daily, this may lead to acne. This can be done by taking high dosages of kelp supplements or consuming large amounts of fast food which contain iodized salt.

For most cases, side effects aren't a concern.

Lugol's iodine supplements are recommended