Wellness Article
Iodine: A Key Mineral for the Body
I use iodine as a support for the body. It’s a key mineral that supports the body’s metabolism.
Why Iodine Matters
Iodine is a main mineral that supports the body’s metabolism. It’s involved in:
- Estrogen regulation
- Cell division
- Body temperature regulation
- Energy levels
- Thyroid health
Where Iodine Lives in the Body
Iodine is easily absorbed from the intestines and concentrated in tissues throughout the body. The thyroid holds about 75% of the body’s iodine.
Other tissues store iodine to a lesser extent:
- Gastric mucosa (the stomach lining)
- Salivary glands
- The choroid plexus (in the brain)
- Breast tissue
Iodine is involved with estrogen regulation in breast tissue, especially during breastfeeding. Research has explored iodine’s role in breast tissue health, including fibrocystic breast tissue.
In naturopathic thinking, fibroids in uterine, breast and thyroid tissue may be a sign the tissues could use iodine support.
Iodine & Your Thyroid
Iodine is stored in the thyroid and used mainly to make the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. The number tells you how many iodine molecules are attached to the thyroglobulin backbone.
To turn T4 into T3, the body removes one iodine. That step depends on selenium. T3 is the bioavailable, readily absorbed thyroid hormone that regulates cellular metabolism.
The link between iodine and the thyroid has been recognized since the early 20th century. Iodine is the rate-limiting element for making thyroid hormones, which is why iodine is often considered when supporting thyroid function.
Testing Iodine Levels
There are a couple of lab options, but each has limits:
- Blood (serum) test. Serum isn’t where iodine does its steady work. Because iodine is concentrated in tissues, those tissues can run low while a blood test still looks normal.
- 24-hour urine test. Some iodine leaves the body in urine, but collecting it for a full day is hard. Upwards of 40% of people miss collections or don’t store the urine properly.
Iodine levels in both blood and urine also vary a lot from person to person based on thyroid metabolism, and reliable reference levels haven’t been established.
The Iodine Patch Test
Many practitioners use the iodine patch test as a simple at-home ballpark check.
- Paint a 2 inch × 2 inch square of 5% Strong Lugol’s Iodine solution on the skin.
- Check the patch every 2–3 hours.
- If the patch fades within 12 hours, it may suggest your body could use more iodine.
- If the patch is still there after 12 hours, it may suggest your levels are adequate.
“Lugol’s” isn’t a brand name. It describes the ratio of iodine to iodide in the formula. Not just any topical iodine will do; both the concentration and the form matter.
How much iodine support you need depends on how fast the patch disappears. Most people do fine with iodine, but some people need guidance from a healthcare professional who is educated in iodine supplementation.
How I Use Iodine Topically
I like to apply it at night after showering. If it’s gone by morning, your body may be asking for more. I recommend topical application until the iodine is still visible in the morning.
- 2 drops on the forearm is a great place to start
- 2 drops on each breast at night
- 2 drops below the belly button
In naturopathic tradition, some apply iodine near the area of the body that needs support.
Please note
Check with your healthcare provider before using iodine if you have a thyroid condition, take thyroid medication, are pregnant or nursing, or have an iodine or shellfish sensitivity. Lugol’s iodine can stain skin and fabric.
The information and services from Valora’s Garden are for educational purposes. They are not a substitute for advice from your physician and are not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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