How Are Iodide and Iodine Different?
Iodine is a naturally occurring element necessary for human growth and metabolic function. Its chemical symbol is I and its atomic number is 53 on the Periodic Table of Elements. It is one of the rarer earth elements necessary for life. Most of the earth's iodine can be found in the oceans.
Iodine and Iodide
Length: 2 minutes
What Is Elemental Iodine?
In nature, iodine exists as elemental iodine or as an iodide. Elemental iodine is two iodine atoms bonded together. In this form, iodine should never be ingested or applied directly to skin or tissue. It is highly corrosive and will cause severe damage to tissue on contact. Although, unless you're in a laboratory setting, it's unlikely you're going to come in contact with elemental iodine.
What Is Iodide?
Iodide is the ion state of iodine, occurring when iodine bonds with another element, such as potassium. In this form, iodine can be ingested or applied topically (such as with povidone iodine, an iodide). Dietary iodine also occurs naturally as an iodide, such as potassium iodide or sodium iodide (the kind typically placed into salt). When you purchase iodine from the local drug store, it's usually an iodide solution. This combination allows the body to absorb and use it safely. So iodine and iodide are simply different expressions of the same element. Iodides simply represent a safe form of iodine for ingestion. Iodides do have the drawback of requiring additional energy from the body to break the iodide bond to use the iodine.
Nascent Iodine: A Better Option
In an effort to provide a more pure form of iodine, atomic (or nascent) iodine has been developed. In fact, Global Healing's product Detoxadine® consists of this type of iodine. This form of iodine contains a single iodine atom, which does not cause severe damage to tissue. In fact, it provides the body with an easily absorbable and available form of iodine.
Why Do I Need Iodine?
Proper human development and metabolic function require iodine. It combines with tyrosine, an amino acid, to form two of the most important thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Too little iodine during fetal development and childhood can cause developmental concerns. Studies have found a lack of iodine leads to reduced mental development and lower IQ.[1, 2] Functional imbalance results from too much or too little iodine and lead to long-term concerns such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Without proper iodine consumption, the human body simply doesn't work normally.
Getting Enough Iodine
Iodides occur naturally in food derived from the ocean. Unfortunately, because iodine bonds so easily with water, very little exists in the earth's crust. Thus, most land-based foods contain little iodine — although produce grown in coastal soil tends to have more. That's why so many countries have iodized salt, to ensure that individuals can get enough iodine in their diets.
Iodine exists in a variety of supplements. For persons who are iodine deficient, atomic iodine may be an option for increasing iodine levels naturally.
Watch an In-Depth Video on Everything You Need to Know About Iodine
Length: 61 minutes
References (2)
- McNeil, Donald G. Jr. "In Raising the World’s I.Q., the Secret’s in the Salt". New York Times (2006-12-16).
- Pearce EN, Andersson M, Zimmermann MB. Global iodine nutrition: where do we stand in 2013? Thyroid. 2013 May;23(5):523-8. doi: 10.1089/thy.2013.0128. Epub 2013 Apr 18.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
