Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

This a flouridealert video on fluoride and thyroid function, and as highlighted in the papers above there is a clear link between the risk of thyroid dysfunction and breast cancer.

http://fluoridealert.org/fan-tv/fluo...thyroid-gland/

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

This Chinese paper compares bone metabolism in two groups with high fluoride intake from water. The water of one group was low in iodine and the other contained modest amounts of iodine.

The iodine moderated the effect of fluoride on bone re-absortion / deposition.

http://www.cmj.org/ch/reader/view_ab...start_page=675

and this paper links dental health to thyroid function

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...55123115,d.Yms

and concludes

"Understanding thyroid hormone metabolism is essential in understanding fluoride
toxicity. Further research, be it on dental or skeletal fluorosis, effects on IQ,
oxidative stress, etc., should focus on this matter with utmost urgency, since it is
here that all observed adverse effects can be explained, thereby leading to a new
toxicological assessment of “fluorosis”, and, most importantly, proper treatment
and prevention."



but (below) residents of Porto Santo whose water naturally used to contain high amounts of fluoride had high levels of fluorosis. Do they eat a lot of sardines; I do not know, but probably did eat more marine foods than the average, which raises questions as to the relationship between iodine and fluoride, and to what extent higher levels of fluoride can be mitigated by iodine,and how much iodine intake is needed.

https://iadr.confex.com/iadr/2007orl...ract_93262.htm

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

I have also included this in part in the summary as I think these papers are important.

The presence of selenium and other minerals in fish may explain why fish intake that is likely high in fluoride (eg whole fish such as sardines) is not generally associated with thyroid conditions etc.

The Chinese paper starkly demonstrates that higher iodine alone will not necessarily prevent the inhibition by excess or imbalance of fluoride of thyroid function and the induction of goiter or indeed fluorosis.


Importantly this http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...55123115,d.Yms Chinese study of a population with both high fluoride 3mg per litre (approx) and relatively high iodine 1mg per liter (approx) in their water observed "In high iodine and high fluorine areas, the goiter and dental fluorosis rates of children aged from 8 to 12 were 29.8% and 72.98%.", which suggests that higher iodine alone may not mitigate high fluoride intake. It looks as if the picture is more complex and also involves mineral intake; likely all of the 'elements' (as in pieces of the nutritional jigsaw - no pun intended :) ) need to be in place to minimise the risk of fluorosis / wider iodine / thyroid dysfunction.

Does high fluoride intake in whole marine foods have the same effect is a question I raise, as we have always associated fish intake with healthy populations. Fish would also contain important minerals such as selenium and zinc.

Fluoride apparently actively binds with selenium which interestingly may be protective against the effects of fluoride. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20143719 Apparently it also bind with other minerals, so could part of the effect of fluoride be to inactivate minerals, which are often already in short supply in the western diet, but are provided in marine foods. This mechanism would in nutritional terms be a double edged sword;

- protection against excess fluoride by deactivation of fluoride by binding to minerals good.

- deactivation of important minerals that are already deficient in many diets bad.


An unreferenced comment here http://www.healthyshopping.com/OlaLoa/autism.asp by Richard A. Kunin, M.D. said interestingly

" Fluoride forms insoluble complexes with selenium. Since selenium is strongly electropositive, it combines with fluoride preferentially, with even greater avidity than calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, sodium, potassium. The total adult body content of selenium is less than 100 mg, so little as to be vulnerable to sodium fluoride intakes of 3 to 5 mg per day, which are usual in this country because of fluoridation and fluoridated toothpaste. Consider that vital trace minerals, such as selenium, chromium and molybdenum, are ingested on average only about 50 mcg per day. Fluoride intake is 100 times more and fluoride complexes are likely to inactivate these trace minerals by rendering them insoluble--even in the presence of calcium, magnesium, boron or aluminum salts, which also bind with fluoride. Sodium fluoride, the relatively soluble fluoride used in water fluoridation, preferentially binds to the trace minerals, selenium and chromium."


This paper refers to possible links between calcium and magnesium deficiences and populations at risk of fluorosis. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...55123115,d.Yms

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

. . . And this made me howl with laughter at the irony of it . . . this paper recommends that goats with chronic fluorosis should receive mineral supplementation copper iron manganese and nickel . . . they did not look at selenium.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...55123115,d.Yms

I found it ironic that I can find a paper on mineral deficiency and fluorosis in goats but not people, and in many hours of hunting for information have not seen anybody suggest the possible need for mineral supplementation in those with fluorosis !


But tary a moment the paper above references another Turkish paper looking at mineral deficiencies in humans :) :) :) and this is what it said - looks like we have more in common with goats than we would care to admit

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...55123115,d.Yms

In conclusion, our findings indicate that chronic fluorosis is associated with reduced levels of serum Cu, Zn, Mn, and Mg. However, more studies are needed to verify and clarify the relationship between serum mineral status and chronic fluorosis.

(that is copper zinc manganese and magnesium)

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

Flourine contamination from industrial sources may be a significant issue if this paper from the 1950s still holds. It contains a powerful image of a leg bone of a cow with fluorosis, which resembles a knobbly tree branch in texture.


PS if you have got this far without falling asleep; very well done :)


http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...55123115,d.Yms

"The problem of fluorosis in farm animals in Britain
is not due to the high fluorine content of rock phosphate
deposits, volcanic soils, or water supplies, but
arises from the emission of fluorine containing gases
and dusts from industrial plants. If the density of our
industrial areas is considered in relation to the relatively
small area of the whole country, it can be readily
understood that a great deal of agricultural land must
be adjacent to industrial works.
The chief sources of fluorine contamination of
grassland and crops are: (1) steel and metal works
when the method of production involves the use of
large amounts of fluorspar as a flux ; (2) brickworks,
where the source is usually the local clay, although coal
is sometimes a contributory factor; (3) production of
aluminium by the electrolytic reduction of alumina;
(4) glass, enamel, and colour works where fluorine
compounds are often added to facilitate melting and to
give the finished products certain properties ; (5) the
calcining of iron-stone where the sourtie is mainly the
fluorine-rich ore itself; (6) potteries and other ceramic
industries where the materials used in manufacture are
high in fluorine; (7) collieries, power stations and
other industries which consume large quantities of
pulverised low-grade coal with a high fluorine content.

It is generally accepted that the fluorine content
of most plants, with the exception of the roots, is
not readily affected by the amount of fluorine in the
soil. There seem to be a few exceptions to this, notably
the tea plant. and the camellia, which appear to
be fluorine collectors, but common fluorine values for uncontaminated animal foodstuffs lie between 1 and
10 p.p.m. on a dry matter basis. Excessively high
values’ up to 2000 p.p.m. have been reported (Green
1946) on herbage near sources of emission of fluorine
compounds. "

and a paper called The Emerging Medical and Geological Association from The American Clinical and Climatological Association http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1473139/ states


"The health problems caused by fluorine volatilized during domestic coal use are far more extensive than those caused by arsenic. More than 10 million people in Guizhou Province and surrounding areas suffer from various forms of fluorosis. Typical symptoms of fluorosis include mottling of tooth enamel (dental fluorosis) and various forms of skeletal fluorosis including osteosclerosis, limited movement of the joints, and outward manifestations such as knock-knees, bow legs, and spinal curvature. Fluorosis combined with nutritional deficiencies in children can result in severe bone deformation.

The etiology of fluorosis is similar to that of arseniasis in that the disease is derived from foods dried over coal-burning stoves. Adsorption of fluorine by corn dried over unvented ovens burning high ([greater than, closed by curve, equal, slanted]200 ppm) fluorine coal is the probable cause of the extensive dental and skeletal fluorosis in southwest China. The problem is compounded by the use of clay as a binder for making briquettes. The clay used is a high-fluorine (mean value of 903 ppm) residue formed by intense leaching of a limestone substrate."

In the west we do not have the same level of exposure but it is clear that coal could be a significant source of flourine emissions

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

Two further papers suggesting mineral deficiency as well as fluoride plays a part in fluorosis

http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJF...F200802013.htm

http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJF...W200204035.htm

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

It occurred to me after writing the above post that I had previously seen a paper linking thyroid dysfunction / goitre with areas know to be low in selenium.

Logically this risk will be greater in areas of high flouride in water and food, the level of other goitrogens in the diet, on the basis that the fluoride may bind with some of the limited available selenium so exacerbating the deficiency.

Selenium is widely recognised as essential to thyroid function, and its absence leads to dysfunction.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12487769

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12487769

and

J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2002 Jul-Aug;15(7):1027-31.
Iodine and selenium deficiency in school-children in an endemic goiter area in Turkey.
Aydin K, Kendirci M, Kurtoğlu S, Karaküçük EI, Kiriş A.
Source

Selcuk University Medical Faculty, Konya, Turkey. kursaday@hotmail.com
Abstract

Endemic goiter is one of the most important health problems in Turkey. However, there are not enough studies associated with iodine and selenium status. This study was carried out to establish the effects of iodine and selenium levels on thyroid gland size and thyroid functions in 73 healthy school-children, 7-12 years old (mean 9.56 +/- 1.77 years), 38 girls (52%) and 35 boys (48%), living in an endemic goiter area. Goiter was found in 32 of the children (43.8%) by palpation, and 56 of the children (76.7%) by ultrasonography. Mean serum T3 and TSH levels were in the upper limit of normal, and mean serum T4 levels were within the normal limits, but mean serum thyroglobulin levels were higher than the normal limits. Mean serum selenium level was 30.84 +/- 23.04 microg/l, and mean urinary iodine level was 3.91 +/- 3.77 microg/dl, appropriate for moderate iodine and selenium deficiency. Thyroid volumes of the children were negatively correlated with serum selenium levels, but there was no correlation with urinary iodine levels and thyroid hormones. In conclusion, school-children in this area had significant goiter problems, probably due to the iodine and selenium deficiencies.

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

Of the flouride we ingest a proportion is retained in the body mainly in the bones, and some in organs that calcify like arteries. If intake is significantly lowered some, a limited amount, of the deposited fouride will leave the body. Much as yet is unknown but it appears in general the amount of fluoride in bone increases throughout life.

This paper http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...55123115,d.Yms used radioactive fluoride for a pet scan. It is very clear from the PET scan image in the paper where most of the fluoride ends up, the spine, and interestingly some is evidently taken up by the blood vessels.



The effects at flouride intakes in the particular background circumstances that lead to fluorosis of the bone are devastating as clearly evident from this video. http://fluoridealert.org/fan-tv/crippling-waters/

High fluoride in bones is associated with more brittle bones etc. What the effects of a lifetimes accumulation of fouride are in more 'normal' circumstances is much less clear.

It appears that fluoride intake from our youngest moments is in a sense 'for life', and it is probably only in the long term that we will have a better understanding of the effects of our increasing intake from a range of sources including water, and how other factors such as iodine and mineral intake effect fluoride metabolism .

Association of vascular fluoride uptake with vascular
calcification and coronary artery disease
Yuxin Lia, Gholam R. Berenjia, Wisam F. Shabaa, Bashir Taftia, Ella Yevdayeva
and Simin Dadparvarb

Conclusion sodium [18F]fluoride PET/CT might be
useful in the evaluation of the atherosclerotic process in
major arteries, including coronary arteries. An increased
fluoride uptake in coronary arteries may be associated with
an increased cardiovascular risk.

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

Anemia and iodine metabolism

It appears that iron deficiency will exacerbate the effect of low iodine.

Iron deficiency is also an issue in 'western' countries

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5140a1.htm

Iron Deficiency --- United States, 1999--2000

Iron deficiency, the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, has negative effects on work capacity and on motor and mental development in infants, children, and adolescents, and maternal iron deficiency anemia might cause low birthweight and preterm delivery (1--3). Although iron deficiency is more common in developing countries, a significant prevalence was observed in the United States during the early 1990s among certain populations, such as toddlers and females of childbearing age (4).


Persistence of goiter despite oral iodine supplementation in goitrous children with iron deficiency anemia in Côte d'Ivoire1,2,3

Michael Zimmermann,
Pierre Adou,
Toni Torresani,
Christophe Zeder, and
Richard Hurrell


http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/71/1/88.long

"The findings in this study suggest that iron deficiency anemia in children may limit the effectiveness of an iodine intervention program. If confirmed, this result will have broad public health implications for the control of IDDs. More than 2 billion people—mainly young women and children, most in developing countries—are iron deficient (44). Children and pregnant women are also highly vulnerable to iodine deficiency and are the main target groups for iodine-supplementation programs (1, 3). Of the 419 children screened in this study, nearly 1 in 5 had both goiter and iron deficiency anemia. If iron deficiency is a nutritional factor that influences the pathogenesis of IDDs, iron deficiency may have a greater effect on IDDs than do previously described goitrogens because of its high prevalence in vulnerable groups."

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

Iodine deficiency as a cause of brain damage is a fascinating editorial paper which may be of wider interest and has wider implications for the individual and society particularly in respect of extremely preterm infants.

"Identifying the appropriate indications for supplementation may alleviate individual pain and distress due to disability for several hundred extremely low birth-weight neonates each year in the US alone, and save society a pro-rated lifetime cost of nearly $US1 million per child." (see below) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17107219

Iodine deficiency as a cause of brain damage

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1741987/

Abstract
This editorial reviews the impact of iodine deficiency
(1) on thyroid function in pregnant women and
neonates and (2) on the neurointellectual development
of infants and children.
All degrees of iodine deficiency (mild: iodine
intake of 50–99 μg/day, moderate: 20–49 μg/day, and
severe: <20 μg/day) affect thyroid function of the
mother and the neonate as well as the mental development
of the child. The damage increases with the
degree of the deficiency, with overt endemic cretinism
as the severest consequence. Maternal hypothyroxinaemia
during early pregnancy is a key factor in
the development of the neurological damage in the
cretin. Selenium deficiency combined with iodine
deficiency partly prevents the neurological damage
but precipitates severe hypothyroidism in cretins.
Iodine deficiency results in a global loss of 10–15
IQ points at a population level and constitutes the
world’s greatest single cause of preventable brain
damage and mental retardation.

A large series of investigations conducted in areas with
moderate iodine deficiency have demonstrated the presence
of definite abnormalities in the psychoneuromotor
and intellectual development of children and adults who
are clinically euthyroid and who do not exhibit the other
signs and symptoms of endemic cretinism, that is, the most
severe form of brain damage caused by iodine deficiency.
The psychometric tests used to find evidence for these
abnormalities are various and include locally adapted
“culture free” intelligence tests. The findings include low
visual-motor performances, motor skill, perceptual and
neuromotor abilities, and low development quotients and
intellectual quotients (IQ).11 12 20


The paper also make the points

Iodine is important to fetal development. Thyroxine is apparently found in fetal related fluid from the 6th week; the fetus does not start to make its own until the 24th week, (Is this logically a potential issue in extreme prematurity - is thyroxine provided to premature infants ? - It appears the issue is recognised but still under research. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17107219 http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01306227 ).

Thyroid volume increases in iodine deficient women in pregnancy.

Globally iodine deficiency is a huge issue.

Food based thiocyanates may aggravate iodine deficiency in pregnancy, with different consequences in different circumstances.

As previously discussed there are a number of other increasingly common place blockers of iodine metabolism which have been greatly increased by human action or activity including fluoride, nitrates, chlorination, many soy based foods, bromination, dioxins . . .

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

This is a well regarded extensive UK study . . .


http://www.thejournal.ie/iodine-defi...19382-May2013/


‘Children of the 90s’ research

Researchers used samples and data from Bristol-based Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), also known as ‘Children of the 90s’. This is a long-term project involved more than 14,000 pregnant women in 1991 and 1992, and the health and development of their children has been followed by scientists ever since.

Researchers measured the iodine concentration in urine samples taken in the first trimester from 1,040 pregnant women. Referring to World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines on recommended concentrations of iodine during pregnancy, they classified women who had an iodine-to-creatinine ratio [1] of less than 150 μg/g as being iodine deficient, and those with a ratio of 150 μg/g or more as iodine sufficient. Over two thirds (67 per cent) of the women fell into the category of “iodine deficient”.

The babies born underwent mental development assessments which involved measuring child IQ at age eight and reading ability at age nine. Adjusting the results for external factors likely to affect these scores, such as parental education and breast-feeding, the researchers found that children of women in the iodine-deficient group were “significantly” more likely to have low scores (lower quartile) of verbal IQ, reading accuracy, and reading comprehension. The research, published in the Lancet medical journal, found that the lower the mother’s concentration of iodine, the lower were the average scores for IQ and reading ability in the children.

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

The effect of thiocyanates may extend to blocking the incorporation of iodine / iodide into breast milk.

The reduction of iodine in dairy is also of relevance as diary foods are an important source of iodine.

Thiocyanate in Food and Iodine in Milk: From Domestic Animal Feeding to Improved Understanding of Cretinism

To cite this article:
Peter Laurberg, Stig Andersen, Nils Knudsen, Lars Ovesen, Susanne B. Nøhr, and Inge Bülow Pedersen. Thyroid. October 2002, 12(10): 897-902. doi:10.1089/105072502761016520.


Transport of iodine in the mammary gland into breast milk plays a central role in various fields of prevention of thyroid diseases. First, a sufficient content of iodine in the mother's milk is necessary for normal brain development in the breastfed child. This is attained by expression during lactation in the mammary gland of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS), also responsible for iodine transport in the thyroid. Milk iodine content varies with the iodine intake of the mother, and urinary iodine excretion in groups of mothers seems to be a valuable indicator of the iodine status of their breastfed children. Second, iodine in dairy products provides a considerable part of iodine intake in many populations. Thiocyanate from rapeseed feeding of cows decreases milk iodine content, probably by competitive inhibition of NIS in the mammary gland. Alterations in feeding of dairy cows may alter the iodine content of consumer milk, and this may influence the risk of thyroid diseases in the population. Thiocyanate inhibition of iodine transport into milk may also be operative in humans with a high thiocyanate intake. This could further impair iodine status in breastfed children in low-iodine intake areas of the world. It can be speculated that a low-iodine content of mother's milk because of inhibition of NIS in the mammary gland may be one factor of importance for development of myxedematous cretinism.

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

This is a paper (2005) by Dr Flechas titled


Orthoiodosupplementation in a Primary Care Practice

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...55819444,d.bGE

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

Is iodine accumulated in fat tissue is a question I have wanted the answer to for a while. This is the first paper I have found that confirms iodine is accumulated in fatty muscle tissue (albeit in pigs).

Six months after an initial single dosage of 480mg dorsal fatty muscle tissue contained over 2 mg per kilo which was way more than the amount in liver skin or lean meat (fig 4).

The accumulation of iodine in fatty tissue for me raises the question if those who have significant fat tissue will require a higher iodine intake, because a greater proportion of any intake will be taken up by the fatty tissue. This is what is seen with vitamin D. The obese will have a lower level of vitamin D in the blood for the same intake compared to a slim person; as a result a greater number of obese people are vitamin D deficient.

In the pigs the measures of iodine such as concentration in urine, blood and thyroid were still higher after 6 months, which begs the question if the iodine is being released from the fat tissue to sustain higher iodine levels.

It also raises the issue of what role does iodine play in fat tissue; for example does it have antioxidant roles.

These are important questions but so far I have failed to find any research looking at these issues in humans.

The intramuscular delivery may have been a slightly more effective vehicle than oral delivery.


Iodine concentrations in porcine blood, urine, and tissues after
a single dose of iodised oil

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...55819444,d.Yms

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

This paper recognises it is important to bear in mind the additive effects of iodine blockers as they may well have cumulative effect especially where iodine intake is low.

As discussed to perchlorate, and thiocyantes (from brassica type foods) we can add chlorination, nitrates, some chlorine products, other foods blockers such as agents in soy . . .


Combined effects of perchlorate, thiocyanate, and iodine on thyroid function in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–08

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science...13935113000091


Abstract

Perchlorate, thiocyanate, and low iodine intake can all decrease iodide intake into the thyroid gland. This can reduce thyroid hormone production since iodide is a key component of thyroid hormone. Previous research has suggested that each of these factors alone may decrease thyroid hormone levels, but effect sizes are small. We hypothesized that people who have all three factors at the same time have substantially lower thyroid hormone levels than people who do not, and the effect of this combined exposure is substantially larger than the effects seen in analyses focused on only one factor at a time. Using data from the 2007–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, subjects were categorized into exposure groups based on their urinary perchlorate, iodine, and thiocyanate concentrations, and mean serum thyroxine concentrations were compared between groups. Subjects with high perchlorate (n=1939) had thyroxine concentrations that were 5.0% lower (mean difference=0.40 μg/dl, 95% confidence interval=0.14–0.65) than subjects with low perchlorate (n=2084). The individual effects of iodine and thiocyanate were even smaller. Subjects with high perchlorate, high thiocyanate, and low iodine combined (n=62) had thyroxine concentrations 12.9% lower (mean difference=1.07 μg/dl, 95% confidence interval=0.55–1.59) than subjects with low perchlorate, low thiocyanate, and adequate iodine (n=376). Potential confounders had little impact on results. Overall, these results suggest that concomitant exposure to perchlorate, thiocyanate, and low iodine markedly reduces thyroxine production. This highlights the potential importance of examining the combined effects of multiple agents when evaluating the toxicity of thyroid-disrupting agents.
Highlights

► Recent data suggest that essentially everyone in the US is exposed to perchlorate. ► Perchlorate exposure may be associated with lower thyroid hormone levels. ► Some groups may be more susceptible to perchlorate than others.

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

A paper looking at development and intelligence in areas including of modest fluoride in water and low iodine.

There is no wider detail as to diet or mineral intake, so much we do not know in terms of potential relevance and comparability to Europe and America.

None the less the paper does indicate potential serious effects on development where fluoride intake is modest and iodine intake low, whcih in light of the figures above as to the iodine status of adolescent and pregnant females in the UK is scary in its possible implications.




http://www.slweb.org/IDD.html



Discussion

One hundred and four children with mental retardation were detected in all. Area A had 25%, area B 16%, and area C 8%. The significant differences in IQ among these regions suggests that fluoride can exacerbate central nervous lesions and somatic developmental disturbance caused by iodine deficiency. This may be in keeping with fluoride's known ability to cause degenerative changes in central nervous system cells and to inhibit the activities of many enzymes, including choline enzymes, causing disturbance of the nerve impulse (5). We found significant differences among the three areas, indicating that lack of iodine in children results in disturbance of the process of growth and ossification and that high fluoride intake can further disturb bone development (6,7). Also, the auditory threshold was significantly different among the three areas, with severe loss of hearing in high fluoride and low iodine areas. Severe iodine deficiency in early fetal life has adverse effects on the development and differentiation of the acoustic organ, and we suggest that high fluoride intake may also promote hearing loss. . . MORE

Summary

We studied a total of 769 schoolchildren of 7-14 years in three areas, characterized by intakes of (A) low iodine, high fluoride; (B) low iodine, normal fluoride; and (C) iodine supplemented, normal fluoride. Results for the following parameters for areas A, B, and C, respectively were: (a) average IQ: 71, 77, 96; (b) average auditory threshold (in dB): 24, 20, 16; (c) bone age retardation (%): 28, 13, 4; (d) thyroid 131I uptake (%): 60, 50, 24; and (e) serum TSH (mU/ml): 21, 11, 6. Statistically significant differences existed between these areas, suggesting that a low iodine intake coupled with high fluoride intake exacerbates the central nervous lesions and the somatic developmental disturbance of iodine deficiency. The detection rate of subclinical endemic cretinism in children with mental retardation was 69%, and the total attack rate of subclinical endemic cretinism 9%.

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

Iodine overload - how much is too much ?

Whilst there appears to be significant amount of material suggesting benefits in some from high iodine intake, possibly in those where there has been historic imbalance, or deficiency, and suggestions that some populations have a high intake, there are equally indications that high iodine intake can have adverse consequences.

Daily recommended intakes are in micro grams rather than milligrams. Is this enough given uncertainties as to the level of iodine blockers and competitors such as bromine in our diet. Clearly some think not, and sadly it appears that many are not even getting the minimum requirements in their diet, and that is before the potential blocking of iodine uptake may inhibit their usage of an already very low intake. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/iodine/

There is much we do not know, for example exactly how other dietary factors interact with iodine intake. The Japanese whatever their historic intake was got their intake from natural food based sources mainly seaweed which would also have been mineral rich and interestingly likely contained significant amounts of bromine (seaweed contains quite high levels of bromine generally).

Iodine contents of seaweeds vary considerably, and iodine is lost in processing and drying, which makes iodine intake through seaweed a bit of a lottery, and clearly if somebody has a lot of bromine in their system from artificially brominated foods then intuitively a food source potentially rich in bromide may not be ideal (although it is possible some of the bromine will also be lost in processing)

Bromine in foods is more of a problem in the US than UK due to brominated soft drinks and flour; but bromine may be used in other products viz the fumigation of dried foods such as nuts; nuts contain quite high amounts of bromine it appears. :( It seems potentially lots of foods are fumigated with bromine. Whilst there may be some restriction on fumigation with bromine in the west with foods being sourced all round the world and complex regulations I suspect sadly the reality is overall we do not know what our food contains.

I have no idea if the relatively high levels of bromine found in nut products is from the soil or fumigation, but would guess it is probably largely from fumigation in the county of origin.

Also as previously mentioned bromine/bromide may be used in the brewing industry. Does it reach the beer; I have not been able to find a definitive answer to the question.

http://www.fao.org/docrep/x5042e/x5042e08.htm "Almost invariably, nuts and shelled nuts are fumigated in the country of origin before export, often with methyl bromide. If more than one fumigation is required after importation, there may be danger of taint and a trial treatment should be made."

Methyl bromide may be particularly well absorbed because it is in an organic form (and differently ? metabolised) - oh dear that raises a whole heap of new questions :( - as ever things are rarely straight forward - it appears marine organisms produce it and some will end up in the atmosphere. Some plants including the brassicas produce it in small quantities. Large amounts can kill you and do kill customs officers opening containers. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bromomethane What effect does the sort of levels found in food have? I have no idea but clearly based on the forgoing a bromine iodine imbalance in the metabolic pathways is a potential health issue.

Back to iodine intake; a Japanese Radiological society paper suggest current intake of iodine was around 1mg with their parents consuming more, but exactly how much we do not know. Higher intakes may be problematic particularly for those with other dietary deficiencies including selenium and other minerals.

The paper below looked at a group of Peace Corp staff who had high iodine intake possibly 50mg a day or more for 32 months. The core conclusion is that those using iodination to decontaminate water need regular medical checks. Interestingly the paper does not recommend that sanitisation of water with iodine should not be used, only that regular checks should take place and particular care should be taken in pregnancy. It is a shame the information is not more comprehensive, and does not look at any longer term implications of high dose iodine intake if any.


Effects of Chronic Iodine Excess in a Cohort of Long-Term American Workers in West Africa

http://jcem.endojournals.org/content/87/12/5499.long

The body of the text contains the following comment; if it means this was the result of examination prior to iodine exposure it adds a further dimension to the results.

There was a high prevalence of goiter among Peace Corps volunteers in this study at baseline in both euthyroid and hypothyroid individuals. . .

Abstracts from text

As the arid climate in Niger results in the daily consumption of 5–9 liters water, the volunteers consumed at least 50 mg iodine daily, which is approximately 300 times the daily U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance (2). Urinary iodine excretion in this iodine-enriched population ranged from 392–153,780 μg/liter (median, 5,048 μg/liter). Volunteers used the water purification devices described above for up to 32 months.

The findings in this study have significant public health implications. In 1998, an estimated 60,000 iodine resin devices and 300,000 bottles of iodine tablets were sold to U.S. civilians for water disinfection (24). In addition, iodine-based water purification systems are routinely used by the military, in international relief efforts, and by other government-sponsored programs. In this regard we have recently reported that excess iodine ingestion by American astronauts from water treated with iodine for purification in space resulted in a small transient rise in serum TSH values upon return to earth (25). Since 1998, the iodine has been removed from astronauts’ potable water by an anion exchange resin just before the water is consumed, and no rise in serum TSH values has been observed. It is probably inadvisable for pregnant women, individuals with a history or a strong family history of thyroid disease, especially autoimmune thyroid disease, or individuals residing in areas of endemic iodine deficiency to use iodine-based methods of water purification unless extremely careful monitoring of the iodine content is carried out. Any individual anticipating prolonged ingestion of excess amounts of iodine in medications or as a byproduct of a water purification system should see a physician for a baseline physical exam to exclude the presence of preexisting goiter and to measure thyroid function tests and serum thyroid antibody levels to rule out abnormalities. Repeat thyroid function tests should then be repeated at intervals until excess iodine ingestion is eliminated.

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

This is an interesting paper on estimated Japanese iodine intake which ties in with another report I have seen.

"By combining information from dietary records, food surveys, urine iodine analysis (both spot and 24-hour samples) and seaweed iodine content, we estimate that the Japanese iodine intake--largely from seaweeds--averages 1,000-3,000 μg/day (1-3 mg/day)."
See below

The report also recognises that pre 1950 Japanese ate a lot more kelp (Kombu) "elders ate up to four times more than those under the age of 29" so their intake figures could have been significantly higher.

It is also recognised in the paper that intakes of iodine will vary considerably on a day to day basis, which is reflected in urine output. So on some days Japanese may be consuming many grams of iodine. "Urine iodine levels can increase from 100 μg/L to 30,000 μg/L in a single day and return to 100 μg/L within a couple of days, depending on seaweed intake [39]. This is somewhat expected when varying amounts and types of seaweeds are consumed on a day-to-day basis."

An analysis of studies of iodine in urine incontrovertibly shows the Japanese have much higher iodine levels than we do in the west, the data in the paper shows at least historically they had a much lower level of many western medical conditions.

It is also clear from the report that a variety of dietary seaweeds are very much part of the Japanese life, and that the seaweeds in food vary in iodine content for a wide variety of reasons.

The full paper is free and the implications are thought provoking, both in terms of recommended western daily recommended intake, and the use of iodine at higher intakes as a medicine to correct historic imbalances.


"Japanese health statistics linked to high seaweed intake

The Japanese are considered one of the world's longest living people, with an extraordinarily low rate of certain types of cancer. A major dietary difference that sets Japan apart from other countries is high iodine intake, with seaweeds the most common source. Here are some astonishing Japanese health statistics, which are possibly related to their high seaweed consumption and iodine intake:

-Japanese average life expectancy (83 years) is five years longer than US average life expectancy (78 years) [41].

-In 1999 the age-adjusted breast cancer mortality rate was three times higher in the US than in Japan [42].

-Ten years after arriving in the US (in 1991), the breast cancer incidence rate of immigrants from Japan increased from 20 per 100,000 to 30 per 100,000 [43].

-In 2002 the age-adjusted rate of prostate cancer in Japan was 12.6 per 100,000, while the US rate was almost ten times as high [44].

-Heart related deaths in men and women aged 35-74 years are much higher in the US (1,415 per 100,000) as they are in Japan (897 per 100,000) [45].

-In 2004, infant deaths were over twice as high in the US (6.8 per 1,000) as they were in Japan (2.8 per 1,000) [46]."


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3204293/


Assessment of Japanese iodine intake based on seaweed consumption in Japan: A literature-based analysis

Abstract

Japanese iodine intake from edible seaweeds is amongst the highest in the world. Predicting the type and amount of seaweed the Japanese consume is difficult due to day-to-day meal variation and dietary differences between generations and regions. In addition, iodine content varies considerably between seaweed species, with cooking and/or processing having an influence on iodine content. Due to all these factors, researchers frequently overestimate, or underestimate, Japanese iodine intake from seaweeds, which results in misleading and potentially dangerous diet and supplementation recommendations for people aiming to achieve the same health benefits seen by the Japanese. By combining information from dietary records, food surveys, urine iodine analysis (both spot and 24-hour samples) and seaweed iodine content, we estimate that the Japanese iodine intake--largely from seaweeds--averages 1,000-3,000 μg/day (1-3 mg/day).

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

There is regular mention in literature on iodine of endemic coastal goitre in areas of high seaweed consumption.

I have finally found a paper, as against mentions of the issue. The paper is titled

ENDEMIC COAST GOITRE IN HOKKAIDO, JAPAN
By
Hoji Suzuki, Tadashi Higuchi, Kunio Sawa,
Sachiya Ohtaki and Yoshihiko Horiuchi.

The full version of the paper includes a photo of a patient with an 'enormous' goitre; this was a real and serious issue. Urinary excretion of over 20mg a day of iodine was seen in five patients. Kelp collection was a local industry, and it formed a significant part of the diet. As discussed kelp often contains large amounts of iodine.

Interestingly when they were taken into hospital and put on a low thyroid diet some patients had a regression of their goitre.

The paper seems to suggest that iodine was actively being taken up by the thyroid, so uptake by the transporters was not the issue.

But 74.5% responded to thyroid treatment - so it looks as if something was blocking the activity of the thyroid; the thought occurred was that too much iodine as is generally suggested or something else . . .

All of which raises some important questions as to high iodine supplementation protocols, especially when reports of negative effects of high intake of iodine are limited in number. Are the negative effects of high iodine under reported or was the goitre in this instance due to to other factors? Does high iodine lead to serious thyroid dysfunction and goitre. These are very fundamental questions.

The answer to this question may lie in the unexamined issue that Hokkaido is an island with active 'volcanic' activity, and it is reported that the fumaroles are a source of both significant fluoride emissions, and fluoride deposits. Were the local water supplies, or supplies / wells / springs of individual patients high in fluorine, whereas in contrast was the hospital on a different supply?

A paper cited earlier in this thread suggests that relatively modest amounts of fouride even in the presence of iodine at 1mg/l in the water can cause fluorosis and goitre.


The Island of Hokkaido is listed as a high fluoride area (viz over 1.5mg/l), in a report called;

Fluoride in groundwater:
Probability of occurrence of excessive concentration on global scale


which cites this paper looking at volcanic fumerole activity on Hokkaido (one the most active regions in Japan) which says interalia


Acid alteration in the fumarolic environment of Usu volcano,
Hokkaido, Japan
F. Africano*, A. Bernard

The fumarolic environment studied is very rich in
fluorine. Whole rock fluorine contents range from 1 to
5 wt%. Aluminum fluorides, which are rare in nature,
are commonly observed in this fumarolic environment.
In the presence of fluorine and in acidic conditions,
the dominant aqueous Al species are fluoride
complexes, even in the presence of significant
amounts of sulfates in solution. Fluorine enrichment
in the altered silicates and in silica incrustations indicates
that fluorine plays an important role in the alteration
of the primary minerals and in the mobilization of
silica into the aqueous phase.

I surmise this could lead to high amounts of fluoride in water, which might be localised. Interestingly I could not find anything on flourosis and Hokkaido. Is or was fluorosis a problem in Hokkaido?

A combination of a diet high in marine products and volcanic activity would suggest a better than average mineral intake. I wonder if high mineral availability is protective against fluorosis.

There is no information about selenium, and apparently kelp whilst containing some selenium is not a good source, but apparently volcanoes are a significant source of selenium

It appears that goitre is not seen in all coastal Japanese communities, which would add further weight to the possibility the high fluoride rather than iodine was responsible for the goitre.

This appears to be a community that ate marine foods, seaweed, was in area that was likely to be well mineralised, probably had adequate selenium intake, and yet there was a high level of goitre. Volcanic areas are often associated with goitre so could fluoride be the cause even in a generally well nourished community. Might there be other possible contributory factors.

Might mercury have had a contributory role in the goitre incidence? Mercury poisoning in cattle in 1955 from seed treated with mercury fungicide. http://ci.nii.ac.jp/naid/110001075913 The goitre paper was written in 1965. Cranes local to Hokkaido were severely mercury contaminated. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17713219Mercury Mercury deposits are found under northeastern Hokkaido.http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/200.../#.UnV7t1N2FPI http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17713219 Mercury contamination of seafood in Japan reported as being at worrying levels.http://www.opsociety.org/issues/mercury-in-seafood Fumaroles may be a source of some mercury. Mercury contamination has been linked with thyroid dysfunction.

All of which raises very many questions, and most worrying of all, is fluoride sufficiently active in certain as yet unquantified circumstances to override even the effects of relatively high intakes of iodine ?

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

More on the debate as to the requirements of humans for iodine; a paper I have just come across by Abraham whose later writing tends to be acerbic. He appears frustrated at the unwillingness of the wider medical establishment to engage with / consider the issue of iodine, and understandably so if he is right. Indeed the evidence increasingly seems to point to a greater need for iodine than is recognised in current dietary guidelines. Deficits will be exacerbated by the increasing impact of iodine blockers. The varied evidence of Japanese intake all points to intakes greater than 1mg a day and probably higher; the health of the Japanese would suggest that such intake levels are not inherently harmful and may confer significant health benefits.

I am aware that the UK advisory body is currently considering the issue of iodine intake.

It is interesting that the paper reports higher thyroid volumes in Ireland and Germany.

It is also interesting that Switzerland apparently adopted a doses of 3mg.

Some of the historical references are fascinating


Effect of daily ingestion of a tablet containing 5 mg iodine and 7.5 mg iodide as the potassium salt, for a period of 3 months, on the results of thyroid function tests and thyroid volume by ultrasonometry in ten euthyroid Caucasian women.

Guy E. Abraham M.D., Jorge D. Flechas M.D., and John C. Hakala R. Ph.

http://cypress.he.net/~bigmacnc/drflechas/IOD1.htm

"Considering the importance of this element for overall well-being, it is most amazing that no study so far has attempted to answer the very important question: What is the optimal amount of daily I intake that will result in the greatest levels of mental and physical well-being in the majority of a population with a minimum of negative effects?"

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

This is a particularity interesting 1955 ! paper where the authors have clearly grappled with the issue of the interaction of flouride and iodine, and as to whether adequate iodine will overcome excess fluoride, when considering thyroid function. They were clearly well ahead of their time.

They starkly conclude that iodine will not negate the inhibiting effects of high fluoride on thyroid function.

They also emphasise the importance of other inhibitors of iodine metabolism.

It is somewhat ironic that this observation was made over 50 years ago.



The Relationship Between Fluoride Exposure & Goitre in South Africa - March 1955

http://fluoridealert.org/studies/steyn-1955/

Abstract - several pages of excerpts from the paper are cited

"Prophylaxis and Treatment of Simple Goitre. – It is generally accepted that man’s physiological requirements of iodine is approximately 2.0 ug. per kilogram per day, i.e. if man daily ingests this amount of iodine there should be no significant enlargement of the thyroid gland. However, recent researches into the problem of thyroid enlargement have revealed to us various interesting and important factors upon which the normal function and size of this gland depend. These factors have been discussed under III and VIII B. It has become obvious that we cannot lay down a single definite figure for man’s daily iodine requirement as it depends upon various factors, e.g. goitrogenic foods, goitrogens in the drinking water, goitrogenic medicines, bacterial infections, and vitamin deficiencies. Fortunately, as a general rule simple goitre, irrespective of the cause, can be very, or fairly, satisfactorily combated by an adequate increase in man’s daily iodine intake, except when the enlargement of the gland is due to the ingestion of excessive amounts of fluorine, as happens in areas where the subterranean waters are heavily contaminated with this halogen. The only correct solution to fluorine-induced endemic goitre is the removal of this element from the drinking water. Also from the point of view of general health this is the correct procedure…"

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

Widespread iodine deficiency in breast milk in the US ?

It is often suggested in material that iodine status in the US is better than the UK; I have not looked for data so have no data to back this up. The above figures from the Avon study would suggest levels of iodine in breast milk are also likely to be low in the UK

Temporal Patterns in Perchlorate, Thiocyanate, and Iodide Excretion in Human Milk

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1817678/

"Breast milk–iodine content is considered sufficient when levels are 150–180 μg/L (Delange 2004). Milk samples provided by most women in our previous study (Kirk et al. 2005) fell far short of this standard. The median iodide level in human milk from 23 donors residing in 15 different states (Kirk et al. 2005) was 33.5 μg/L, and only 4 samples fell within the recommended level. We have therefore been concerned that lactating women in the United States may not be consuming sufficient iodine to meet the needs of their breast-fed infants."

The paper also expresses concerns about the effect of perchlorate on the iodine content of breast milk and the potential effect of perchlorate in breast milk. The paper observes that little is know about the issues.

It appears that perchlorate on a unit weight basis is a comparatively powerful competitive inhibitor of iodine uptake; the effect will depend on the amount taken up - so other blocking factors by be more important if and when present in much greater quantity eg food goitrogens - the effect will also depend on the amount of iodine in the diet; the lower the amount the great susceptibility to competitive blockers - fluoride appears to work by a different blocking mechanism (see above).

"Exposure to perchlorate and other iodide transport inhibitors may increase the risk of iodine deficiency among infants. The sodium–iodide symporter (NIS) is 30-fold more selective for perchlorate than for iodide and is reportedly 9–100 times as potent as thiocyanate in inhibiting iodide uptake (Dohan et al. 2003; Tonacchera et al. 2004). Perchlorate and other iodide transport inhibitors such as thiocyanate thus likely reduce transfer of iodide to breast milk at the mammary NIS."

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

The above paper references this paper, which provides further information on the iodine requirements to preterm babies. Have formulas been updated; I do not know but this abstract highlights the importance of iodine in preterm infants


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16398457

J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2005 Dec;18 Suppl 1:1257-64.
Neonatal iodine deficiency: clinical aspects.
Ares S, Quero J, Morreale de Escobar G.
Source

Neonatology Unit, University Hospital La Paz, Paseo de la Castellana 261, 28046 Madrid, Spain sares.gapm05@salud.madrid.org
Abstract

Iodine is a trace element which is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3), are necessary for adequate growth and development throughout fetal and extrauterine life. The iodine intake of newborns is entirely dependent on the iodine content of breast milk and the formula preparations used to feed them. An inadequate iodine supply might be especially dangerous in the case of premature babies. The minimum recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for different age groups has recently been revised. The iodine intake required is at least 15 microg/kg/day in full-term infants and 30 microg/kg/day in preterms. The iodine content of many evaluated preparations for feeding premature infants appears to be inadequate. Premature infants are now in a situation of iodine deficiency, precisely at a stage of psychomotor and neural development which is extremely sensitive to alterations of thyroid function.

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

Interestingly Dr Flechas reports that patients low in iodine have difficulty perspiring.

Between maybe 19 - 40micrograms per liter (and more in those with high iodine intake can be lost in sweat). The 19 mcg was lost in Irish subjects who are reported as having low iodine.

The second summary below suggests that considerable quantities of microminerals can also be lost in sweat.

The amount of iodine in sweat is fairly stable http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2086989

This reference book is the most comprehensive single source of information on sweating and iodine I have found - pages 569 onwards http://books.google.com/books?id=7v7...ciency&f=false

The first paper showed that very active sports persons were at much higher risk of grade 1 goitre that sedentary students.

So it appears that those low in iodine who take significant exercise are at greater risk of iodine deficiency. A high intake of iodine blockers would add to the problem - viz flouride chloride and perchlorate in the water they use to replenish the sweat loss.




Arch Environ Health. 2001 May-Jun;56(3):271-7.
Electrolyte loss in sweat and iodine deficiency in a hot environment.
Mao IF, Chen ML, Ko YC.
Source

Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Abstract

The authors studied electrolyte loss from profuse sweating in soccer-team players and evaluated the relationship between this source of iodine loss and iodine deficiency. Thirteen male soccer-team players and 100 sedentary students from the same high school were evaluated for 8 d, during which the players were training. The authors analyzed 208 sweat samples to determine losses of iodine, sodium, potassium, and calcium in sweat. Excretion of urinary electrolytes by the subjects was also measured. The mean losses of iodine, sodium, potassium, and calcium in sweat following a 1-hr game were 52 microg, 1,896 mg, 248 mg, and 20 mg, respectively; the ratios of sweat loss to urinary daily loss of the four electrolytes were 0.75, 0.2, 1.88, and 0.92, respectively. Urinary iodine was significantly (p < .02) lower than the normal level of 50 microg/gm creatinine in 38.5% of the soccer players, compared with 2% of the sedentary students. Forty-six percent of the players had Grade I goiter, compared with a mere 1% of the sedentary students (p < .01). The results of the study suggest that loss of iodine through profuse sweating may lead to iodine deficiency, and loss of electrolytes through sweating may have a dietary significance for heat-stressed individuals or for individuals who perform heavy workloads.


Accession Number : AD0447382

http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?verb=get...fier=AD0447382

Title : THE TRACE MINERAL LOSSES IN SWEAT,

Corporate Author : ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH AND NUTRITION LAB DENVER CO

Personal Author(s) : Consolagio, Frank C. ; Nelson, Richard A. ; Matough, Leroy O. ; Hughes, Ronald C. ; Urone, Paul

Report Date : 18 AUG 1964

Pagination or Media Count : 14

Abstract : The results of this study show that considerable quantities of the trace minerals, including zinc, selenium, copper, cobalt, iodine, strontium, molybdenum, nickel, lead and chromium, are excreted in sweat, under conditions that produce profuse sweating. These losses are extremely important since they reflect losses that should be included in balance studies, which would greatly aid in evaluating more realistically the minimal daily requireents. As in previous studies, the excretion of these trace minerals in sweat decreases appreciably during acclimatization to hot environments. (Author)

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

And for all you reggae fans; something to listen to http://tonyvendryes.com/ whilst reading this thread (-:

(It takes a few seconds for the music to start once you the page opens, worth the wait :) )

Bear with the spoken intro the song starts quite quickly (-:

Love the lyrics (-:

I have not looked at the site content, but love this Doctor's approach.



http://tonyvendryes.com/

"Prevention is better than cure you often have been told make wellness your number one goal for health is better than gold"

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

It appears the breast largely keeps fluoride out of breast milk.

Concerns have been raised as to very young infant exposure to fluoride in formula water and foods http://fluoridealert.org/studies/infant02/

This paper looks at the fluoride levels in milk, which were in comparison to levels in fluoridated water were low, (with the exception of the soy milk), which makes their conclusion thought provoking.

FLUORIDE CONTENT OF DAIRY MILK FROM SUPERMARKET
A POSSIBLE CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO DENTAL FLUOROSIS

SUMMARY: Fluoride analyses were carried out on 42 different types and brands of milk obtained from supermarkets. The average fluoride content of dairy milk is 0.030 ppm, with a range of 0.007 to 0.068. Soy milk contains as much as 0.491 ppm fluoride. Infant daily fluoride intake as low as 0.04 mg/kg body weight can result in fluorosis of the permanent dentition. Therefore, in view of the very large variation in milk fluoride content, it is suggested that daily consumption of milk with high fluoride content could be a contributing factor to increased prevalence of dental fluorosis. In view of results of the present study, monitoring of fluoride content in dairy milk available from supermarkets may be necessary.

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

This paper is full of thought provoking material including these two references to the use of iodine for water purification in prison populations.

It makes the point in the introduction that cooking losses of iodine can be significant, which is both of relevance to us in the west and in assessing Japanese iodine intakes.

"The iodine content of raw food is reduced by cooking (WHO, 1996). For example, the iodine loss on boiling or grilling/frying fish was 50-82 and 20% respectively (Harrison et al., 1965)."

It also suggest that absorption of iodine in food may only be 50%.

"22. Inorganic iodine is readily absorbed from the gut, generally as iodide (Nordic Project Group, 1995). However, probably only 50% of iodine present in organic compounds in foods is absorbed (Bender and Bender 1997). Though some absorption occurs in the stomach, the small intestine appears to be the principal site of absorption in both humans and rats (Riggs, 1952, Small et al., 1961)."

I have been looking for but unable to find any papers looking at the effect of thiocyantes / perchlorate / nitrates etc on the iodine importers in the gut (if any)

Logically losses in the gut and in food preparation need to be considered in making any dietary recommendations.

Vegans are reported to be at particular risk of low iodine levels.

"40. It has been reported that vegans and vegetarians can consume inadequate intakes of dietary iodine. A controlled experimental diet (performed in Germany, a classical iodine deficient country until the mid 1990s) used a repeated measure method (Remer et al., 1999). It exposed six adult volunteers to a 5 day dietary intervention in which isoenergetic lactovegetarian and non vegetarian diets were
consumed. The strict vegetarian diet produced both an extremely low iodine intake (<20 μg/d) and urinary output (36.6 (SD 8.8) μg/d). The authors concluded that strict vegetarians are possibly at risk of developing iodine defciency disorders."

The risks associated with low intake could possibly be added to increased thiocyanate intake in basicas by virtue of higher vegetable intake, and increased goitrogens in soy by virtue of a higher intake of soy products

Could the high levels of hypothyroidism in Whickham (UK) Par 65 be maybe due to high fluoride intake from sources unknown - industry or water etc









EXPERT GROUP ON VITAMINS AND MINERALS

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct...56146854,d.d2k


EVM/00/06.REVISEDAUG2002
__________________________________________________ _______________________________33
This paper has been prepared for consideration by the Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals and
does not necessarily represent the final views of the Group.

136.The health and thyroid function of representative subjects of a prison population
(initially 133 euthyroid prisoners though due to discharge this number was
gradually reduced to 70) was assessed before and during usage of iodinated water
for 9 months (Freund et al., 1966). Water containing 1 mg/l iodine induced a
marked decrease in the uptake of radioactive iodine to 7% but protein bound
iodine levels did not change significantly until the iodine concentration was
increased to 5 mg/l for 2 months (following 7 months exposure at the lower
level), resulting in a decrease of radioactive iodine to 2%. Serum thyroxine
concentration did not change regardless of the iodine concentration. No
information on actual intake is provided but it can be assumed that water
consumption would be approximately 2 litres/day. The authors noted that
prisoners continued to receive iodine from the diet including the use of iodised
salt. It was also noted that no effects on thyroid function were found in nonprison
personnel who swam in water iodinated at a level of 5 mg/l. No evidence
of iodine allergy was apparent. Two of fifteen male inmates who had had
consumed water containing 1 mg I/l for at least 3 months, had impaired iodine
organification (as measured by the change in thyroidal 131I concentration
following administration of perchlorate). The clinical significance of this effect is
unclear as individual T4 concentrations remained unchanged throughout the
study i.e. no patients demonstrated iodine-induced hypothyroidism.


137. As a continuation of the study discussed above, iodination of a prison water
supply at a concentration of 0.5 to 0.75 mg/l (estimated intake 1-1.5 mg/day) for
up to15 years did not result in any change to serum thyroxine level (Thomas, et
a., 1978). During the same period, 177 women in the prison gave birth to 181
full term infants without any enlargement of the thyroid being noted in the infants
(Stockton and Thomas, 1978). The mothers of 101 infants had been in prison for
≥122 days, whilst 80 mothers had been incarcerated for < 118 days (10-118).
However, the symptoms of 4 women who were hyperthyroid before entering,
worsened.

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

Thyroid peroxidase activity as toxicity target for fluoride in patients with thyroid dysfunction

https://www.google.com/search?q=flou...icial&start=20 (free full paper PDF)

Swati Singla and Shashi A*
Department of Zoology, Punjabi University, Patiala- 147002, Punjab, India
* Corresponding author: Shashi Aggarwal, email: shashiuniindia@yahoo.co.in


ABSTRACT
The present study aimed to assess the effects of drinking water fluoride (F) on the activity of thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme involved in thyroid hormone synthesis. 840 fluorotic patients affected with thyroid hypo and
hyper function and 140 euthyroid without fluorosis representing control were randomly selected from high endemic fluoride areas of Bathinda district, Punjab, India. The findings indicate significant (P<0.001) increase in the levels of serum F, urinary F and Urinary iodine (I) in fluorotic patients affected with thyroid disease.
Significant (P<0.001) inhibition was recorded in activity of TPO in fluorotic patients with thyroid hypofunction and the activity was elevated in hyperthyroid fluorotic patients. Pearson’s bivariate correlation revealed strong positive correlation between water F and serum F (r= 0.98, P<0.01). Negative correlation existed between serum F vs TPO (r= -0.93, P<0.003), urinary I vs TPO (r = -0.95, P<0.002) and serum TSH vs TPO (r = -0.8876, P<0.001). The activity of TPO showed positive correlation with T3 (r = 0.963, P<0.01) as well as with T4 (r = 0.965, P<0.001). From the present study it may be concluded that the ingestion of drinking water with high concentration of fluoride leads to stress of the mechanism of biosynthesis of thyroid hormones, as evidenced by depletion in the activity of TPO, which may be produced by the attraction of fluoride with oxidized form of iodide and/or with the iodide site on the TPO molecule. This tends to decrease in concentration of T3, T4 and increase production of TSH in the serum.

INTRODUCTION
Over the past decade there has been an increasing focus
on the effects of hazardous chemicals on human
endocrine systems. Exposure to specific environmental
toxins has been shown to interfere with the production,
transportation and metabolism of thyroid hormones
(TH) by a variety of mechanisms or in modifying the
metabolism of thyroid hormones. Environmental
endocrine disruptors are exogenous substances that
can interfere with TH synthesis, deiodinase function in
peripheral tissues, proteins in the blood, and the
agonistic or antagonistic actions of certain chemicals on
target tissue receptors [1]. Fluorine containing
compound have been listed among the most significant
endotoxins that appear in natural environment as after
effects of industrial activity of humans. The high cell
membrane penetrating power, bioaccumulation, and
biodegradable property of fluoride cause it to have a
major impact on ecotoxicology [2].

The U.S National Research Council [3] states fluoride is
an endocrine disruptor and has the potential to disrupt
the function of many tissues that require iodine. Studies
that have examined human populations with adequate
intake of iodine have reported mixed results about
fluoride’s ability to produce goiter [4]. The research has
been more consistent, however, where the examined
populations had either excessive iodine intakes [5], or
deficient iodine intakes [6]. Thyroid disruptors can
affect thyroid physiology in many phases of thyroid
regulation. The complex system of iodine uptake,
thyroid hormone production, interconversion of
thyroid hormones and hormone degradation and
elimination can be directly altered by thyroid
disruptors [7].


And in the body of the text

Fluoride had significant effect on TPO activity, and
decreases T3 and T4 levels and increases TSH. This
disruption of TPO activity could be a sensitive TH end
point for various concentrations of water fluoride.
Several chlorinated POPs disrupt the TH axis, including
polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo-pdioxins,
and dibenzofurans [25,26]. In animal studies,
Boas et al. [27] reported that fluorinated compounds
such as PFOS and PFOA also inhibited TPO activity in
the rats, with reductions in T4 and T3.

PFOS http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfluo...esulfonic_acid

PFOA http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfluorooctanoic_acid

and there is a great table showing urine and serum fluorine levels for various intakes of fluorine ; they rise "significantly" as does iodine excretion !

The increase level of urinary iodine with increasing fluoride intake is striking. They do not record the iodine intakes, but this raises some interesting questions as to why more iodine is being excreted in those with a high fluoride intake - if intakes of iodine are already low would this be a double high fluoride intake whammy?

Should all thyroid function assessments also look at flouride levels ? I have no idea to what extent the issue is on the wider public health adgenda. This is the NHS UK information of fluoride that I found http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Fluorid...roduction.aspx makes no mention of flouride and potential impact on thyroid function on this page.

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

This is the paper I mention above.

It is fascinating because it suggests that calcium in the diet through milk can mitigate the effect of fluorine intake, it is presumed by reducing the uptake of fluorine by the gut.

Further those that drank from well where the water was higher in calcium also appear protected, even though they had relatively high intakes of fluorine. Those that had higher fluoride plus low calcium saw a high incidence of dental fluorosis.

There is no information on selenium zinc magnesium iron etc.

Seaweed is apparently in relative terms very high in calcium; might calcium in seaweed explain why there is no widespread suggestion that fluorosis was an problem in Hokkaido. Would this also explain why fish such as sardines are not associated with fluorosis or thyroid issues, because the bones which are high in fluoride are also high in calcium.

Apparently other studies has suggested vitamin D may also be a factor in fluorosis.

The paper states it was unable to show a direct association between fluoride intake and the occurrence of fluorosis.

Poor absorption of fluoride may explain why its effects are limited in other high fluoride areas.

All of which suggests it is important in fluoride studies to look at urinary fluoride, (so uptake as well as intake is known) and it would also be informative if iodine in the diet and in urine was measured too (to help tease out the roots of hyperthyroidism).

So as usual in human biology it appears that mechanisms are multifaceted and widely interconnected.





Groundwater quality and its health impact: An assessment of dental fluorosis in rural inhabitants of the Main Ethiopian Rift
Tewodros Rango a,⁎, Julia Kravchenko b, Behailu Atlaw c, Peter G. McCornick d, Marc Jeuland e, Brittany Merola a, Avner Vengosh a

PDF full version

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...TKiKToDzS3Lm2Q




PS. I have spent quite a while searching for papers on the displacement in the body of iodine by fluorine in T3 and T4 without much success so far. It does appear at least the first step can be created in the lab.

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

This paper adds to the evidence that fluoride is actively prevented from incorporation in breast milk.


Eur J Clin Nutr. 1991 Jan;45(1):37-41.
Intake of fluoride and excretion in mothers' milk in a high fluoride (9 ppm) area in Kenya.
Opinya GN, Bwibo N, Valderhaug J, Birkeland JM, Lökken P.
Source

Department of Dental Surgery, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Abstract

In 27 nursing mothers a study was made on breast milk fluoride (F) levels and the 24-h intake of F through foods and beverages. The daily F intake averaged 22.1 mg (range 9.5-37.2 mg); cooked food contributed 11.7 mg, water 4.5 mg and tea 5.8 mg. The breast milk F concentration averaged 0.033 mg/l (range 0.011-0.073 mg/l). No significant correlation could be established between the milk F level and the intake of F. The milk F level was, however, correlated positively to mothers' age and negatively to mothers' weight. It is concluded that the milk fluoride level was only moderately increased by the high intake of F, and that the children's intake of F through mothers' milk was negligible compared to the very high F intake through complementary foods and beverages.

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

This is a very useful slide presentation which I found today that contains lots of thought provoking information by Abraham, Brownstein, Eskin, Flechas and Shevin

http://www.slideshare.net/MedicineAndHealth14/iodine

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

Back to the issue of calcium; and if calcium inhibits fluoride absorption it must follow that fluoride inhibits calcium absorption . . .

In nature calcium fluoride is apparently a common source of fluorides, and it is likely the association of the two that prevents absorption http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium_fluoride

Metabolism. 1978 Aug;27(8):971-4.
Effect of concurrent calcium ingestion on intestinal absorption of fluoride.
Jowsey J, Riggs BL.
Abstract

It has been suggested that calcium interferes with absorption of fluoride and that it diminishes the effect this ion has of increasing the bone mass when taken orally. Normal volunteers were given a combination of fluoride and calcium carbonate or fluoride alone, and serum levels of fluoride were measured to determine the effect, if any, of the concomitant administration of calcium on absorption of fluoride.The results indicate that 1.3 g of calcium, as the carbonate, decreases the integrated blood fluoride values by 22%.

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

Effect of Sodium Fluoride on Calcium Absorption and Balances in Man1,2

HERTA SPENCER, M.D., Chief3,
ISAAC LEWIN, M.D., Associate Chief4,
JOSEPHINE FOWLER, M.S., Research Dietitian5, and
JOSEPH SAMACHSON, PH.D., Chief Chemist6


The crunch

(47Ca = radioactive calcium so it can be traced)

http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/22/4/381.abstract


3) In the majority of patients the plasma levels of 47Ca were lower during the intake of sodium fluoride than in the control studies indicating decreased absorption of 47Ca. The average decrease of the 47Ca plasma levels was 30% and the average decrease in 47Ca absorption, determined from fecal 47Ca excretions, was 23%.

which from the conclusion is not what they were anticipating . . .

4) These studies have shown that the intestinal absorption of calcium and the calcium balances did not improve during an intake of 20.6 mg sodium fluoride/day given for 22-42 days.

somewhat of an understatement :(

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

It appears that fluoride may also inhibit magnesium uptake and re-uptake, and that conversely magnesium may inhibit fluoride uptake. The first abstract points out the importance of magnesium, the rising fluoride intake and falling magnesium intake and discusses possible implications.

http://www.mgwater.com/fl2.shtml

FLUORIDE-MAGNESIUM INTERACTION (Guest Editorial)
by A Machoy-Mokrzynska (Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pomeranian Medical Academy, Szczecin, Poland)
Fluoride (J. of the International Society for Fluoride Research), Vol. 28 No. 4; November, 1995, pp 175-177

In summary, it can be stated that in intoxication with fluorine compounds, magnesium plays a protective role by countering and reducing the toxic effects of F-.


http://jn.nutrition.org/content/117/3/496.long

Influence of Dietary Magnesium on Fluoride
Bioavailability in the Rat1'2
FLORIAN L. CERKLEWSKl
Department of Foods and Nutrition, College of Home Economics, Oregon State University,
Corvallis, OR 97331

Enhancement of fluoride bioavailability
in rats fed diets containing low magnesium,
and depressed fluoride bioavailability in rats fed diets
containing high levels of magnesium, can be explained
by the ability of magnesium to form an insoluble com
plex with fluoride in the intestinal tract.

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

From this study it appears that zinc are iron are unlikely to inhibit fluoride uptake or visa versa, but as discussed both have wider roles in the body and thyroid.

Influence of Zinc and Iron on Dietary Fluoride
Utilization in the Rat1
FLORIAN L. CERKLEWSKI ANDJAMES W.
RIDLINGTON
Department of Foods and Nutrition, College of Home
Economics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331

Our studies were specifically designed to provide concepts about the effects of dietary trace element supplementation practices on dietary fluoride bioavailability especially in terms of fluoride originating from foods prepared in fluoridated water. Our results suggest that either iron or zinc can be added to foods to improve nutritional value without com promising the availability of food fluoride

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo
 

This British Fluoridation Society looked at the impact of trace minerals on fluoride in water and their interaction in the water itself but NOT in the body.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...56643336,d.d2k

They concluded page 4 in their "independent expert review of the chemistry and uptake (bio-availability) of fluoride in drinking water" ) "that the effect of calcium magnesium and sodium - on the chemical reaction and hence uptake of fluoride - is small" page 17

The observation that little reaction occurred in water between fluorine and minerals is interesting, because it tells us that the majority of the interaction of minerals and fluoride referred to in papers in the posts above were as a result of complex interactions in the body and or gut biome, rather than within the water itself.

But there is something rather depressing in the fact that what appears to be an important official report, fails to examine the core issues, viz metabolism in the human body, and yet draws a wide conclusion; a presumption that the mineral content of water has no effect of the uptake of fluoride in humans.

The failure to consider uptake of fluoride as affected by other minerals by reference to human metabolism must logically add uncertainty as to examinations by region in support of the claimed benefits for fluoridation, and levels of fluoride water supplementation ultimately selected, because the reality is human absorption of fluoride will depend on the wider mineralisation of the water at least to some extent.

There has also been no consideration of the lifetime impact of fluoride on mineral availability and uptake in humans from water in a world where mineral intakes in humans and livestock are dropping due to falling levels of minerals in food.

Re: Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluo