Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluorine

[R.B.]

And something I had not checked before - does fluoride cross the placenta - yes - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2182701 - which has scary potential implications.

The implications would be greater in those who are at risk of iodine deficiency and insufficiency in pregnancy.

Might it affect fetal brain development either directly or by inhibition of thyroid function and so iodine metabolism - Fluoride Alert saved me the trouble of looking for data - based on fetal autopsies high fluoride intake is associated with serious developmental abnormalities .

Some abstracts from the link below which is well worth a visit - truly an I want to scream moment - if mitochondria do not work everything is affected.

This data was of course related to high flouride intake, but as already discussed the uptake of flouride is altered by many factors including the form in which it is ingested, wider mineral uptake and availability, so the questions as to whether those who have intakes from water, food, drugs, excessive toothpaste, low mineral and iodine intake and other risks that may be additive are at higher risk of non optimal fetal development is as yet unanswered.



http://fluoridealert.org/studies/brain05/



The human placenta does not prevent the passage of fluoride from a pregnant mother’s bloodstream to the fetus. As a result, a fetus can be harmed by fluoride ingested pregnancy. Based on research from China, the fetal brain is one of the organs susceptible to fluoride poisoning.

As highlighted by the excerpts below, three Chinese studies have investigated fluoride’s effect on the fetal brain and each has found evidence of significant neurological damage, including neuronal degeneration and reduced levels of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine. As noted by Yu (1996), “when norepinephrine levels drop the ability to maintain an appropriate state of activation in the central nervous system is weakened.” Studies of fluoride-treated animals have reported similar effects, including lower levels of norepinephrine. (Kaur 2009; Li 1994).

The following study involves the same fetal tissue that was examined in the Yu (1996) and Dong (1993) studies. Rather than investigating fluoride’s effect on the brain, however, this study examined fluoride’s effect on the ultrastructure of cells in several tissues in the body, including from the thyroid gland. As can be seen in the following description, the fetuses from the fluoride-exposed women were experiencing a systemic toxic effect.

Conclusions: Fluoride damage to cell structures was multifaceted. Cell membranes, mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and nuclear membranes could all be damaged at the time of fluorosis.”


another study said

These changes indicate that fluoride can retard the growth and division of cells in the cerebral cortex. Fewer mitochondria, microtubules, and vesicles within the synapses could lead to fewer connections between neurons and abnormal synaptic function, influencing the intellectual development after birth. These questions await further research.”
SOURCE: Han H, et al. (1989). Effects of fluorine on the human fetus. Chinese Journal of Control of Endemic Diseases 4:136-138. [See study]

[R.B.]

Does the placenta reduce the passage of fluoride to the baby? It might this paper asked that question and observed lower fluoride concentrations of the fetus side of the placenta to the maternal side.

Could western diet alter placental function, permeability etc; I would be surprised if it did not.

So as ever things are rarely simple.

http://njirm.pbworks.com/f/3Role+of+...t+flurosis.pdf

[R.B.]

Nitrates in water and thyroid function. There are several papers suggesting that nitrate pollution of well water may affect thyroid function. This is the biggest effect I have seen. I do not have access to the full paper but the potential implications are depressing.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17447577

Arch Environ Occup Health. 2005 Nov-Dec;60(6):317-9.
Iodine status of children living in areas with high nitrate levels in water.
Gatseva PD1, Argirova MD.
Author information
Abstract

Several researchers have suggested a possible relationship between nitrate intake and the development of goiter in children. The present cross-sectional study included schoolchildren between the ages of 11 and 14 years from 2 villages in Bulgaria with high and low nitrate levels in drinking water. The comparison between the median urinary iodine levels of the total number of exposed (179.0 microg/l) and nonexposed (202.50 microg/l) children showed statistically significant differences. The relative risk for the children exposed to high nitrate levels in drinking water, expressed as the odds ratio, was 8.145 (95% confidence interval = 1.67-39.67). The authors considered this to be very significant. They found a statistically significant difference for the prevalence of goiter among the exposed and nonexposed children. The results of the study confirmed the role of high nitrate levels in drinking water as a health risk factor for thyroid dysfunction.

[sdstarfish]

Sea vegetables are great for this. (If someone already mentioned this, I'm sorry. I looked back and didn't see it mentioned). There are so many varieties available that have different flavors - but if you want to start with something on the milder side, try arame. You can sprinkle it on salads, for starters. Also, you can make snack chips out of nori.

[R.B.]

If anybody is in the UK and interested I am speaking at a Royal Society of Medicine food section conference on hidden nutritional deficiencies in my new role as recently appointed Chair of the McCarrison Society, which is a venerable society with its own widely recognized Journal 'Nutrition and Health'.

The Society has a long illustrious history, but is in need of a bit of revamping including a new web site.

I will be looking in whistle-stop fashion at deficiencies in nutrients particularly Iodine, Vitamin D, minerals, and imbalances in Omega 3 and 6 set within the context of the shoreline diet which arguably provided the conditions for out existence.

I am hoping to make the McCarrison Society a forum to bring together the Food Agricultural and Health sectors to the same table, which they never are, to try and bring focus on deficiencies such as Vitamin D, Iodine and secure the implementation of strategies to address them.

This is the link to the conference.

http://www.rsm.ac.uk/events/fhf01

[AlaskaAngel]

RB,

Thank you for all the time and effort you make to keep us up to date on the information available, and for your expertise in coordinating the possibility for interaction and discussion at such a level as this conference.

I do hope someone from this site will attend. Thanks for providing early notice here to make that possible.

AlaskaAngel

[R.B.]

GREAT to see the forum back Very many thanks to all those involved in putting this invaluable resource back on the road.

FREE STUDENT PLACES (UK accredited conference at the Royal Society of Medicine - food section)

There are a small number of free student (medical nutrition related) places at the above, but the offer closes tomorrow apparently. If interested please Pmail me

Availability depends on demand but I will be delighted to pass the application on.

The spaces have now gone - sorry about the previous typos - did not see them at the time

[R.B.]

How time flies!

Just found this looking for something else.

This is an excellent paper on iodine selenium and breast cancer, which emphasizes the interconnected nature of selenium and iodine and need for adequate amounts of both.

It also considers the relevance of fibrocystic breast disease, and the relevance of iodine thereto.

It also links in thyroid function.

It also recognizes that iodine is transported by other mechanisms than thyroxine including attachment to fats.

It was written in 2000 and emphasizes the need for more research which is still required in 2016.

It is available in full for free as a PDF.

Hypothesis: Iodine, selenium and the development of breast cancer

http://www.iodineresearch.com/files/...ast_cancer.pdf

An abstract

"High-grade fibrocystic disease (i.e., ductal or lobular
hyperplasia, but especially atypical hyperplasia) is gen-
erally believed to be a precursor to ductal carcinoma
in situ (DCIS) and subsequent invasive/metastatic car-
cinoma. Other symptoms of benign breast disease,
including cyclical mastalgia [12] and apocrine cysts
[13], have also been associated with an increased breast
cancer risk. In the USA it has been estimated that 50±
90% of women experience Fibrocystic disease during
their lifetime [14, 15]; a rate so high that some have
suggested that this condition should no longer be
classiÆed as a disease [14, 15]. However, downgrading
the disease status simply due to prevalence estimations is
questionable when this condition, in populations at low
risk for breast cancer, is so much less common [16].
Gravelle et al. [17] found that healthy British women
had signiÆcantly less low-risk (low-density) and a
greater proportion of high-risk (high-density) breast
parenchymal patterns than Japanese women. Further-
more, immigration studies suggest that these breast
parenchymal patterns may be inØuenced by nongenetic
factors. For example, Sasamo et al . [18] found that the
prevalence of breast epithelial hyperplasia was similar
between Japanese women (18.4%) and Japanese issei
Hawaiians (immigrant generation) (14.5%), but signif-
icantly lower than nisei Hawaiians (second generation)
(51.4%)."

[R.B.]

An old but thought provoking paper suggesting possibly that thyroid dysbiosis is a risk in breast cancer. The author makes the point that the number are small etc, but it is nonetheless thought provoking including the observation that apparently breast cancer was rare in those that were hyperthyroid.

Hypothyroidism is linked with a greater risk of breast cancer.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...03628-0022.pdf

[MayuSwang]

well, does anybody know that iodine allergy exists? I didn't..till I found I have it.
The iodine does not induce an allergic reaction, but getting inside the body or on the skin, a microelement enters into a special reaction, which produces a foreign protein to the organism, and the existence of this element causes the development of allergic symptoms.
http://stopallergyguide.com/iodine-allergy/ and now I don't know how to compensate for the iodine deficiency.

[R.B.]

This link http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/iodine/
states,

"Iodine allergy

The term ‘iodine allergy’ is commonly used, but is actually a misnomer. Iodine is a trace element present throughout the body, and is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. It is not possible to have a true allergy to elemental iodine.

‘Iodine allergy’ usually refers to an allergic-type reaction to iodinated radiological contrast media or, less commonly, an allergic contact reaction to povidone-iodine (Betadine™) antiseptics."

which would make more sense to me than the link in the post above namely http://stopallergyguide.com/iodine-allergy/ It looks as if people are conflating reaction to medications, sea food etc, with the elemental iodine/iodide; they are not the same thing.



If anybody comes across a reaction to iodine so Lugols or similar can they please post the information.

Of course it is important to seek medical advice when looking at iodine intakes and always be sensible and mindful in all aspect of diet and supplementation.

[R.B.]

An informative review on iodine and cancer.

"There is substantial evidence that iodine deficiency is a modifiable risk factor in cancers of the stomach and breast."

- See more at: http://www.naturalmedicinejournal.co....nSs0Wc0v.dpuf

"Abstract

Iodine is an essential element in human physiology. Its role in thyroid function is well known and heavily weighted in the literature. Its putative role as an anticarcinogenic agent is just beginning to be widely appreciated. The molecular effects of iodine as well as ongoing epidemiological evidence points to its probable role in prevention of cancers through its antioxidant, antiinflammatory, prodifferentiating, and proapoptotic effects. This is particularly evident with stomach and breast cancers but may be relevant for many other cancers that have yet to be substantially studied."

"Epidemiological evidence also suggests that thyroid disorders, particularly goiter, may be associated with breast cancer incidence and/or mortality.5–8 Other cancers associated with goitrogenic state include prostate cancer, endometrial, ovarian, colorectal, and thyroid cancer. It is not clear whether these associations are due to an underlying hypothyroid state, the presence of occult autoimmune processes, or iodine deficiency itself."

[R.B.]

Found whilst looking for something else - in this instance iodine in Japanese breast milk - as is often the case.

As often the case with issues where there is no significant financial incentive because you cannot patent something, on this occasion iodine, and it is cheap, more research is required.

The paper is not too 'technical'. I abstract bits below to give a flavor of the review.

Free Full paper
http://jeffreydachmd.com/wp-content/...ntrol-2000.pdf

"In this paper we have focused on deficient iodine and
selenium intake as risk factors for breast cancer;
however, these elements have also been implicated in
the development of other hormone-dependent diseases,
such as ovarian [5, 97], uterine [5, 97, 98] and prostatic
carcinoma [99, 100]. In view of the complementary
nature of these two nutrients, a re-evaluation of optimal
iodine and selenium intake may be required. In-depth
studies, examining a combined role for these elements in
the prevention and treatment of cancer and other
degenerative diseases, would be a step in the right
direction"

"In estradiol-treated rats, iodine deficency has been
shown to lead to pathological changes similar to those
seen in benign breast disease ± cystic changes, per-
iductal fibrosis and lobular hyperplasia [19, 20].
Conversely, dietary iodine reintroduction has been
shown to reverse these pathological changes [20].
Thus, iodine deficiency appears to enhance mammary-
tissue sensitivity to estrogen."

"As with prevention, a role for iodine in the treatment
of breast cancer awaits further study. Traditional
eastern Asian medicine has long used iodine-rich sea-
weeds as a cancer treatment to ``soften'' tumors and
``reduce'' nodulation [30, 31]. Recent work with animal
systems seems to support an antitumor e€ect for iodine"

[R.B.]

A perspective from medically qualified 'nutritonalist' (more qualifications than I have) that is put in plain terms. I have not checked his CV, and would take a more nuanced perspective on the RDA. Also the ideal dose he proposes is open to question, but Japanese intakes are higher than those in the west. As above the fluoride debate is heated and complex. Excess oxidative stress is a magor issue and certainly it happens in different time scales that reflect cellular function and 'purpose', but from a quick skim I have reservations about the direction of what is proposed, and my comments and posting of this post, is very much restricted to the iodine page, as I do not have the time to read all the site, comment on it etc.

Sadly space for debate is needed as much about iodine remains to be researched and quantified.

The web page is none the less a succinct and useful summary of issues to consider and research, ideally at the same time as talking to your doctor.


IODINE, A CRITICAL NUTRIENT

http://www.drlwilson.com/ARTICLES/IODINE.htm

by Dr. Lawrence Wilson

"One of the most important and overlooked minerals today is iodine. Iodine is needed in the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. However, iodine is also required for every tissue of the body!

It is called the endocrine mineral because it is important not only for the thyroid gland, but also for the adrenal glands, ovaries, breasts, prostate gland, and the entire hormone system of the body. "

[Romancelfot]

Is Iodine closely related with hyperthyriodism?

[R.B.]

Is Iodine closely related with hyperthyriodism?

This is an enormously complex question because the body is complex and we are all unique.

I can only suggest you google including google scholar the issue and read round it generally.

There is a diversity of views as to causes and optimal treatment.

No idea how accurate this Dr Mercola interview video is, but it illustrates there is a wide diversity of treatment views, and includes observations on use of iodine in treatment of fibrocystic breast disease.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...&v=Uq37Xpp5czg

but this paper indicates it may be worth wider reading

https://thyroidresearchjournal.biome.../1756-6614-6-3

Clearly those who have or suspect they have these conditions should seek medical advice

[R.B.]

I was recently in Valais, a very beautiful alpine area of Switzerland, (sadly just for a couple of days), and in a random conversation it was suggested that women in the area were worried by what appeared to them to be a greater number of breast cancer cases in the area than might be expected. They were puzzling as to possible factors that impacted them that could potentially be implicated including localized water supplies. I recalled from general reading the Alpine Switzerland was an area at risk of low iodine intake and goiter. Historically Valais was a region known for being at high risk of goiter, and so like other iodine deficiency risk areas historically exhibited the impacts of severe iodine deficiency including cretinism. Supplementation of salt and wider food intake and distribution has alleviated the risk of severe iodine insufficiency, but arguably the risks of mild insufficiency remain relevant.

Iodine insufficiency, as identified in this thread, is arguably a risk factor for occurrence and progression of breast cancer.

“The regular monitoring of urinary iodine excretion of Swiss population groups revealed a decrease in the iodine supply in children and pregnant women between 2004 and 2009 [9].” (See below for reference *)

Iodine intake has been a long-term concern in some European countries including Switzerland, and steps have been taken by Governments to reduce iodine insufficiency, but despite this there are indications (e.g. above) that levels in children and women are again falling in recent years. Large numbers of people are insufficient in many other countries as well, including the UK where there is no national iodisation program.

A report Iodine supply in Switzerland: Current Status and Recommendations, was prepared in 2012 for the Federal Commission for Nutrition https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...5flcQ0Sxir53sk

Those who eat no dairy, marine fish, or bread (where made with iodised salt), and avoid salt (so reduce iodised salt intake) and or use other salts e.g. sea salt, are at particular risk of insufficiency. Those who use organic dairy products (as against non-organic) are at greater risk or low iodine/iodide.

To add to the complications it appears iodine and iodide are not metabolized in exactly the same way. As discussed previously, only iodine was shown to potentially ameliorate mastagla, and interestingly the breast has specific iodine import mechanisms. I do not think it is known exactly in what forms and proportions iodide/iodine is found in dairy products. Clearly iodised salt and products made with iodised salt, only contains iodide. Clearly much research is still needed so these issues and their implications, including for national supplementation strategies, are better understood.

Reasons for falling intakes:

• The main dietary sources of iodine are

• Dairy (organic milk has lower amounts)
• Fish (marine - fresh water fish contain little iodine)
• Iodised salt
• Flour if fortified or iodised salt added
• Eggs (depending on diet of hens)

• Areas of Switzerland are know to be at higher risk of goitre due to lower soil so food levels due to greater water flows through soils. Risks are likely higher in mountain areas.
• Local dairies are still common, and iodine status in the cattle will depend pasture content, on feed used, and if the milk is organic (so different feed type).
• Alpine pastures / soils are logically at greater risk of containing low iodine.
• Globally greater numbers avoid dairy foods
• Fish intake is likely lower in inland areas.
• Salt intake is falling due to health concerns
• Specialty salts such sea salt are generally not iodised
• Iodine can sublime out of iodised salt in storage
• It is not clear if flour is fortified and if so how widespread the usage of it is, and or to what extent iodized salt is always used in the small local bakeries which still exist and are widely supported.


In addition effects of insufficiency would be compounded where milk was included in the diet but itself contained goitrogenic products derived form plants in feeds or pastures (see below in upcoming following post)

Relevance of dairy products inducing the difference in iodine content between organic and non-organic milk

Dairy products as essential sources of iodine in the Swiss population
https://www.ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz...eet%20MIOD.pdf

"Iodine deficiency is estimated by the WHO to be the leading cause of preventable mental retardation worldwide. National surveys have shown sufficient iodine intake in school aged children and pregnant women in Switzerland but other groups, such as weaning infants and women of reproductive age, have low intakes. Along with iodized salt, milk and dairy products are supplying more than half of the iodine intakes in Switzerland."

Iodine in Swiss milk depending on production (conventional versus organic) and on processing (raw versus UHT) and the contribution of milk to the human iodine supply*

Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology Volume 46, March 2018, Pages 138-143
https://www.sciencedirect.com/scienc...46672X17305308

“A total of 110 samples of conventional and organic ultra-heat treated (UHT) whole milk were collected in the period between 1 May 2013 and 30 April 2014 from two large-scale companies, processing milk from two regions in Switzerland. The iodine concentration in organic milk (average 71 ± 25 μg/l) was significantly lower than in conventional milk (average 111 ± 26 μg/l) and varied between suppliers. Milk iodine concentration varied according to the month of collection in organic and conventionally produced milk, with lowest values between August and October (organic milk 42 μg/l; conventional milk 75 μg/l) and highest values in January (organic milk 99 μg/l; conventional milk 145 μg/l). Heat treatment did not influence iodine concentration. Since milk and dairy products are significant source of food-related iodine intake in Switzerland, consumers who prefer organic milk and dairy products are likely to have an inferior iodine status.”

“Iodine is an essential element for thyroid hormone production. A too low dietary iodine offer may create a thyroid hormone deficit with deficiency symptoms including cretinism, brain damage, irreversible mental retardation, deaf-mutism, and goitre. Iodine deficiency, with its various mental and physical consequences is part of the history of most European countries, especially in alpine regions of Austria, France, Italy, and Switzerland [1]. These regions are characterized by iodine deficient soils, where iodine has been washed away by glaciation [2].”

“The regular monitoring of urinary iodine excretion of Swiss population groups revealed a decrease in the iodine supply in children and pregnant women between 2004 and 2009 [9].”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29508687
The main determinants of iodine in cows' milk in Switzerland are farm type, season and teat dipping.
Br J Nutr. 2018 Mar;119(5):559-569. doi: 10.1017/S0007114517003798.


Levels of iodine in dairy products are as a generality higher in the UK than Switzerland and other European countries but the issues are the same. (despite this iodine insufficiency in the UK is widespread)(The UK has no national salt fortification strategy - see earlier posts)


Iodine concentration of organic and conventional milk: Implications for iodine intake.
July 2011The British journal of nutrition 107(7):935-40 https://www.researchgate.net/publica..._iodine_intake

“Organic milk was 42·1 % lower in iodine content than conventional milk (median iodine concentration 144·5 v. 249·5 ng/g; P < 0·001). There was no difference in the iodine concentration of either conventional or organic milk by area of purchase. However, a difference was seen in iodine concentration of organic milk by region of origin (P < 0·001). The lower iodine concentration of organic milk has public-health implications, particularly in view of emerging evidence of iodine deficiency in UK population sub-groups, including pregnant women. Individuals who choose organic milk should be aware that their iodine intake may be compromised and should ensure adequate iodine intake from alternative sources.”


(For 'nerds' - interesting data from the 1920s on cancer and goiter rates with a focus on Switzerland in a paper called Cancer and Goiter possibly suggesting some associations - cancer prevalence trends have clearly changed - https://www.jstor.org/stable/2331713...o_tab_contents - just posted as of general interest and old data can be hard to find)

[R.B.]

Wisdom and hard won lessons of our fore-bearers

It is important not to lose sight of historic hard won wisdom. Where diseases are not now commonly seen, we loose sight of their impact, the fundamental importance of the steps that were taken to reduce them, and the positive consequences of preventative health strategies for individuals families and at national level.

This abstract is a reminder of the fundamental relevance of the need for iodine everywhere but particularity in low iodine areas including in Switzerland.

Evaluating the Efficiency of Iodization Programs

Amar K. Chandra, in Comprehensive Handbook of Iodine, 2009
Impact of iodized salt in Switzerland (1920–1934)

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics...cine/cretinism

The prevalence of goiter and cretinism was high throughout Switzerland because it is in the elevated region of the European Alps. In 1923, the Canton of Berne with a population of about 700000 had to hospitalize 700 cretins who were incapable of self-care. However, following the introduction of iodized salt, the prevalence of goiter fell sharply. Later, deaf and dumb institutions were closed and diverted to other institutions. A great decline in goiter was also seen among schoolchildren in the Canton of Valais, where the problem was very severe (Table 79.2).

Iodine deficiency diseases in Switzerland one hundred years after Theodor Kocher's survey: a historical review with some new goitre prevalence data.
Bürgi H1, Supersaxo Z, Selz B.
Author information
Abstract

In certain regions of Switzerland, before prophylaxis, 0.5% of the inhabitants were cretins, almost 100% of schoolchildren had large goitres and up to 30% of young men were unfit for military service owing to a large goitre. Iodization of salt was introduced in 1922 at 3.75 mg I per kg and the iodine content was doubled twice, in 1962 and 1980, to the present 15 mg I per kg.


An 1850s viewpoint on the impact of severe iodine deficiency - whilst of its time, and unacceptable in a modern world, is a powerful reminder of the severe potential consequences of major iodine deficiency related conditions, the subtext carrying a sense of fear incomprehension outrage and indignation that human lives and futures could be changed so much for want of small amounts of a simple nutrient. Is it possible the language was intended to shock to bring attention to the issue?


Iodine Deficiency in the Alps, 1800s

Source: The National Magazine, Vol XI, 1857

"Recollections of Switzerland"


http://iodinehistory.blogspot.com/20...lps-1800s.html

"To the mournfulness of nature may be added that which is inspired at the sight of the inhabitants. What are these deformed dwarfs with a doltish look, a stupid form, abortive efforts at humanity, that creep rather than walk, that make inarticulate sounds in their throats in place of words, whose laugh is a grimace, and whose smile freezes you, that stop you as mendicants, and whose contact with you causes an involuntary horror, as if you were seized by a phantom in the nightmare. Yet they appear inoffensive, and whatever may be the hideous complication that in them attains to perfect ugliness, an ugliness so monstrous that it would disgrace a beast, yet I know not whether it is their early degradation or a kindly decay that extinguishes upon their features even the appearance of malice and all of the passions. What are these objects of fear or of derision? They are idiots! (cretins.)"

"the fathers of these poor idiots were a simple people and pious Christians, who came to find pasturage for their herds in these secluded valleys, who passed their lives in prayer, and through lack of bread lived upon milk; who, through lack of wine, cooled their thirst with the clear water of the rivulets. But this water, against which no instinct could guard them, tends to produce that most terrible of all maladies, the goiter, which becomes hereditary and acquires the fullest development; and under the influence of the same regime continued, the intellectual faculties are changed, and idiocy appears. What venomous principle diffused in these running waters has led to such rapid and profound disorders in the physical organization, and consequently in the mind? None at all.

The presence of a little magnesia or the absence of a little iodine suffices to produce this effect. And this frightful degeneracy of the human species from the same causes manifests itself throughout mountainous countries, in the Pyrenees and in the Alps, in the Hartz and in the Jura, in the valleys of Thibet, in the Ural chain, in the Andes, and the Cordilleras."

"The canton of Valais, in Switzerland, is one of those countries where there is a predilection to the goiter and idiocy. The latter, in its excess, is happily the exception, but the goiter, more or less developed, is general among the women, and it is almost as much of a deformity as the neck of a swan would be in carrying the head of a Valaisian woman."


A more recent perspective from 1990

Iodine deficiency diseases in Switzerland one hundred years after Theodor Kocher's survey: A historical review with some new goitre prevalence data
Hans Burgi,Zeno Supersaxo and Beat Selz - Medizinische Klinik, Bürgerspital, Solothurn, Switzerland

"In the years 1886 to 1891, 8 to 11% of 19-yearold men were unfit for service owing to a goitre causing symptoms, smaller goitres not being a reason for exemption (3) (Fig. 1). Bircher, in an exhaustive monograph, compiled tables and maps of goitre prevalence at recruitment from 1875 to 1880 for every single town and village in Switzerland, together with the prevalence of deaf-mutism
and cretinism in selected areas (6). He concluded that a. Goitre prevalence varied enormously from one village to another,"

https://eje.bioscientifica.com/view/..._123_6_002.xml

[R.B.]

Some useful information about iodine in the food chain.


Iodine in animal nutrition and Iodine transfer from feed into food of animal origin

G. Flachowsky
Institute of Animal Nutrition, Federal Agricultural Research Centre (FAL),
Braunschweig, Germany

Lohmann Information

Vol. 42 (2), Oct. 2007, Page 47

http://www.lohmann-information.com/c..._artikel11.pdf


Also with particular reference to Switzerland

Iodine content of food groups
M. Haldimann*, A. Alt, A. Blanc, K. Blondeau
Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, Division of Food Science, 3003 Bern, Switzerland

http://www.ign.org/cm_data/2005_Hald...roups_JFCA.pdf

[R.B.]

Roles for bacteria?

Interestingly roles for bacteria in iodine insufficiency, working directly, by impacting gut function, and by binding iodine in water, have been proposed. These if indeed relevant (and why not in principle) would likely only be significant where other factors meant iodine uptake/metabolism was marginal. Cuuld such factors help account for wide variation in the same regions, as historically in Switzerland.

CONGENITAL GOITRE IN SHEEP IN SOUTHERN TASMANIA
Michael Statham, B. Agr. Sc. (Hons.), Tas.

https://eprints.utas.edu.au/21682/1/...974_thesis.pdf

"It has been suggested that bacteria may induce goitre if they are present in large enough numbers, as Macchia, Bates and Pastan (1967) have isolated a thyroid stimulating factor from Clostridium perfringens. This compound, which was thought to be a protein with a molecular weight of about 30,000, acted in a manner similar to Thyroid Stimulating Hormone when incubated with thyroid slices, and when injected into chickens it depleted the thyroid of radioiodine.

Other bacteria which commonly inhabit the human intestinal tract (particularly Paracolobacterium) have been shown to exhibit myrosinase activity which converts progoitrin into the goitrogenic agent goitrin (Oginsky, Stein and Greer 1965).

An unusual theory has been proposed by Beres (1969) who concluded that goitre in Hungary was associated with wet areas and high levels of magnesium, calcium and potassium ions. He proposed that the goitre of these areas was caused by algae, particularly Microcystis, which removed iodine from water and secreted antithyroid compounds including thiourea, thiouracil, methyl mercaptan and cyanides."


Pollution

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/art...07356-0001.pdf

Sir Robert McCarrison, an important early researcher into goiter, who acted as Doctor to the Hunza and other tribes in the Gilgit area noted that fecal pollution of water, and wider related pollution increased the occurrence of goiter. For example once a new clean water supply was made to a school the symptoms of goiter disappeared. McCarrison noted the Hunza were free of goiter but adjacent groups with lower standards of of ensuring access to clean water suffered from it.

Quality of water supplies, freedom or presence of high levels of nitrates, fecal and bacteriological contaminants, would arguably also have effected predisposition to goiter, so may also have been factors historically, before centrally provided treated water, helping explain the historic difference in rates of goiter occurrence in the same goiter prone geographic regions.

Iodine is an important co-factor in immune function, and possible usage of it in these pathways may reduce the wider availability of it.