View Full Version : Iodine deficiency ! - falling intakes - goitregens - competition bromine and fluorine
To try and get your interest you may not be aware:
The breast contains the second highest concentrations of iodine after the thyroid; there is increasing evidence that iodine is central to breast health, and that iodine deficiency is a significant factor in the increasing incidence of mastalgia and fibrocystic development, as well as breast cancer.
Iodine deficiency is particularly prevalent in women, and a large number of women in the west are iodine deficient.
(I have since seen suggestions the highest concentration is in the ovaries; actual amount might be greater in the breasts because the quantity will depend on reproductive status and logically size); Nature being as efficient as it is, the centrality of iodine to breast function suggests iodine is important to reproductive function, breast function and health, and indeed the lactating breast concentrates iodine into breast milk because it is essential in infant development.
As well as being essential to reproduction including embryo formation, iodine is fundamental to wider body function, and for a number of reasons many people are deficient, which sounds so trite. I scream to myself with silent frustration because the consequences of iodine deficiency are so enormous, iodine is so cheap, many in the world are iodine deficient, intake levels in the west are often falling, and our intake of iodine competitors and blockers are rising.
A vast amount about the roles of this most fundamental nutrient, iodine, is unknown because in comparative terms there is little funding for research. A lack of funding interest and 'marketing' budgets for 'non profitable' treatment options (how do you define life health and wellbeing in terms of profit) is a consequence of our commercial primary imperative - you cannot patent iodine so however important it is to health there is little impetus to look at its wider roles in the body beyond the thyroid - and they are many - including very important interactions with polyunsaturated fats, and roles in cell maintenance and immune function.
There is some evidence of a link between iodine deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, breast fibrosis, and possibly cancer, and they have know about it since 1896 (See Venturi ref below), so after 100 years maybe it is time for the issue to gain some traction. The negative impact of smoking and requirement for vitamin C both took over 100 years to gain recognition as health issues, so let us hope that iodine will shortly get the focus it deserves.
http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=23112&highlight=iodine
http://www.alfablack.it/iodio/diseases.html
Later Addition
As this thread has developed I have become increasing aware of the relevance of substances that block the use of iodine, and so lead to enlargement of the thyroid at some level even if sub-clinical; for the purposes of these threads these iodine blocking substances are referred to as goitrogens. The breast and other tissues have iodine transporters as does the thyroid, and the iodine metabolism systems in all these tissue are one way or another affected by goitrogens.
Many food are goitrogenic including in particular brassicas and most soy products, but to add to that there are a number of human additions to the food and water chain namely perchlorate, flouride, chlorination of water, nitrates, and others such as chlorinated bi-products such as PCBs that all affect both the thyroid and wider iodine metabolism.
Bromine competes with iodine and is also added to foods and drinks in the US and is possibly used in the brewing industry including in the UK.
Fluoride it appears is produced in large quantities from the burning of coal, and it looks like and logically airborne fluoride is taken in the lungs and via plants and animals through deposition on the land via the food chain.
Higher iodine intake will to some extent balance the effect of goitrogens, but the mechanisms are complex, and some goitrogens have been shown to severely impact on thyroid mechanisms even where iodine intake is generous.
This vast increase in goitrogenic substances in our lives is a strong argument for a greater need for iodine in the diet. How much iodine we need is a hotly debated topic but based on the large numbers of those that are showing thyroid disturbance, and surveys of iodine deficiency, it is certain that many of us are not getting even minimal amounts needed with dire long term health consequences. The iodine intake that was sufficient to prevent ill-health is logically no longer sufficient given the huge amounts of human additions of goitrogenic substances to out diet. (Absorption through the lungs from air and skin from water are also a factors).
Fluoride is one of a number of goitrogens, which focuses a spotlight on water fluoridation. The problem is not the fluoridation of water per se but its additive effect to the large number of high fluoride sources, and the increasing of natural levels by human activity, which maybe were not fully appreciated when the policy was developed including as stated above chlorination, bromination, the use of nitrates, perchlorate from fertiliser and explosives, and other chlorine products such as PCBs. . Fluoride is naturally found in found in food and water, including in high levels in fish; but in fish it comes with iodine, whereas most land based foods contain very limited iodine. Some traditional inland cultures used to address the need for iodine by for example burning and eating the ash of water based plants that accumulated iodine, or trading fish eggs, but many did not and suffered high levels of full blown goitre.
Importantly this http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CDUQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fluoridealert.org%2Fuploads%2 Fwang-2001.pdf&ei=FW9tUpqWN4KOtAbcq4G4Cw&usg=AFQjCNEtgLXwLz8FEl68X0kgPF_hA0yUtA&sig2=5sTpkhPyhW_3irperSbEJA&bvm=bv.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 (other factors such as minerals intake, selenium levels etc. may explain why fluoride appears more potent in some areas than others)
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 as well as iodine. Fluoride apparently actively binds with selenium which 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. Absorption of fluoride in fluid form is also apparently more efficient than from food it is suggested; as ever things are multifaceted and complex.
This video the flouridealert web site powerfully highlights why fluoride as a 'goitrogen' (iodine blocker) is a big potential issue; and whilst it deals with the thyroid, the impact of iodine deficiency is much wider including on breast tissue and formation. But it is also fundamentally important not to lose sight of all the other things we are doing that increase iodine blocking substances in our diet, water and air.
http://fluoridealert.org/fan-tv/fluoride-the-thyroid-gland/
All in all a depressingly big Ouch ):
I have reposted below a comment in the Omega 3 6 thread and links to other threads on the subject, with the hope of creating a thread that will be of sufficient interest to remain on the front page of the diet section.
Iodine is another potential major dietary issue. It is hard to believe in a modern world with so many resources and so much technology that many people are iodine deficient, but that is exactly what the evidence and science points to.
Iodine is truly fundamental to the function of the body. Only 20-40% of the stored iodine in the body (this is in the iodine 'replete' - possibly the Japanese - in contrast in those with 'low' intakes, a higher proportion is present in the thyroid - see later posts) is in the thyroid, the other 60-80% is used in other cells all over the body, in a variety of very important ways. Iodine has very particular chemical / physical properties and may well have been fundamental in the development of life as outlined in the paper below by Professor Venturi, a leading and arguably under-recognised researcher in the field. (See link to his paper below)
Many people are arguably iodine insufficient due to a combination of low intake, iodine blocking foods, higher iodine utilisation, iodine blocking chemicals, and the inclusion in the diet of 'large' amounts of bromine and fluorine products which compete with iodine.
Western recommended intakes are much lower than recorded Japanese intakes. Current Japanese intake was reported to be about 1mg a day, and their parents ate more. Historically the Japanese had lower levels of many western conditions.
Iodine in the soil is deficient in many parts of the world, so you cannot count on getting it in your diet. Some Governments have recognised falling iodine intake is a serious health issue, for example in Australia they have restarted to iodise bread.
Iodine intakes have fallen significantly over the last 30 years, for a number of reasons. For example the intake / iodination of foods has fallen and iodine is no longer used to disinfect cattle milking systems / teats.
There are many factors in the modern lifestyle and diet that increase the requirement for iodine. Things that block iodine uptake and usage by the body are everywhere, for example fire retardants, and form an increasing part of our lives. Many of the healthy green vegetables such as brassica are goitregenic (iodine blocking). Industrial production and some rock based fertilizers introduce perchlorate into the food chain. Perchlorate is a strong iodine blocker.
Other chemicals of the same family as iodine, the halides, such as fluoride and bromide compete with iodine and block iodine usage and uptake. Our intakes of bromine and fluorine have significantly increased.
For example bromide is added to flour in some countries, and included in drinks. It is also used a a flame retardant. Bromide intake does significantly increase bromide in tissue. Sea foods do contain significant amounts of bromine but also contain iodine. Bromine has a role in some cells in the immune system. The problem seems to be the imbalance between iodine and bromine and ultimately lack of iodine.
Fluoride is added to water and toothpaste, and there is evidence it may protect young teeth, but does not seem to have much effect on adult teeth - but possibly at the cost of reducing the structural 'hardness' of the bone in teeth - does that include other bones I have no idea, but logically it might.
Most foods contain very little iodine. The primary source of iodine is marine foods. Seaweeds often contain from significant to very large amounts of iodine.
Iodine is concentrated by the breast and dairy foods are an important dietary iodine source, but many now avoid dairy products. The amount of iodine in the milk will reflect the amount in the pasture / and or feed - so cattle fed on deficient pastures will produce milk low in iodine.
Some fresh water plants provide a source of iodine and some cultures would burn them and eat the ash.
We are probably able to survive on relatively low iodine intakes on a 'natural' diet in an unpolluted world, and many peoples who had relatively limited access to iodine lived long health lives. These people may have relied on particular food sources to provide the minimum of iodine needed. People of the Andes carried and traded fish eggs far inland. Mountain people like the Georgians and Hunza ate dairy products. People in Africa are reported to have collected burnt and ate fresh water plants. In contrast some populations (2 billion or so people globally) are seriously iodine deficient with very serious health and potential developmental consequences, including lowered IQ.
Many western populations are also seriously iodine deficient. The problem today is a combination of changing diets that increase iodine need, dietary goitregens, chemical goitregens, and declining intake.
Iodine has many roles in the body and deficiency results in a wide range of health issues.
Everything in the body interlinks, for example selenium has particular importance in the metabolism of iodine, and in considering iodine intakes it is important not to loose sight of the whole picture. Omega 3 and 6 which also interact with iodine, which is where my interest started, and lead to me reading round the subject.
This passionate excellent and highly thought provoking video by a respected Doctor who has been working with iodine for a number of years deals with some of the items mentioned above in more detail, as well as setting out his clinical experience in using iodine to treat his patients. The video is iodine centric, and needs to be considered in a wider dietary context.
You may wish to start the video at 1 hour 24 minutes 05 seconds where Dr Brownstein talks about iodine and breast cancer.
Sadly research into iodine is limited presumably because it cannot be patented - one of the flaws of a purely financially driven economic model.
As usual please discuss dietary change with your doctor.
"Environmental iodine deficiency: A challenge to the evolution of terrestrial life?
Venturi S, Donati FM, Venturi A, Venturi M.
Thyroid. 2000 Aug;10(8):727-9.
A new link to Dr Venturi's papers https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=15F-z80AAAAJ&hl=en
and home page https://sites.google.com/site/iodinestudies/
Dr Venturi says in the paper “In conclusion, we believe that environmental iodine deficiency might be an important evolutionary factor of terrestrial life of vertebrates. ”
A must watch - excellent lectures from impassioned health professionals - the first (in green) video lecture I only found recently and is linked later in this thread; I have copied it here because it is more general in nature, by a woman, and probably a better lecture to start with. Dr Brownsteins is more specialist but equally fascinating
The main section on the implications of iodine for the breast may be the place to start to get you attention; it starts at about 4.10 and again at 36.36. Please bear with the controversial introduction on vaccines - I have not formed a view on this very complex topic of susceptibility or not, of possibly some infants, to consequences from multiple vaccination and how any such risk balances with wider gains, but do know that smallpox https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smallpox for example, a 'devastating' sometimes fatal condition has so far as is known been eradicated by a vaccine program http://www.who.int/csr/disease/smallpox/en/ -.
Apparently the lecturer spent 10 years as a board certified female physician in ER, and her move into a more integrated medicine is based on a wide range of experiences. The lecture on iodine is very much research based.
"Dr. Sherry Tenpenny outlines the many disorders that come about because of iodine deficiency IAOMT 2007 L.V. This is a must see, especially for women that have problems with their thyroid or their breasts."
.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMjKmi12UX0
Iodine The Misunderstood Nutrient David Brownstein
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kd34EJ5E3bI
Thyroid disease and breast cancer - other past links on this site
http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=52539&highlight=iodine
Nontoxic Goiter Tied to Higher Risk of Breast Cancer
http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=49728&highlight=iodine
Good source for seaweed?
http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=45345&highlight=iodine
Is anyone discontinuing meds for hypothyroidism?
http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=33004&highlight=iodine
Iodine & Breast Cancer
http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=25812&highlight=iodine
iodine loading test for iodine deficiency; mistletoe
http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=28446&highlight=iodine
Lugol's solution
http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=23112&highlight=iodine
Just in case you missed the link above, or question that there is science behind this thread
Published in "THE BREAST" , Vol.10, Number 5, 2001, p 379-382,
IS THERE A ROLE FOR IODINE IN BREAST DISEASES?
Sebastiano Venturi, Servizio di Igiene, ASL n.1, Regione Marche; Pennabilli (Pesaro), Italy
http://www.alfablack.it/iodio/diseases.html
SUMMARY
It is hypothesized that dietary iodine deficiency is associated with the development of mammary pathology and cancer. A review of the literature on this correlation and of the author's own work on the antioxidant function of iodide in iodide-concentrating extrathyroidal cells is reported. Mammary gland embryogenetically derived from primitive iodide-concentrating ectoderma, and alveolar and ductular cells of the breast specialize in uptake and secretion of iodine in milk in order to supply offsprings with this important trace-element. Breast and thyroid share an important iodide-concentrating ability and an efficient peroxidase activity, which transfers electrons from iodides to the oxygen of hydrogen peroxide, forming iodoproteins and iodolipids, and so protects the cells from peroxidative damage. The mammary gland has only a temporary ability in concentrating iodides, almost exclusively during pregnancy and lactation, which are considered protective conditions against breast cancer.
INTRODUCTION
Iodine is the richest in electrons of the required elements in the animal diet. In humans the total amount of iodine is about 30-50 mg and about 60%-80 % of total iodine is non-hormonal and it is concentrated in extrathyroidal tissues, where its biological role is still unknown. We have recently hypothesized that iodide might have an ancestral antioxidant function in all iodide-concentrating cells (1-5). In these cells iodide acts as an electron donor in the presence of H2O2 and peroxidase, and the remaining iodine atom readily iodinates tyrosine, histidine or certain specific lipids. In fact, iodine can add to double bonds of some polyunsaturated fatty acids of cellular membranes, making them less reactive to free oxygen radicals (6-7). Isolated cells of extrathyroidal tissues of mice could produce "in vitro" protein-bound mono-iodotyrosine, di-iodotyrosine and also other iodocompounds which seem to be iodolipids during chromatography (8). According to Cann et al. (9) iodolipids are present and active also in mammary cells.
IODINE AND BREAST ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
In the Mammal, iodide uptake has been demonstrated in various extrathyroidal tissues, including salivary gland, gastric mucosa, and the lactating mammary gland (10-11). Sodium iodide symporter (NIS) is the proteic transmembrane transporter of iodide. Cloning and molecular characterization of the human NIS have been recently performed. (12-13). The mammary gland has a high but temporary ability to concentrate iodides and to form iodocompounds (9,14) in alveolar and ductular cells by specific peroxidases (15), almost exclusively during pregnancy and lactation, which are considered protective conditions against breast cancer. In fact, during pregnancy and lactation, hormonal stimulation of the breast leads to glandular differentiation with dramatically enhanced iodine adsorption and organification (14). It is interesting to note that this iodine adsorption occurs in the same ductal epithelium (9, 16-17) where the majority of breast cancer arise. Lactoperoxidases, which are particularly active during pregnancy and lactation, organifies iodide in the breast. According to Eskin (18), iodine plays an important role in the maintenance of both normal thyroid and breast physiology. Recently, a second pathway for iodine organification has been described, which involves iodine incorporation into specific lipid molecules (polyunsaturated fatty acids). These iodolipids have been shown to be regulators of thyroid cells metabolism and proliferation. In particular 6-iodo-5-hydroxy-eicosatrienoic acid (delta-iodolactone) has been found to be a potent inhibitor of thyroid cells proliferation (19-21) and according to Cann et al. (9) these iodolipids may also play a role in anti-proliferative control of breast tissue. Tazebay et al. (22) reported that expression of NIS in normal mammary tissues is stimulated by oxytocin, which is released during lactation. In ovariectomized rats, a combination of estrogen, oxytocin and prolactin (PRL) led to maximal NIS expression in mammary cells. But what role does iodide play in mammary cells? We may chronologically differentiate (2, 4-5) on the basis of the phylogenesis and embryogenesis two possible mechanisms of action of iodine: 1) the first is more ancient acting directly on mammary cells which embryologically originate from iodide-concentrating ectoderma and epidermis, with iodide in mammary cells acting probably as antioxidant. 2) the second mechanism of action is more modern, wit iodine acting indirectly via thyroid hormones and their specific nuclear receptors. Hormonal imbalances can cause dysfunction of mammary glands. Rat mammary gland is able to take up (via NIS) and organically bind radioiodide. Iodination was not detected in mammary glands from non-pregnant rats. Protein-containing vacuoles in alveolar cells and casein-like proteins in milk are the major sites where iodination occurred within the gland. Milk proteins in the lumens of ductules adjacent to alveoli are also iodinated. Endogenous mammary peroxidases correlate with the ability to iodinate. In contrast, ducts, myoepithelial cells, fat cells, blood vessels and other histological components of the gland did not show iodinating capability (15).
IODINE AND BREAST PATHOLOGY
Eskin (16) reported that iodine is a prerequisite for the normal development of breast tissue in higher vertebrates. When lacking, the parenchyma in rodents and humans show atypia, dysplasia, and even neoplasia; in fact breast tissues are more susceptible to carcinogen action. In iodide- deficient rats Strum (17) also reported that atrophy, necrosis and also areas of dysplasia and atypia take place in the mammary gland, which becomes highly sensitive to stimulation by oestradiol. In this way, oestradiol stimulates cell division and leads to the formation of alveoli with great quantities of lipid and protein droplets in large vacuoles which subsequently leads to the formation of cysts within the mammary gland. Eskin and coworkers (18, 23-26) reported a marked hyperplasia and papillomatosis of mammary ducts from rat given oestrogen in presence of disturbed thyroid-iodine metabolism and also a periductal fibrosis similar to that seen naturally in so-called fibrocystic disease of women. Dietary replacement therapy of iodine is able to improve these alterations in mammary tissue. Ghent et al. (27) reported that 70% of of women with fibrocystic breast disease orally treated with sodium iodide had clinical improvement in their breast disease. A decrease or loss of NIS expression may represent an early abnormality of thyroid (28) and breast (29) carcinogenesis rather than this occurring as a consequence of cancer progression. Statistical correlations between dietary iodine, thyroid diseases and breast cancer have been carried out by Ellerker (30), Stadel (31), Serra-Majem et al. (32), Smyth et al.(33) Giani et al.(34), Vassilopoulou- Sellin et al. (35) and Cann et al. (9). There is epidemiological evidence of the protective role against breast cancer of dietary fish (rich in iodine) (36-39) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, in which specific double bonds are protected by iodine from peroxidation. (6-7). Japanese women who have the highest iodine intake (4-10 mg /daily / per person) have the lowest rate of breast cancer mortality in the world. In fact populations of Japan frequently eat a notable quantity of marine algae (seaweed), which are very rich in iodine (40-41), whereas RDA (recommended dietary allowance) of iodine is 150-200 micrograms per day. Recently, many researchers studied NIS in mammary gland. Tazebay et al. (22) reported that mammary NIS may be an essential breast cancer marker and that radioiodide should be studied as having a possible role in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Kilbane et al. (42) demonstrated NIS expression in benign fibroadenomata and breast carcinoma, but total tissue iodine levels in benign tumours were significantly higher than those in breast cancers taken from either the tumor or morphologically normal tissue taken from within the tumour-bearing breast. Kogai et al. (43) reported that the NIS stimulates iodide uptake in normal lactating breast, but is not known to be active in nonlactating breast or breast cancer. Retinoic acid induces sodium/iodide symporter gene expression and radioiodide uptake in breast cancer cells. So, stimulation of radioiodide uptake after systemic retinoid treatment could be useful for diagnosis and treatment of some differentiated breast cancers. Rillema et al. (44) have shown that iodide accumulates in milk at higher concentration than in maternal plasma and that PRL enhances iodide accumulation in cultured mammary tissues, via stimulation of NIS. Cho et al. (45) suggested that iodine uptake and NIS expression in mammary gland are modulated by hormones involved in active lactation. NIS is clustered on the basolateral membrane of alveolar cells. The iodine uptake of lactating mammary gland is partially inhibited by treatment with a selective oxytocin antagonist or bromocriptine, an inhibitor of PRL release.
IODINE AND THYROID HORMONE IN THE THERAPY OF BREAST DISEASES
Beatson (46) reported adjuvant use of thyroid extract in some breast cancers in the "Lancet", as far back as 1896. Ghent et al. (26) reported that iodine treatment of women with benign breast disease caused a significant bilateral reduction in breast size, in addition to causing a remission of disease symptoms. Eskin and co-workers (47-48) showed a mammary tumor reduction in rats after iodine treatment. Some researchers found that the seaweed-supplemented diet (rich in iodine) is associated with an inhibition and delay in development of mammary cancer in rats (49-51). Funahashi et al. reported recently that both Japanese edible Wakame seaweed (52) and also a direct uptake of inorganic iodine (53) by tumor has experimentally a suppressive effect on DMBA-induced breast tumors growth in the rat. NIS expression is inversely related to undifferentiation, malignity and it is directly related to likelihoodof therapeutic effectiveness of radioiodine therapy. Recent studies reported that genetic characterisation and induction of the human NIS gene allows the development of novel gene therapy also for treatment of extrathyroidal and mammary malignancies (54). In fact, targeted expression of functional NIS in undifferentiated cancer cells would enable these cells to concentrate iodine and would therefore offer the possibility of radioiodine therapy (55-56). Boland et al. (57) propose to enlarge the therapeutic strategy to nonthyroid tumors by using an adenoviral vector to deliver the NIS gene into the tumor cells for a targeted radiotherapy.
In conclusion, the thyroid is not the only organ known to organify iodide and forming Iodocompounds. There is evidence for extrathyroidal iodide-concentrating organs, including the lactating breast and stomach. The knowledge of this iodinating ability and of the antioxidant and antitumour activity of iodide might be useful for helping to prevent breast cancer and also as a novel gene to allow radioiodine therapy to be given to patients with breast cancer (58). The extrathyroidal actions of iodide are an important new area for investigation.
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42. Kilbane MT, Ajjan RA, Weetman AP, Dwyer R, McDermott EW, O'Higgins NJ, Smyth PP. Tissue iodine content and serum-mediated 125I uptake-blocking activity in breast cancer. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2000 Mar; 85(3):1245-50.
43. Kogai T, Schultz JJ, Johnson LS, Huang M, Brent GA. Retinoic acid induces sodium/iodide symporter gene expression and radioiodide uptake in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2000 Jul 18;97(15):8519-24.
44. Rillema JA, Yu TX, Jhiang SM. Effect of prolactin on sodium iodide symporter expression in mouse mammary gland explants. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2000 Oct;279(4):E769-E772.
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46. Beatson GT. Adjuvant use of thyroid extract in breast cancer. Lancet 1896; 104 2 :164
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51. Maruyama H, Watanabe K and Yamamoto I. Effect of Dietary Kelp on Lipid Peroxidation and Glutathione Peroxidase Activity in Livers of Rats Given Breast Carcinogen DMBA. Nutr Cancer 1991; 15, 221-228.
52. Funahashi H, Imai T, Tanaka Y, Tsukamura K, Hayakawa Y et al. Wakame seaweed suppreses the proliferation of 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)-antracene-induced mammary tumors in rats. Jpn J Cancer Res 1999; 90, :922-927.
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[ 53a.] Funahashi H et al. Seaweed Prevents Breast Cancer ? Jpn. J. Cancer Res. 92, 483-487, 2001
54. Spitzweg C, Joba W, Eisenmenger W, Heufelder AE. Analysis of human sodium iodide symporter gene expression in extrathyroidal tissues and cloning of its complementary deoxyribonucleic acid from salivary gland, mammary gland, and gastric mucosa. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1998; 83, 5 :1746-51.
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If you have got this far without getting a numb brain or falling asleep (-: some information on bromides
http://www.breastcancerchoices.org/bromidedominancetheory.html
This site has lots of info on iodine, and Dr Flechas seems to be particularly well informed.
His radio broadcast is fascinating.
These old links no longer work; I will try and track new ones down
Found it; :)
They can be found on this page http://iodineresearch.com/hormones.html
Just to be clear in respect to the reference to miconized gold at the end of the interview I know nothing about the metabolism of gold in the body or brain, and cannot find any research into it. I have since found this http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/chris/2007/01/17/improving_iq_with_colloidal_gold.htm As they say - more research needed.
In contrast there is research into iodine, and several doctors report benefits from looking at patients iodine levels.
I believe that pharmaceutical industry has an important role to play and has made some wondrous discoveries; However I do agree that more emphasis should be put on making sure we get the nutrients we need, and greater awareness of the effects of food processing at a biological level and the potential dangers they pose on an additive basis (e.g. each effect individually may not be a problem but taken in a wider context of the basket of changes are detrimental to health) is needed. Western conditions were virtually unknown in historic non westernised tribal populations prior to the introduction of western foods, but they did suffer from all sort of conditions caused by external agents which modern medicine has learned how to mitigate.
"Iodine
Flechas JD
MP3 audio -- 50 minutes (takes a while to download)
RadioLiberty.com January 26, 2007.
In this 50-minute radio presentation (mp3 audio), Flechas covers roughly the same issues as in the earlier 2-hour presentation (see below). There are a few additional ideas, however, that I would like to mention.
Sweating and Breast Cancer. In the earlier tape, he mentions that iodine is necessary to sweat. Here he mentions that lack of sweating may precede breast cancer.
Bromide and Cancer. Increased levels of bromide contribute to cancer.
Cancer and Iodine. The following cancers are associated with goiter and iodine deficiency: breast, thyroid, endometrium, esophageal, ovarian, stomach.
Hormone Receptors. The receptors for almost every major hormone and neurotransmitter need iodine in order to function efficiently -- thyroid hormones, testosterone, cortisol, insulin, and more. The single iodide that is removed in transforming T4 to T3 can join receptors and increase their sensitivity.
Thyroid Hormones and Breast Cancer. Supplemental Thyroid Hormones are not benign. They double the risk of breast cancer, and that risk increases over time.
Thyroid Hormones and Iodine Absorption. Supplemental Thyroid Hormones inhibit the ability of the body to absorb iodine, thus increasing breast cancer risk.
Iodine and Lipids. Iodine keeps the fats and lipids in the body from getting oxidized. This is one of Iodine's most important functions. 70% of the body iodine is found in muscles and fat (vs. 3% in the thyroid)."
Ellie F
08-07-2012, 03:36 AM
Thanks rb for taking the time and effort to raise our awareness.
When I was diagnosed I took kelp supps to increase my iodine levels. Since then I have lapsed a bit. I only have small amounts of dairy and earlier this year was diagnosed with osteoporosis. My oncologist amongst other things suggested eating seaweed for the calcium and iodine content so we'll see how it goes.
Ellie
'lizbeth
08-07-2012, 07:54 AM
Thanks R.B.
In the last year or so I developed terrible breast pain in the remaining breast. I checked with Dr. Google and decided to try Kelp with iodine. The pain went away and I didn't think anything about it. I finished the bottle of Kelp and forgot about ordering a replacement. The breast pain came back and it was so bad I was in the store looking for Kelp supplements ASAP.
I mentioned it to the doctor and he sent me to Breast Health. The nurse prescribed Vitamin B1, B6 and E - but was not familiar with iodine. It was on the list she gave me for mastalgia.
Then I remembered that a few months before the pain started San Diego started adding fluoride to the water. I've made an effort to purchase bottle water such as Penta or Evian to avoid the fluoride.
The breast has specific 'transporters' to concentrate iodine - probably in part to supply iodine in breast milk, and it part because a type of cells in the breast which line the ducts - epithelial cells - appear to use iodine and or iodide.
It appears that cancer cells have a higher iodine and or iodide requirement, and the sodium iodide importer is over expressed in cancer cells including particularly ER positive cases.
They are looking at this as a mechanism to direct radioactive iodine/iodide to cells, but it begs the what would be the effect of higher intakes of iodine/iodide on cancer growths.
The article in the post below suggest some have looked at the effect of iodine on tumors, and the results were interesting
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3544659/
Quantitative Immunohistochemical Analysis Reveals Association between Sodium Iodide Symporter and Estrogen Receptor Expression in Breast Cancer.
Chatterjee S, Malhotra R, Varghese F, Bukhari AB, Patil A, Budrukkar A, Parmar V, Gupta S, De A.
Source
Functional Molecular Imaging Lab, ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Human sodium iodide symporter (hNIS) gene over-expression is under active consideration worldwide as an alternative target molecule for breast cancer (BC) diagnosis and targeted radio-iodine treatment. However, the field demands better stratified analysis of endogenous hNIS expression across major BC subtypes. Therefore, we have analyzed subtype-specific variation of hNIS overexpression in breast tumor tissue samples by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and also report the development of a homogeneous, quantitative analysis method of digital IHC images.
METHODS:
hNIS expression was analyzed from 108 BC tissue samples by IHC. Sub-cellular localization of hNIS protein was analyzed by dual immunofluorescence (IF) staining method using hNIS and HER2 antibodies. An ImageJ based two-step digital analysis method was developed and applied for the bias-free analysis of the images.
RESULTS:
Staining of the tumor samples show 70% cases are hNIS positive indicating high incidence of hNIS positive cases in BC. More importantly, a subtype specific analysis done for the first time shows that hNIS expression is overly dominated in estrogen receptor (ER) positive cases than the receptor negative cases. Further, 56% of the ER+ve, PgR+ve, HER2-ve and 36% of ER+ve, PgR+ve, HER2+ve cases show highest intensity staining equivalent to the thyroid tissue. A significant positive correlation is also observed between hNIS and estrogen receptor expression (p = 0.0033, CI = 95%) suggesting hNIS mediated targeted radio-iodine therapy procedures may benefit both ER+ve, PgR+ve, HER2-ve as well as HER2+ve cases. Further, in a few cases, hNIS and HER2 protein localization is demonstrated by overlapping membrane co-expression. ImageJ based image analysis method shows over 70% match with manual pathological scoring method.
CONCLUSION:
The study indicates a positive link between hNIS and ER expression in BC. The quantitative IHC image analysis method reported here will further help in patient stratification and potentially benefit global clinical assessment where hNIS mediated targeted (131)I radio-ablative therapy is aimed.
The potential of iodine for improving breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Altman MB, Flynn MJ, Nishikawa RM, Chetty IJ, Barton KN, Movsas B, Kim JH, Brown SL.
Source
Henry Ford Health System, Department of Radiation Oncology, 2799 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48202, USA. maltman@radonc.wustl.edu
Abstract
Early detection through modalities such as mammography remains pivotal in the fight against breast cancer. The detectability of breast cancer through mammography is rooted in the differential X-ray attenuation properties of cancerous and normal breast tissue. An unexplored component of the X-ray contrast between fibrous breast tissue and similarly composed tumor tissue is the presence of naturally localized iodine in the cancer but not healthy breast tissue. It is hypothesized that differing amounts of iodine are present in tumor versus normal breast tissue that leads to more easily detectable cancer due to an increased Z value of the tumor tissue relative to the healthy tissue, which results in enhanced differences in X-ray attenuation properties between the two tissues and thus greater radiographic contrast. The hypothesis is supported by experimental observations explaining how iodine could localize in the tumor tissue but not surrounding healthy tissue. Breast cancer cells express the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS), an ion pump which sequesters iodine in tumor cells. Healthy non-lactating breast tissue, in contrast, does not express NIS. Further evidence for the differential expression of NIS resulting in X-ray contrast enhancement in breast cancer is the established correlation between expression of insulin growth factor (IGF) and enhanced X-ray contrast, and the evidence that IGF is a promoter for NIS. Ultimately, if the expression of iodine can be shown to be a component of radiographic contrast between healthy and tumor breast tissue, this could be used to drive the development of new technology and techniques for use in the detection and treatment of breast cancer. The proof of this hypothesis could thus have a substantial impact in the fight against breast cancer.
http://iodine4health.com/research/cann_2000_iodine_selenium_breast_cancer.pdf
"Hypothesis: Iodine, selenium and the development of breast cancer"
"Recent work with animal systems seems to support an antitumor e€ect for iodine. In dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced mammary carcinoma in rats, iodine supplementation has been shown to have a suppressive e€ect on the development of this disease [32]. This suppressive activity was enhanced when iodine treatment was combined with progesterone (medroxy-progesterone acetate) [33]. The suppressed tumors were found to have a signi®cantly higher mean iodine content than nonsuppressed tumors, with uptake apparently enhanced by progesterone [33]. The enhancement of iodine uptake by progesterone has been observed in other hormone-dependent tissues including the uterus and oviduct [34]. We are presently initiating an analogous study in patients with metastatic breast cancer, in which subjects will take iodine supplements in combination with conventional progestin treatment [9]."
An abstract from 1976 !
DIETARY IODINE AND RISK OF BREAST, ENDOMETRIAL, AND OVARIAN CANCER
The Lancet, Volume 307, Issue 7965, Pages 890-891
BruceV. Stadel
Abstract
Geographic differences in the rates of breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer appear to be inversely correlated with dietary iodine intake. Endocrinological considerations suggest that a low dietary iodine intake may produce a state of increased effective gonadotrophin stimulation, which in turn may produce a hyperœstrogenic state characterised by relatively high production of œstrone and œstradiol and a relatively low œstriol to œstrone plus œstradiol ratio. This altered endocrine state may increase the risk of breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. Increasing dietary iodine intake may reduce the risk of these cancers.
And one from 1970. Apparently there has not been the amount of new research into iodine in the last 30-40 years one might have expected: iodine / iodide cannot be patented so has limited income potential, which poses a significant question - how as a society do we fund important research into fundamental questions of biology which are unlikely to yield financial reward ?
For I in the paper below insert iodine /iodide
http://www.cabdirect.org/abstracts/19710404644.html;jsessionid=7552373ABFA823CFE607B3 5AF5CDC680?gitCommit=4.13.20-5-ga6ad01a
Document details
Title
Iodine metabolism and breast cancer.
Authors
Eskin, B. A.
Journal
Transactions N.Y. Acad. Sci. 1970 Vol. 32 No. 8 pp. 911-947
Record Number
19710404644
Abstract
Experiments in virgin Sprague-Dawley rats show that I deficiency, particularly in the presence of sex steroids causes mammary hyperplasia. The mammary effects of dietary I lack are noticable after 6 wk. The I deficiency causes earlier onset of dimethylbenzanthracene-induced mammary tumours and prevents the therapeutic effect of oestrogen on carcinogenesis. In mammary dysplasias caused by I lack, the uptake of I by mammary tissue increases and the DNA and RNA contents increase. Thyroid stimulating hormone seems to be involved in control of I metabolism directly at the mammary level. I replacement prevents mammary dysplasias or once established the dysplasia is improved by chronic I therapy. In man, demographic studies indicate a correlation between areas of increased breast cancer and areas with endemic goitre. Clinical studies using mammography and thermography show that carcino-matous breast lesions can be improved with adequate thyroid or I treatment but that oestrogen treatment may have an adverse effect. GSK.
Full article abstract below PDF free http://iodine4health.com/research/cann_2000_iodine_selenium_breast_cancer.pdf which includes this thought provoking statement
"In estradiol-treated rats, iodine deficiency has been shown to lead to pathological changes similar to those seen in benign breast disease ± cystic changes, periductal 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. In humans, several
studies have shown that iodine-containing desiccated thyroid [21] or thyroxine (T4) [22, 23] were e€effective in reducing mastalgia as well as other symptoms of benign breast disease [21, 22]. Iodine supplementation has also been examined in women with this disease.
One of the first studies, by Vishnyakova and Muravieva [24], reported a beneficial e€ffect in 71.7% of patients. More recently a large clinical trial was conducted which found that iodine supplementation significantly reduced the prevalence of breast cysts, fibrous tissue plaques and breast pain [25] ± thus demonstrating that this precursor disease may be treatable through dietary modifications. Further clinical studies are now being conducted to confirm these observations."
Seaweed Prevents Breast Cancer?
Hiroomi Funahashi1,*,
Tsuneo Imai1,
Takahiro Mase1,
Masanori Sekiya1,
Kazuki Yokoi1,
Hiromichi Hayashi1,
Arihiro Shibata1,
Takako Hayashi1,
Mikiko Nishikawa1,
Namiko Suda1,
Yatsuka Hibi1,
Yutaka Mizuno1,
Kyosuke Tsukamura1,
Akemi Hayakawa2,
Seiichi Tanuma3
Article first published online: 22 AUG 2005
DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2001.tb01119.x
Keywords:
Breast cancer;
Chemoprevention;
Mekabu (seaweed);
Apoptosis
To investigate the chemopreventive effects of seaweed on breast cancer, we have been studying the relationship between iodine and breast cancer. We found earlier that the seaweed, wakame, showed a suppressive effect on the proliferation of DMBA (dimethylbenz(a)anthracene)-induced rat mammary tumors, possibly via apoptosis induction. In the present study, powdered mekabu was placed in distilled water, and left to stand for 24 h at 4°C. The filtered supernatant was used as mekabu solution. It showed an extremely strong suppressive effect on rat mammary carcinogenesis when used in daily drinking water, without toxicity. In vitro, mekabu solution strongly induced apoptosis in 3 kinds of human breast cancer cells. These effects were stronger than those of a chemothera-peutic agent widely used to treat human breast cancer. Furthermore, no apoptosis induction was observed in normal human mammary cells. In Japan, mekabu is widely consumed as a safe, inexpensive food. Our results suggest that mekabu has potential for chemoprevention of human breast
Commentary
The thyroid, iodine and breast cancer
Peter PA Smyth
Endocrine laboratory, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, and Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University
College Dublin, Ireland
Correspondence: Peter PA Smyth (e-mail: ppa.smyth@ucd.ie)
Published: 29 July 2003
Breast Cancer Res 2003, 5:235-238 (DOI 10.1186/bcr638)
© 2003 BioMed Central Ltd (Print ISSN 1465-5411; Online ISSN 1465-542X)
http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/bcr638.pdf
Abstract
A renewal of the search for a link between breast cancer and thyroid disease has once again demonstrated an increased prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disease in patients with breast cancer.
This is the most recent of many studies showing an association between a variety of thyroid disorders and breast cancer. Such an association is not surprising as both diseases are female predominant with a similar postmenopausal peak incidence. The significance of the presence of thyroid autoantibodies, particularly thyroid peroxidase antibodies, in serum from patients with breast cancer is unknown, but it has been suggested that antibody positivity is associated with better prognosis. One area in which thyroid and breast functions overlap is in the uptake and utilization of dietary iodide. Experimental findings showing the ability of iodine or iodine-rich seaweed to inhibit breast tumour development is supported by the relatively low rate of breast cancer in Japanese women who consume a diet containing iodine-rich seaweed. However, there is as yet no direct evidence that iodine, iodinated compounds, or a combination of iodine and selenium is the antimammary carcinogenic element in the Japanese diet. It remains to be resolved whether the perceived breast cancer–thyroid disease relationship is thyroid or iodine related or, in the case of thyroid autoantibodies, is the consequence of an immune response to the carcinoma. Is this response breast specific and does it relate to iodine status? These and many other questions await resolution before a definitive role in the natural history of breast carcinoma can be assigned to the thyroid.
I have recently attended a governmental seminar on school food, to which I have made a submission highlighting the need for dietary guidance on iodine and vitamin D, and hence the posts here and on the vitamin D thread.
Today's adolescent females will one day be a future generation of breast cancer cases.
The frightening level of deficiency observed has potential likely medical consequences in terms of them being at greater risk for a range of conditions including arguably breast cancer, fibrosis and mastalga, as well as a range of developmental and future reproductive conditions, which is a disaster for the individual and has wider societal implications in terms of the increasing pressures on healthcare generally.
The sad reality is that these risk are entirely and inexpensively preventable through education as to dietary needs, food sources rich in iodine (not many viz only marine products and seaweed) and or the obligatory inclusion of iodine rich food in school food, for example fortified bread
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/226988.php
68% of 14-15 year old girls in UK iodine deficient - health risk for them and their future offspring
The Lancet, Volume 377, Issue 9782, Pages 2007 - 2012, 11 June 2011
doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(11)60693-4
Iodine status of UK schoolgirls: a cross-sectional survey.
Department of Endocrinology, Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, London, UK.
Vanderpump MP, Lazarus JH, Smyth PP, Laurberg P, Holder RL, Boelaert K, Franklyn JA, British Thyroid Association UK Iodine Survey Group
Lancet. 2011;377(9782):2007.
BACKGROUND: Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of preventable mental impairment worldwide. It is defined by WHO as mild if the population median urinary iodine excretion is 50-99μg/L, moderate if 20-49μg/L, and severe if less than 20μg/L. No contemporary data are available for the UK, which has no programme of food or salt iodination. We aimed to assess the current iodine status of the UK population.
METHODS: In this cross-sectional survey, we systematically assessed iodine status in schoolgirls aged 14-15 years attending secondary school in nine UK centres. Urinary iodine concentrations and tap water iodine concentrations were measured in June-July, 2009, and November-December, 2009. Ethnic origin, postcode, and a validated diet questionnaire assessing sources of iodine were recorded.
FINDINGS: 810 participants provided 737 urine samples. Data for dietary habits and iodine status were available for 664 participants. Median urinary iodine excretion was 80·1μg/L (IQR 56·9-109·0). Urinary iodine measurements indicative of mild iodine deficiency were present in 51% (n=379) of participants, moderate deficiency in 16% (n=120), and severe deficiency in 1% (n=8). Prevalence of iodine deficiency was highest in Belfast (85%, n=135). Tap water iodine concentrations were low or undetectable and were not positively associated with urinary iodine concentrations. Multivariable general linear model analysis confirmed independent associations between low urinary iodine excretion and sampling in summer (p<0·0001), UK geographical location (p<0·0001), low intake of milk (p=0·03), and high intake of eggs (p=0·02).
INTERPRETATION: Our findings suggest that the UK is iodine deficient. Since developing fetuses are the most susceptible to adverse effects of iodine deficiency and even mild perturbations of maternal and fetal thyroid function have an effect on neurodevelopment, these findings are of potential major public health importance. This study has drawn attention to an urgent need for a comprehensive investigation of UK iodine status and implementation of evidence-based recommendations for iodine supplementation.
FUNDING: Clinical Endocrinology Trust.
AD
mark.vanderpump@nhs.net
PMID
21640375
A question that has been bothering me for a while is does chlorine in forms other than perchlorate block iodine uptake and or thyroid function.
This paper which I found after several hours searching (in total) suggests it might well do so.
Mechanistic Aspects of Ingested Chlorine Dioxide on Thyroid Function: Impact of Oxidants on Iodide Metabolism
Environmental Health Perspectives
Vol. 69, pp. 249-255, 1986
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1474311/
"Toxicological studies dealing with recent findings of health effects of drinking water disinfectants are
reviewed. Experiments with monkeys and rodents indicate that the biological activity of ingested disinfectants is expressed via their chemical interaction with the mucosal epithelia, secretory products, and nutritional contents of the alimentary tract. Evidence exists that a principal partner of this redox interaction is the iodide of nutritional origin that is ubiquitous in the gastrointestinal tract. Thus the observation that subchronic exposure to chlorine dioxide (CI02) in drinking water decreases serum thyroxine levels in mammalian species can be best explained with changes produced in the chemical form of the bioavailable iodide. Ongoing and previously reported mechanistic studies indicate that oxidizing agents such as chlorine-based disinfectants oxidize the basal iodide content of the gastrointestinal tract. The resulting reactive iodine species readily attaches to organic matter by covalent bonding. Evidence suggests that the extent to which such iodinated organics are formed is proportional to the magnitude of the electromotive force and stoichiometry of the redox couple between iodide and the disinfectant. Because the extent of thyroid uptake of the bioavailable iodide does not decrease during C102 ingestion, it seems that C102 does not cause iodide deficiency of sufficient magnitude to account for the decrease in hormonogenesis. Absorption of one or more of iodinated molecules, e.g., nutrients, hormones, or cellular constituents of the alimentary tract having thyromimetic or thyroid inhibitory properties, is a better hypothesis for the effects seen."
They confirm that "The most surprising observation in our studies was that chlorine dioxide is a relatively potent thyroid inhibitor, showing clear physiologic effects at about 9 mg/kg/day dose in 11 of 13 animals studied (1)."
A WHO document suggest chlorinated water contains about 1 mg per litre but it seems the allowable amount is up to 15mg per kg of body weight per day - so the amount in your water would depend on your local provider water quality etc.
This is scary in its potential implication where significant amounts of chlorine dioxide are present in water mainly because we know so many are already low in iodine, because it is them who are generally affected by and at significant risk from iodine blockers in their generality.
Blockers also include brassicas, many soy products, and something found in water in varying concentration called perchlorate, fluoride and bromide. Fluoride is put in water as well as some toothpaste, and in the USA bromide is it seems is often put in bread and in some popular drinks.
Both flouride and bromide are found in seawater and so marine organisms, which again points to the problem at heart being lack of iodine.
The paper suggests that what ever is causing the iodine blocking is likely to be something made in the mouth or upper intestinal tract by reaction with the chlorine, rather than the chlorine alone itself. Iodine has important roles in the mucal tissues including the salivary duct. What other effects these alterations of natural processes have we do not know.
Some have asked why we do not use iodine to 'purify' water they suggest solving two problems at once. Apparently it was tried in a prison with no harm to the population, I presume a very long time ago !
'lizbeth
10-11-2013, 02:24 PM
R.B.
Are you reading IODINE, Why you need it, Why you can't live without it by David Brownstein, MD?
On page 45 of the 4th edition:
Diets that cause Iodine Deficiency
1. Diets without ocean fish or sea vegetables
2. Inadequate use of iodized salt including low sodium diets
3. Diets high in the consumption of bakery products (e.g. breads, pastas) which contain bromide
4. Vegan and vegetarian diets
The most significant change in the iodine status of recent time occurred with the changing of the food industry. In the 1960's, iodine was added to the commercial baking industry as a dough conditioner. This single addition to baked goods significantly increased the iodine intake of the U.S. populations, as one slice of bread contained the RDA for iodine of 150ug.13 Article from the NIH were published which questioned the safety of using iodine in baking products. Some researchers felt that this level of iodine in baking products would cause a malfunctioning of the thyroid gland.
Twenty years later, bromine replaced iodine in the baking industry. Bromine is a halide (as is iodine, fluoride, and chloride). All halides compete with one another for absorption and receptor binding in the body. Bromine interferes with iodine utilization in the thyroid as wells as wherever else iodine would concentrate in the body.14
Due to the interference of iodine binding in the body, bromine is a known “goitrogen” – it promotes the formation of goiter in the body. Bromine is a toxic substance that has no therapeutic use is our bodies. Bromine also can bind to the iodine receptors in the breast and is a known carcinogen to the breast. On the other hand, iodine has anticarcinogenic properties. . .
Perchlorate is a substance that is found in nature and is a man-made substance. Perchlorate is manufactured for rocker fuel and many industrial uses. Perchlorate contains one atom of chlorine and four atoms of oxygen. Chlorine is part of the halide family (iodine, bromine and chlorine). Excess perchlorate levels can displace iodine in the body and damage the transport of iodine into the cells.
It is an interesting book.
'lizbeth
10-11-2013, 02:27 PM
Honestly, if I was a kid (and since I never grew up) . . .
ocean fish, sea vegetables, and just ordinary vegetables are a tough sell.
Bread and Pizza dough conditioned with iodine might be the most effective way to get kids to eat it (and they won't know its better for them . . . shhh . . .
Hi 'Lizabeth
Hi I have got and read one of his books - it was a while ago - it is a fascinating and extremely thought provoking book !!! - and looking on my bookshelf it is not there which reminds me I think I lent it to someone; which I must stop doing because they sometimes do not come back )-: and then are not there when I need them.
On a personal basis I agree with you - flour supplementation would be good (what used to be done), of course providing the option of iodine free flour for the few who may be harmed by iodine; those with damaged thyroids I understand - flour is probably better than bread - as you say a great way to include the pizza generation (-: LOL - the health rewards would seem to far outweigh the risks.
Perchlorate is also found in some fertilisers.
I am not sure that bromide has no uses in the body; there is much more bromine than iodine at least some marine foods (it is a while since I looked at bromine) - it is unlike nature not to have uses for things that are relatively common - we just do not yet know what that role is: and is bromide a competitor rather than a blocker because it is likely to be smaller than iodine so a less ideal fit all of which comes back to having adequate iodine . . . and according to a researcher the importer is very very old and fairly unsophisticated and just works on size on that basis I surmise it is not the smaller halogens (chlorine and fluorine) that are directly a problem but when they are attached to other things eg perchlorate is chlorine attached to 4 oxygen (as pointed out in the abstract). . . which is why I was wondering if chlorine in other forms more common forms is a blocker (see above) . . . and viz chloride in salt and if so how . . . it is all so complex . . . I had seen lots of suggestions chlorine in the generality was a problem but not a paper or medical report so was hesitant to accept it as fact; as sometime things that are perceived and regularly reported to be fact are not as in lots of polyunsaturated Omega 6 rich oil being very good for you !
Many thanks for the abstract and your interest. (-:
PS selenium is fundamental to iodine and antioxidant function and appears to help protect against damage during iodine processing by the body
'lizbeth
10-11-2013, 02:59 PM
Just over here taking my Kelp and Vitamin D . . .
eating Sushi, and seaweed salad and wild caught salmon
cabbage, broccoli, kale, spinach
chocolate, coffee & red wine
Hopefully, I haven't missed anything :)
'Lizabeth
I am sure you are aware that "cabbage, broccoli, kale, spinach" are brassicas and so goitrogens.
They are of course healthy, cooking reduces the goitrogenic effect it is said, but it appears does not entirely mitigate the goitrogens, and in some cases makes them more effective (see post below).
But their goitrogenic effect will not generally be a problem if your iodine intake is adequate and goitrogen intake modest; how much iodine is adequate if you are eating loads of goitrogens, and how much goitrogenic food is too much; are questions that needs answering.
(I have just seen a post from somebody who drank a lot of cabbage juice, which "laid them out" and reduced their body temperature; ok anecdotal but flags up that care may be required particularly in those who may have thyroid issues)
Wikipedia lists goitrogens here; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goitrogen
Apparently according to Chris Masterjohn some other fruits are also goitrogens http://chriskresser.com/chris-masterjohn-on-cholesterol-and-heart-disease-part-3
He also mentioned canola oil as a possible goitrogen. I have checked this as a possibility and the oil apparently does contain isothiocyanates so might be. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1152977
The point is that there are lots of healthy foods that happen to be goitrogens; add to that fluoridated and chlorinated water; those who are low in iodine will be much more susceptible to the effects of these goitrogens. The goitrogenic effects of food have been seen in ruminants for example fed too much kale - they start to experience thyroid and other health problems; so these are 'real' rather than hypothetical issues.
Does iodine lower LDL (see Chris Masterjohn link) - it is not something I have looked at but did come across this which is intriguing - a company developing an iodine based mouthwash for oral health found it lowered LDL ! http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130422-906366.html At least some of the iodine in their product probably will be absorbed which raises a raft of issues I surmise - did improved iodine status effect LDL levels - thought provoking!
Does LDL carry iodine? (along with other vehicles) An old paper suggests it does indeed, on which basis it is possible to postulate on mechanisms by which iodine could conceivably effect LDL uptake rates . . . The delivery to cells of iodine by LDL I suggest opens up thinking about their being a whole raft of as yet unconsidered mechanisms by which iodine plays important roles in cellular function . . .
'lizbeth
10-12-2013, 02:12 PM
R.B.
I suspected you were going to come back and point out that the broccoli, kale etc were brassicas. I was aware they had a goitrogenic effect. The folks in the ENERGY study like to demo meals with Kale (and Salmon). It feel obligated to eat it.
An acupuncturist told me that I should cook all my vegetables, not to eat them raw, and it would help me to lose weight. I just accepted it as part of the TCM 8 Principles theory (hot vs cold, excess vs deficient). Now you helped me see the western principle of reducing the goitrogen effect by cooking.
I have never thought of fruits as goitrogens. I stopped using canola oil and switched to olive oil or grape seed oil.
I appreciate the information about the LDL/iodine connection. I'm not familiar and am reading about it with great interest. My new PCM is very focused on lowering cholesterol, and LDLs. I would prefer to use diet to correct health problems. But it is also difficult to decide what to eat or drink. The most effective “diet” I ever did was Michael Thurman’s. I find when I eat grains, breads, pastas – the weight goes on. Lean meats and steamed veggies – the weight comes off.
Until the city added fluoride to the water and a few months later I developed alarming pain in the other breast I didn't pay much attention to iodine. Taking the kelp was a shot in the dark that paid off big time. Thanks heavens for Dr. Google. I take about 225 mcg of iodine daily from an Icelandic Kelp supplement.
Every few years my doctors had run a test for the thyroid and everything was within their norms. I take that as a sign that I was likely deficient in iodine. The Breast Health clinic checked B vitamin levels, but was not familiar with checking iodine levels for mastalgia.
I suppose I should add some ocean wild caught fish to the shopping list . . .
Hi 'Lizabeth
This is the best short written summary I have seen on iodine so far. It is a PDF download.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDAQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hacres.com%2Fpdf%2Fdocuments% 2Fresearch-Advances_in_Iodine_Nutrition.pdf&ei=wbZZUtbWJ5HY7Abl44DIBQ&usg=AFQjCNEVBR43i-xvBKrOElFLX3SbNHnAgg&sig2=ut6m1JMtGVs-Ii9ju3wdYg&bvm=bv.53899372,d.ZGU
Clearly a mix of whole veg and fruit is part of a healthy diet and have long been so, which would suggest the issue is lack of iodine and the extra stress of fluoridation, chlorination, and probably others we do not yet know about. There is even a paper that hints coffee may be able to affect thyroid pathways.
Chris Masterjohn muses about 1mg being about right for I presume the those in the US.
The Japanese may today have an intake around 1mg, and their parents more.
Dr Brownstein's and Flechas' work is truly thought provoking.
As previously identified there is no where near the research into iodine that is warranted to answer these questions because it cannot be patented, not withstanding the impact of deficiencies on health !
It is very sad that a major health risk, with very serious long term consequences, that is very largely so easy and cheap to deal with, by appropriate supplementation which is a low risk solution for the vast majority, does not receive the attention it deserves.
Well fermented carbs may allow you some grain based food without the negative weight implications eg porridge with kefir plus a few raisins small amount of apple juice - the fermentation will change a good part of the sugars (carbs) into short fats and other fuel sources, which will not have the same metabolic effects as carbs. You will find some info on fermented foods here http://wholehealthsource.blogspot.co.uk/
My outlook is that intake of Omega 6 should be low and some plant based Omega 3 is important eg flax; all but the smallest amount of cold pressed oils should be avoided and particualrly those that are high in Omega 6 - whole foods viz olives will contain more of the plant antioxidants that are arguably the most beneficial part of olive oil - clearly crunching grape seeds is probably not an option and we do not know if the beneficial antioxidants in say grape seed would balance the negatives of too much Omega 6 - the pathways are enormously complex and one or two marker might not tell the whole story
'lizbeth
10-13-2013, 07:50 AM
R.B.
Could you translate porridge - is that oatmeal?
The benefit of grape seed oil is that is tolerates cooking temperatures better than olive oil. Health wise Omega 6s? Bummer.
Hi 'Lizbeth
I am sure you knew that :) and yes I should have explained in a bit more detail; thanks for the question :)
Yes porridge, a traditional Scottish dish, is oatmeal simply prepared by adding water and heating, but you can try adding other things like quinoa, juice raisins figs to add a bit of sugar for the bacteria, plain live yogurt sauerkraut juice can be used as alternate sources of bacteria. . . mix all in a kilner jar or similar, cover, and put in a warm place to ferment for a couple of day . . . don't fill right to the top as the mixture does ferment and increase in volume, and overflow; cleaning after a spill is best avoided :) warm and eat . . . yum :) . . . sort of sour but pleasantly so . . . a little sour cream (more useful bacteria) and a tiny bit of honey on top works well . . . it will keep for quite a while, and you can replenish or restart the mix to suit yourself.
This is an excellent lecture from an impassioned health professional.
The main section on the implications of iodine for the breast may be the place to start to get you attention; it starts at about 4.10 and again at 36.36.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMjKmi12UX0
CarolineC
10-13-2013, 02:25 PM
I seem to find such relevant topics on this site when I am having problems.
I have posted a thread about a contrast dye called Gastrografin about a month ago. I was wondering whether I should drink the solution because I would be "off" for at least a month after a scan, with skin peeling off my hands, tiredness, shakiness, and blood pressure fluctuations. I try to be conscious of what I am ingesting dietary-wise and have known unofficially (by doctors in the non-conventional world) that I have an adrenal issue. Well, my last scan showed a met to the adrenal gland (have posted in another thread about that). I've also noticed my hair, which has just grown back for the second time, is thinning, and there is more in my brush. Now I have found this information http://www.drugs.com/pro/gastrografin.html#s8-it can cause thyroid problems. I am hardly ever tested to see if my electrolytes are balanced-they just check my creatine- and have been on a bone-remodelling pill or bisphosphonate for almost two years-also hard on the kidneys.
I didn't think I was metabolizing the bone-remodelling pills properly and my liver function tests were rising (although my doctors seemed to think that was okay) so asked to have Pamidronate, an IV form, which they gave to me over 1 1/2 hours;protocol is 1 hour but I requested to have it longer because things are such a jolt to my system. I had at least asked for hydration beforehand and felt okay when I went home. The next day, though, I felt like I had been hit by a truck-I could barely move, I felt very thirsty, and VERY anxious and holding my breath all the time. The next day I had a fever. This was two weeks before my scan.
I have also been having my Herceptin infusions in between all this. Last year I landed in the hospital for three days after my first chemo and my next Docetaxel/Herceptin was one week later. They pushed the Herceptin through in 30 min and I had heart palpitations and was given oxygen and steroids, so it was put in my file for me to have Herceptin over one hour but I've still been tired for at least a few days afterward. I have known, through saliva testing, that my low period is from 12-4 in the afternoon so I have asked to have my Herceptin in the morning when I have more energy, but have been told that chemo infusions are more in the morning so I have my treatments in the afternoon around 1 or 1:30. Not anymore, now that they can see I have an adrenal problem my request for 10 a.m. has been granted, although the next one is for 11 a.m.
I often wonder if treatments that are given weekly are more effective because they are at a lower dose and probably the patient is given hydration more regularly, so it is easier on their bodies than every 3 weeks.
In light of what has been happening to my body lately and things being slammed through it at a protocol rate instead of an individual rate, I have delayed my last Pamidronate. I am so angry that we (especially stage IV) are having scan materials that are decimating our adrenals and thyroid and having treatments that our bodies cannot process at the minimum infusion rate. We need these treatments given over the longest possible time to enable our bodies to heal and adjust. How many women are being given treatment after treatment without any regard to protecting our bodies with patience and monitoring. I wish I didn't feel like a protocol, standard of care or time in the chair. I am also not going to ingest that contrast solution anymore-I have had 6 bone/CT scans in the last 2 years.
I'm sure doctors really do care for us and are doing the best they can with the evidence they have, but we are individuals and these methods are affecting our hormones immensely. (dexamethosone is a great one on blood sugar) We are also just one patient in their huge caseload.
I believe that if the conventional medical community doesn't recognize the physical, mental and environmental stresses that are being imposed on our bodies before we are diagnosed and additional stresses during our treatments that are affecting our adrenals, thyroid, and many other hormones, as well as damaging our organs, then a cure will not be found. It is a vicious cycle-stress in some form, I believe, causes the cancer, and ongoing treatments continue the bombardment. We need the treatments, but there has to be more aid by monitoring in terms of diet, lifestyle changes, supplementation, stress reduction to help rebuild our systems. Add to this the fact that we all metabolize in different ways but all basically all given the same dosage for Tamoxifen, Letrozole, and other meds. We are INDIVIDUALS!
Anyway, rant is almost over. What do I do now? Do I take iodine, or have I had an iodine overload from the Gastrografin? My thyroid function hasn't been checked for months, and one pharmacist said to have my T3 and T4 levels checked, but they only did the T3 if that's okay, the T4 isn't run-something like, that, the lab tech explained it to me, a way of the government cutting costs. The same thing with vitamin D testing-it was costing the government too much money so now we have to pay for it ourselves.
Sorry, I should have put this in a separate thread, maybe, but there are parts of my post that pertain to this thread. I'm trying to get ready to meet with a new onc in the larger centre (my regular one is on a research sabbatical) and I feel like I'm getting ready for a court case with my binder, printed out info on studes and from this site, and questions. I don't know what will be recommended for the adrenal met-as usual, I am unusual in terms of my recurrences.
'lizbeth
10-14-2013, 09:09 AM
CarolineC,
I hear your pain. I have always believed the worst thing about cancer (until the very, very advanced stages) is the treatments. Hence, my enthusiastic sharing of clinical trial information.
Gastrografin - I saw your post, and was a bit nervous about having it for my MRI. The lab tested my GFR and if I remember correctly it was 89. I don't see any information about your GFR - was it tested? I did not have issue with the Gastrografin thankfully.
From you posting I see both issues with kidneys, and the liver. Even a lay person can understand that your body has difficulty processing and eliminating toxins and waste products.
What I hear is your frustration with the medical team - but you need to set a boundary on what you accept as a patient. You are paying for a service, and you wouldn't pay for shoddy service in a shop or restaurant, right? Insist on longer infusion times, and hydration if this is what helps you tolerate the treatment. Be polite, but firm. This is what I need, thank you.
I had a very easy going oncologist (the 2nd one, fired the first). He was totally okay with weekly Herceptin. I popped in on Saturday mornings for the infusions and the side effects were minimal.
In Asian healing, thinning hair plus anxiety/fear is a sign of issues with the kidney meridian (which includes more than just the organ), and anger/frustration points to the health of the liver meridian. If you have a chance to try some acupuncture treatments you might find some relief. If you don't like needles try acupressure.
I would not personally just supplement with your medical history. I would seek out the advice of a ND, or at a very minimum try testing for your iodine levels.
With the burden that has been put on your body with the tests and treatments you need to eliminate as many sources of toxins/pesticides/hormones. Now is a good time to eat organic, get plenty of nutrient dense foods, fiber. Water without fluoride, chloride, etc - Penta water is filtered 11 times. Get plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Meditate and feed your mind and emotions positive experiences.
You have more control over your experience then you think. Take charge and communicate. I had the same issues and would get mad at my medical team over how I was being treated. It didn't do me any good, and just made things awkward. Polite, but firm, this is what I need, with a smile.
I understand there are many problems with the mindset of our current medical community. You are completely right, they have not grasped the concept of the INDIVIDUAL. I can't tell you have many times I've heard that statistics show . . . but I'm in the minority with you - my body doesn't metabolize medicines well. I have an allergy list a mile long.
You are always welcome to vent to us - we get it. The frustrations are there. Just keep your eye on the goal, regaining the most health that you can. You deserve it!
^Ooooooch CarolineC; Please feel free to rant :) ; each one of these is a mini rant on my part because in outline this is all basic essential wisdom of life that we should learn in school onwards . . .
Cooking of goitrogenic foods
It is often suggested that cooking reduces the goitrogenic effects of foods, and I have seen that stated often and unwisely assumed it to be true: as often the case, the science suggests things are not that simple.
The papers here would suggest the reality is that some foods retain at least some of their effect even in those that have an 'adequate' iodine or were given extra iodine, and that in some instances the goitrogenic effect may even be stronger after cooking; and more scarily that some have very powerful goitrogenic effect in even the likely well nourished.
This abstract suggests we cannot afford to simply ignore goitrogenic effects of foods; unfortunately much more research is as ever needed. Clearly what is reported below may be a particular property of pickled soy, but it does make the point, and maybe explain why it is generally reported that traditional soy foods are generally fermented, which I have often read reduces the goitrogens in soy (but not seen any papers), but others suggest fermentation does not reduce the goitrogenic content (and I still have not found any papers).
"The most powerful evidence of soy's adverse effects on the adult thyroid emerged from a study carried out at the Ishizuki Thyroid Clinic in Japan. Dr. Yoshimochi Ishizuki of Aichi Medical University demonstrated that 30 grams of pickled soybeans per day, given to healthy adult men and women, induced thyroid disruptions in only 30 days. All subjects consumed seaweed daily to
ensure adequate iodine intake." (p 320)
"Soy eaters are at risk for thyroid damage not only because of the goitrogens in soy but also because phytates contribute to zinc deficiency and an "anti-vitamin factor" results in greater needs of the body for vitamin B-12." (pp 322-3)"
http://iodineresearch.com/goitrogens_food_pg1.html
'lizbeth
10-16-2013, 12:09 PM
R.B.
Are you looking in my pantry?
I've been taking Lecithin for years, so that is another goitrogen? If I stop taking it my heart rate elevates to tachycardia. I've been trying DMAE to alternate. Is there a better supplement of choline, more than food sources? Or a better way to supplement to increase acetylcholine?
I have been very lazy about supplements lately. I mostly take CoQ10, Lecithin, Kelp and Chromium Picolinate.
I am supposed to be taking a prescription for B1, B6 and Vitamin E - but I've been forgetting to do this. Back to the pantry . . .
This is a thoughtful examination of the issue of crucifers and goitrogens, but not much in the way of papers on fermentation . . . do different bacteria have different effects . . . commercial sauerkraut likely uses only particular bacteria . . . so the jury is still out for me . . .
http://www.westonaprice.org/basics/bearers-of-the-cross
Choline is a whole other topic of great importance and part of the whole story of the transport and supply of Omega 3 and 6 to cells and particularly the brain. . . and a topic I do not know anywhere near what I would like about . . . a thread would help me bring together what I know and force me to fill the gaps . . . one for another day maybe
Nitrates
Another suggestion that I had seen was that nitrate was a 'goitrogen' (used here and elsewhere in the loose sense that it affects thyroid function by inhibiting iodine metabolism in some way).
It appears they are likely goitrogens - and of particular significance in part because they are found in drinking water and so effect large parts of the population.
Logically the effect will be additive or maybe multiply goitrogenic effects of chlorination and fluoridation of water.
Nitrates are also used as food preservatives.
Not to forget organochlorines, and how little we know about the downstream effect of disinfecting foods with chlorine based products, (all those bagged salads, packaged veg fruit etc)
Then we have new foods such as soy products . . . to add to the foods we have long eaten which are goitrogens.
In moderation none of which individually would probably for most be a problem of significance for those with adequate iodine intake, but combined . . .
Disease by a thousand cuts it appears!
Our best intentioned additions to water and foods in our war against bacteria (which does not differentiate between friend and foe) may have tipped the balance all of which argues for a likely greater need of iodine; increased iodine may not be optimal but is surely better than all of the downstream possible consequences of deficiency.
Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2005 Jul-Sep;49(3):284-8.
Evaluation of possible goitrogenic and anti-thyroidal effect of nitrate, a potential environmental pollutant.
Mukhopadhyay S, Ghosh D, Chatterjee A, Sinha S, Tripathy S, Chandra AK.
Source
Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, University College of Science and Technology, Kolkata.
"The overall results indicated the development of a relative state of functional hypothyroidism with enlarged thyroid after nitrate exposure. This study can explain a part for the persistence of residual goitre in the post-salt iodization phase."
Nitrate intake and the risk of thyroid cancer and thyroid disease.
Ward MH, Kilfoy BA, Weyer PJ, Anderson KE, Folsom AR, Cerhan JR.
Source
Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Department of Health and Human Services, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA. wardm@mail.nih.gov
BACKGROUND:
Nitrate is a contaminant of drinking water in agricultural areas and is found at high levels in some vegetables. Nitrate competes with uptake of iodide by the thyroid, thus potentially affecting thyroid function.
Increased thyroid volume and frequency of thyroid disorders signs in schoolchildren from nitrate polluted area.
Tajtáková M, Semanová Z, Tomková Z, Szökeová E, Majoros J, Rádiková Z, Seböková E, Klimes I, Langer P.
Source
Clinic of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, P.J. Safárik University, Trieda SNP 1, 040 66 Kosice, Slovakia.
It was concluded that long-term exposure to high nitrate intake by drinking water and home made meals from local products results in increased thyroid volume and increased frequency of signs of subclinical thyroid disorders (thyroid hypoechogenicity by ultrasound, increased TSH level and positive anti-TPO).
Comments on California’s Draft Public Health Goal for Perchlorate
February 23, 2011
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=21&cad=rja&ved=0CCoQFjAAOBQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Foehha.ca.gov%2Fwater%2Fphg%2Fpdf% 2FPerComs%2FHRSperchcoms042011.pdf&ei=CblfUuqZDfPQ7AanqYCYAg&usg=AFQjCNGTgu4eUtmIfmjt0mWit_ARb7gRSw&sig2=8WMJgbmlAZ-E-vVD_oV2XA
My comments address a failure to account for ubiquitous exposure to
nitrate and thiocyanate, which have the same biological mode of action as
perchlorate, in setting the PHG. Potential perchlorate risks are unlikely to be
distinguishable from the ubiquitous background of other naturally occurring
substances present at much higher exposures that can affect the thyroid via the same biological mode of action as perchlorate, especially nitrate.
There are references to some extremely thought provoking papers on the impact of fluoride in this site called fluoride alert.
Given the potential risks of the combination of increased fluoride intake and low iodine, and the growing apparent list of negative health effects of fluoride especially were iodine is low, including on the most fundamental human health issues such as early development and IQ, versus the only claimed upside possible of lowering of carries in the young (maybe at the expense of more brittle bones ? ? ? etc), I increasingly believe on a risk reward basis that the decision to fluoridate water should now be revisited.
http://fluoridealert.org/studies/thyroid01/
Abstract (I recommend you visit the site and particularly the above section; you too may want to have a silent scream)
"Fluoride Exposure Aggravates the Impact of Iodine Deficiency
A consistent body of animal and human research shows that fluoride exposure worsens the impact of an iodine deficiency. Iodine is the basic building block of the T3 and T4 hormones and thus an adequate iodine intake is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. When iodine intake is inadequate during infancy and early childhood, the child’s brain can suffer permanent damage, including mental retardation.
Fluoride, Low Iodine, & IQ — Human Studies
In China, researchers have repeatedly found that an iodine deficiency coupled with fluoride exposure produces a significantly more damaging effect on neurological development than iodine deficiency alone. In the first study to investigate the issue, Ren reported that:
“From the results it is evident that disrupted child intellectual development is among the effects on the human body from a harmful environment containing both high fluoride and low iodine, and this disruption is clearly much more serious than the effects of iodine deficiency alone.”
SOURCE: Ren D, et al. (1989). A study of the intellectual ability of 8-14 year-old children in high fluoride, low iodine areas. Chinese Journal of Control of Endemic Diseases 4(4):251 (republished in Fluoride 2008; 41:319-20). [See study]
Since Ren’s study, other research teams have reported the same result. In 1991, a UNICEF-funded study concluded that fluoride levels of just 0.9 ppm (less than the level added to many water supplies for fluoridation) were sufficient to worsen the effects of iodine deficiency. The authors found that, when compared to children with iodine deficiency in a low-fluoride area, the children with iodine deficiency in the 0.9 ppm area had increased TSH levels, reduced T3, reduced intelligence, retarded bone development, and reduced hearing. According to the authors:
“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.”
SOURCE: Lin Fa-Fu; et al (1991). The relationship of a low-iodine and high-fluoride environment to subclinical cretinism in Xinjiang. Endemic Disease Bulletin 6(2):62-67 (republished in Iodine Deficiency Disorder Newsletter Vol. 7(3):24-25). [See study]" . . . MORE
Another I want to scream (but only do so quietly to myself) or bash my head on the desk moment (which I do not do because it hurts); prompted by a reference to fluoride from coal combustion on the Fluoride Alert web site (see above). Why is somebody not looking in depth at our total fluoride / goitrogen exposure; if this is an issue in China should it not be under active consideration in the western world. If governments were looking at it surely all of these iodine blocking factors would be brought together in one place for assessment and reported on; I have not seen any suggestion that they are. To the contrary those who are better placed than me to know suggest no agency is looking at intake overall; see video link below.
Where we are going to get affordable energy from is a whole other issue; logically finding ways to use less might be a good start.
I wondered how much of an issue is fluoride emission from coal combustion, and was this only something particular to Chinese coal or a more global issue.
Depressingly it appears one way or another humans do absorb significant amounts of airborne fluoride. For those who feel China is a long way a way, it appears the reality is US (and so likely all) coal power plants emit significant amounts of fluoride (or at least did; I need to check if air scrubbing technology has improved ?).
So even those for whatever reason who have chosen to avoid fluoridated water and toothpaste may still be getting a daily dose of fluoride - OK the amount will depend on where you live etc etc! and maybe airborne fluoride alone may? not be an issue but we are back to disease by a thousand cuts and the as yet unassessed in full cumulative effects of fluoridation of water toothpaste, use of fluorine based products in the food chain, chlorination of water, nitrates, perchlorate etc etc etc.
The extent to which higher iodine intake will counter balance a higher fluoride intake is not clear, but the ever growing list of sources of 'goitrogens' including fluoride (water, air and food), chlorination (water and food), nitrates (water and food), toothpaste + perchlorate etc would add to the weight of argument for reexamining how much iodine we need and how to incorporate it into the diet (or even maybe by supplementation).
Fluoride from coal burning emission.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDMQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fluorideresearch.org%2F291%2F files%2FFJ1996_v29_n1_p007-012.pdf&ei=HpZqUvS0B8XTtAaz4YD4BQ&usg=AFQjCNEXCqJAVxOoVqglc8eAojZHEfz-lQ&sig2=_b0YhiI6NWfzEOh0wZDMWg&bvm=bv.55123115,d.Yms
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TOTAL FLUORIDE INTAKE
AND DENTAL FLUOROSIS IN AREAS POLLUTED
BY AIRBORNE FLUORIDE
In fluorosis resulting from consumption of high fluoride (F) levels in drinking water, F enters the human body through the digestive tract. But, in fluorosis induced by airborne F, F enters the human body through both the respiratory and digestive tracts. The latter clearly involves contamination of both water and food by airborne F. The total fluoride intake of a patient with air-pollution-type fluorosis is, thus, the sum of fluoride intake through the respiratory and the digestive tracts.
http://208.109.172.241/f-powerplants.htm
http://http://208.109.172.241/images/TRI-coal98.gif
Electric Power Research Institute - Hydrogen Fluoride.
Hydrogen fluoride from power plants is about 84% of all the hydrogen fluoride from human activities released into the air each year in the United States. Almost all hydrogen fluoride from power plants comes from burning coal. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that U.S. power plants burning coal released about 32,100 tons of hydrogen fluoride into the air in 1994.
Fluoride Pollution from Coal Burning in China Compilation of recent studies, 1990-2001
Recently a huge amount of fluoride in coal has been released into indoor environments by the combustion of coal and fluoride pollution seems to be increasing in some rural areas in China...Since airborne fluoride from the combustion of coal pollutes extensively both the living environment and food, it is necessary to reduce fluoride pollution caused by coal burning. ("Health effects of fluoride pollution caused by coal burning." Sci Total Environ 2001 Apr 23;271(1-3):107-16
Video clip from Fluoride Alert for those who prefer listening to reading.
Thought provoking stuff from a toxicologist.
http://fluoridealert.org/fan-tv/vyvyan-howard/
And a video about our increasing intake . . . (apparently pesticides are a significant source - I have not checked this out - yet)
http://fluoridealert.org/fan-tv/how-much-fluoride-are-we-ingesting/
Iodine and eggs (and dairy)
(Eggs are a great food; chickens may not agree, but it appear the eggs and likely the chickens too are not what they once were, so chickens too should be concerned :) )
Traditionally eggs have been considered a good source of iodine; maybe because chickens concentrate iodine into eggs because it is essential to the development of healthy chicks.
This paper cited previously suggested that eggs may be associated with iodine deficiency in adolescent females in the UK.
http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=53928
This puzzelled me for a few moments; maybe we do not feed hens as much fish meal as we used to I pondered, and mentally set the issue to one side.
I had forgotten the obvious that chickens drink water and eat food too, http://www.beeskneesdance.com/bees_knees/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/homer-simpson-doh.gif and so like us will be exposed to perchlorate, fluoride, chlorinated water, etc.
Perchlorate is apparently preferred to iodine by the iodine transporter found in the thyroid, reproductive tissues, and lots of other places, and that it would appear may apply to chickens too as chickens that ingest perchlorate concentrate it in their eggs at the expense of iodine/iodide. Did the IQ of the chickens suffer :) ; maybe that issue was not high on the researchers' agenda :(.
Our friend nitrate makes a showing too.
Was soy (a potential goitrogen) included in chicken meal; we do not know.
The conclusion was that the perchlorate in eggs did not add to the load in 2280 human individuals, but could goitrogens in chicken feed, and consequent increase in perchlorate and decrease in iodine go some way to explain the finding above that egg intake was related to iodine deficiency ?
And it occurs to me cows eat and drink too, and mammary glands concentrate iodine in milk at least in cows and people. Does perchlorate reduce the iodine content of milk? It appears it has the potential too - Oh dear :( - and does perchclorate get into milk; it appears it does :( - The amount may depend on the iodine intake of the cow . . . but it increase with increased perchlorate intake . . . which may not exceed the recommended daily intake maximum on its own . . . but perchlorate is found in water etc etc . . . back to disease by a thousand cuts.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18959414
J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Nov 26;56(22):10709-15. doi: 10.1021/jf8018326.
Perchlorate, nitrate, thiocyanate, and iodide levels in chicken feed, water, and eggs from three farms.
Blount BC, Ozpinar A, Alwis KU, Caudill SP, Gillespie JR.
Source
Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA. bkb3@cdc.gov
Abstract
Perchlorate is an inhibitor of iodide uptake that is found widely in the environment. Given the potential for perchlorate accumulation during egg formation and the widespread consumption of eggs, it is important to examine eggs as a source of exposure to perchlorate and other potential inhibitors of iodide uptake (nitrate and thiocyanate). This study was conducted to determine potential human exposure to perchlorate from eggs produced by chicken flocks consuming differing amounts of perchlorate. The mean concentrations of perchlorate (7.16 ( 1.99 microg/kg of dry weight), nitrate (2820 ( 2100 microg/kg of dry weight), thiocyanate (574 +/- 433 microg/kg of dry weight), and iodide (2980 ( 1490 microg/kg of dry weight) in eggs (n = 180) from 15 chicken houses on 3 U.S. farms were determined. Chickens secreted into eggs an average of 23% of the perchlorate ingested from feed and water. Perchlorate levels in eggs were positively correlated with perchlorate intake (p < 0.001). Increased intake of perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate was associated with decreased iodide levels in eggs, possibly indicating a competitive transport mechanism, such as sodium-iodide symporter. It was estimated that egg consumption contributes minimal perchlorate (approximately 0.040 microg) compared to the average total intake of approximately 10.5 microg for U.S. adults. Additionally, it was found that egg consumption was not associated with increased perchlorate exposure in 2820 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (p value for the difference of least-squares means, pDiff = 0.225). From these findings it was concluded that, although chickens secrete perchlorate in eggs, eggs do not appear to be a significant source of perchlorate exposure for adults in the United States.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030273852464
Abstract
These experiments quantitate the relation between amount of perchlorate ingested and radioiodine transferred to milk of the cow when radioiodine is fed daily or after radioiodine administration ceases.
When radioiodine was given daily, graded doses of perchlorate, from 10 to 4,000 mg/day, increased plasma iodine in accord with Y = 88.1 X.052 (Y = % of control value and X is the daily dose of perchlorate in milligrams.) Curves for iodine-125 in milk and ratio of milk to plasma iodine-125 between the limits of 50 and 1,000 mg perchlorate daily were fitted by Y = 794.8 X-.525 and Y = 1,046.5X-.601; these same curves between 10 and 50 mg perchlorate daily were fitted by Y = 85.6 + .37 X and Y = 82.3 + .28 X. Between 1,000 and 4,000 mg perchlorate, these curves had a slope of 0. These data indicate that perchlorate can inhibit the iodide-transfer mechanism of the mammary gland of the cow and that a ratio of milk to iodine of .2 indicates complete blockage of this transfer.
Administration of 1 g of perchlorate daily leads to 55% less radioiodine being transferred to milk after administration of iodine 125 has ceased.
Also see for cows with iodine in feed and on equipment to prevent matitis
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1275600/
Conclusion; Nerds (me et al), cows and chickens may too need more iodine than they used to because of exposure to dietary goitrogens.
Going back to the core issue of this board breast cancer.
There seems to be no easily findable (if any?) work looking at the effect of fluoride or perchlorate intake on breast cancer risk.
There is more work looking at iodine and breast cancer; but not a lot. This paper on iodine is interesting.
Odd bits of research, much of it old (I guess because funding for iodine research is limited - it cannot be patented) strongly suggest it is likely that iodine transporters are not the only mechanisms for the uptake of iodide / iodine so the whole issue of iodine probably has many more layers than we are currently aware of.
Interestingly and in a way unsurprisingly (babies need iodine) the hormones associated with pregnancy and lactation increase iodine transporter activity. A high proportion of breast cancers demonstrate increased iodine uptake; the question is how does low iodine affect the early and later development of BC. The abstract below suggest that iodine is preventative, and that many of those with BC are deficient in iodine and or have enlarged thyroids etc (low iodine is in general terms linked with increase in thyroid size it appears).
Iodine Alters Gene Expression in the MCF7 Breast Cancer Cell Line: Evidence for an Anti-Estrogen Effect of Iodine
http://www.medsci.org/v05p0189.htm
The high rate of breast disease in women with thyroid abnormalities (both dietary and clinical) suggests a correlation between thyroid and breast physiology [1-3]. In addition, women with breast cancer have larger thyroid volumes then controls [2]. Multiple studies suggest that abnormalities in iodine metabolism are the likely link [4-7]. Additionally, the impact of iodine therapy for the maintenance of healthy breast tissue has been reported in both animal [4-7] and clinical studies [8, 9] yet the mechanisms responsible remain unclear.
Iodide (I-) uptake is observed in approximately 80% of breast cancers as well as fibrocystic breast disease and lactating breasts; however, quantitatively, no significant iodide uptake is reported in normal, non-lactating breast tissue [10]. Clinical trials have demonstrated that women with cyclic mastalgia [9] or fibrocystic disease [8] can have symptomatic relief from treatment with molecular iodine (I2). Iodine deficiency, either dietary or pharmacologic, can lead to breast atypia and increased incidence of malignancy in animal models [11]. Furthermore, iodine treatment can reverse dysplasia which results from iodine deficiency [5]. Rat models using N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU) and dimethyl-benz[a]anthracene (DMBA) to induce dysplasia and eventually carcinogenesis have shown that the presence of molecular iodine in the animal's diet can prevent tumor formation; yet, when iodine is removed from the diet, these animals develop tumors at rates comparable to those of control animals [5, 7]. These data suggest that iodine diminishes early cancer progression through an inhibitory effect on cancer initiating cells. . .
Perchlorate intake in rats leads to alteration in breast tissue :( and earlier breast developmental issues. Yes they are using large amounts but it still demonstrates that iodine uptake is essential to breast health, and perchlorate is a blocker of iodine uptake in the breast so a risk exists from perchlorate we put into the environment, and especially so when combined with the issues of additional blocking fluoride chlorination nitrates food goitrogens etc
Arch Pathol Lab Med. 1979 Nov;103(12):631-4.
Age-related changes resembling fibrocystic disease in iodine-blocked rat breasts.
Krouse TB, Eskin BA, Mobini J.
Abstract
It has been reported that dietary restriction and chemical blockade of iodine causes histopathologic changes in peripubertal female rat breasts. This study extended the age range to include midreproductive life and perimenopausal rats; there is a wider spectrum of structural alterations that are associated with the older breast, with sodium perchlorate as the blocking agent. In 16-week-old rats, breasts showed general increased parenchymal activity and growth, regressing after removal of the block. In 42-week-old rats, breasts showed noticeable calcospherite deposition, intralobular fibrosis, and cystic changes resembling human fibrocystic disease. In 52-week-old rats, breasts exhibited atypical lobules cytologically, papillomatosis, sclerosing adenosis, calcifications, and a lobular transformation of a histologically dysplastic type. It is the older rat that experiments will more closely parallel the human condition.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/167953
Cancer Res. 1975 Sep;35(9):2332-9.
Rat mammary gland atypia produced by iodine blockade with perchlorate.
Eskin BA, Shuman R, Krouse T, Merion JA.
Abstract
Prior published work from our laboratory concluded that there was a need for appropriate metabolic activity of iodine in breast tissue for normal growth and development. Results from studies in rats that were made iodine deficient showed histological changes in the breasts that were atypical and dysplastic. These tissue findings were further affected by the presence of estrogen and thyroxine. These changes parallel the iodine uptake of the tissues, thus representing a difference in the utilization of iodine by the mammary glands. Using an ion blockade agent, sodium perchlorate, breast tissues lacking iodine were evaluated by both endocrine and histological techniques. A dose-response series was completed that showed that perchlorate therapy for 8 weeks at 400 mg/100 ml produced breast blockade by a reduction in iodine uptake of greater than 52% of the control. At these levels, the histological experimentation showed atypia and some pleomorphism of the cells, particularly in the glands of the lobules. Blockade was less effective in estrogen-treated groups. It is especially notable that both histological changes and uptake reduction were greatest in those breasts that had been rendered euthyroid by thyroxine replacement, thus clearly indicating the necessity of iodine itself for maintenance of normal breast development. By this blockade the responses of iodine inadequacy in the breast were shown to cause abnormal tissue changes relative to the percentage of the block obtained.
The information below as to fluoride based pesticides is thought provoking; does anyone know if this is still an issue?
To put things into context a UK dietary survey http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/surveillance/fsis2000/5tds#.UmuWAlOt_os found the highest fluorine levels were in the fish food group 1.9mg per Kg or 1.9 parts per million (Sorry got that wrong earlier :( ). Fish is generally regarded as a healthy food and a good source of iodine, which brings us back to the question is iodine deficiency rather than fluoride intake the primary issue (except in very young infants, because it seems breast milk production filters out most fluoride, and what are the implications of that).
(Perchlorate as a blocker may be a particular case as it is reported to be taken up better than iodine, which would explain why it appears to preferentially block iodine uptake; so upping iodine intake may help but not fully negate the effects of perchclorate)
This East African paper http://eurekamag.com/research/003/143/fluoride-content-selected-food-items-areas-in-africa.php (PDF can be downloaded free) confirms fish, both fresh and marine, contain significant amounts of fluoride and particularity in the skin, as apparently do some food stuffs there (Is that due to high levels of flouride in soils or water, and what implications does that have for the west; are we increasing soil levels through for example the use of coal, and or using treated water for husbandry or crop irrigation).
This paper looks at more northerly species. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCsQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbrage.bibsys.no%2Ffiskeri%2Fbitst ream%2FURN%3ANBN%3Ano-bibsys_brage_41247%2F3%2Fse_vol02_01_1981_p1-6.pdf&ei=-VhtUt35JMmXtQbd_YGoAg&usg=AFQjCNHQSOfMtRf4KFG_vAyNXpk7cJIq1g&sig2=wZh5qWJrdh_tBGuj3OsDvw&bvm=bv.55123115,d.Yms Fluoride in the fillets is generally modest but again high is skin and bones. So sardines are likely to be a significant source of fluoride. Coastal populations in some countries such as Portugal ate sardines regularly. This paper looking at goiter in Europe says that it was rare in coastal Portuguese populations, http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&ved=0CEUQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fepub.ub.uni-muenchen.de%2F8519%2F1%2F8519.pdf&ei=pldtUpLxD8eFtAal84G4BA&usg=AFQjCNEX-Pj5tvagX0t_v1536jrnyTz0sg&sig2=UhokjrJi76AIThr260HtuA&bvm=bv.55123115,d.Yms which brings us back to iodine, as well maybe as the importance of other marine nutrients including selenium and other minerals - we are back to complex interactions again !
Goiter is common in areas of East Africa, as apparently is fluorosis of the teeth; is this due to iodine deficiency or a high fluoride intake - most likely iodine deficiency I postulate.
The paper reports oyster tissue contained in the order of 240mg of fluorine per Kg! ( I am trying to check this figure as it seems very high - but the general precept still holds as it appears fish are in comparative terms high in fluoride, but also a source of iodine; figures on iodine levels in foods are not easy to find either !) I have not seen goitre or fluorosis being reported as a consequence of regular oyster consumption, or being Inuit, which again brings us back to the question is iodine deficiency the main issue. (Marine food contain iodine, but apart from milk most land based foods contain little iodine)
This report ( I will add the reference tomorrow as I have lost the link) would seem to suggest that western sources of higher levels of fluoride include (or maybe used to?) common foods such as grape juice and cereals, which self evidently are unlikely to contain significant iodine.
Some suggest that in considering whether to fluoridate water we should be mindful of the high levels of fluoride in food. The question also occurs to me how do dental trials looking at fluoride differentiate the effects of fluoride in water and larger ? amounts in food ?
The site below raises the issue of the use of pesticides that contain fluorine. I do not know if they are still in use.
Fluoride residue tolerances approved for food by US EPA as of July 15, 2005.
http://www.fluoridealert.org/wp-content/pesticides/fluoride.tols.july.2005.html
http://fluoridedetective.com/fluoride-facts/sulfuryl-fluoride/
Sulfuryl Fluoride:
Fluoride Fumigated FoodSulfuryl fluoride is a pesticide used to fumigate food warehouses. Kills bugs and rodents dead. Toxic?
Oh heck yeah!!
The EPA classifies it in the most acutely toxic category of pesticides: a restricted use pesticide (1) which means that food products and packaging must be removed from warehouses before they can be fumigated. No food contact allowed. Makes sense, right?
Well all this changed in 2004. Since 2004 sulfuryl fluoride has become widely used ON foods. (I bet Dow Chemical lobbyists earned a fat bonus on this.)
Now EPA allows these fumigations to create fluoride residues of up to 70 ppm fluoride “in or on” all processed foods (except specified foods) and 130 ppm “in or on” wheat!
Fluoride Alert has compiled a list of tolerated fluoride levels in fumigated foods. (5)(6)(7)(8)
Labeling of exposed foods
AND, if that’s not bad enough, no regulations require exposed foods to be labeled accordingly! Consumers have no warning whether a food has been fumigated with sulfuryl fluoride. And since fluoride is flavorless, odorless, and colorless, we are intentionally left totally in the dark on the nature of what we’re eating.
How much is 70 ppm fluoride anyway?
Look at it this way: In January 2011 the CDC lowered the amount of fluoride to be in our drinking water from 1.2 ppm to 0.7 ppm due to health concerns. With that in mind, consider your fresh or frozen dinner vegetables laden with up to 70 ppm of fluoride or the flour in your bread having 130 ppm fluoride. Ouch!!
This video from fluoride alert suggests there have been no blinded randomized trials looking at the benefits of fluoridation of water on tooth decay.
They differentiate topical fluorine application to the teeth from fluoridation of water.
Some strongly question the wisdom of fluoridation.
They suggest studies do not show any clear benefit.
http://fluoridealert.org/fan-tv/benefits/
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/fluoride-the-thyroid-gland/
Another and particularly powerful fluoridealert video; a heartrending plea from a pediatrician.
Iodine / fluoride problems have their largest effect in the young.
Fluoride is accumulated over time in bone and calcified tissue, and provides a background reserve, so even once fluoride intake is reduced there will continue to be releases from calcified tissue and bone.
As I keep stressing to the iodine blocking effects of fluoride in water we can add chlorination, perchlorate, nitrates, bromide, fluoride in tooth paste (a real issue if you do not rinse really well it appears), fluoride in foods . . .
However it is important to keep in mind that fluoride and iodine whilst of the same family have very different sizes and characteristic, so will overall have lots of effects in pathways that are not common. Very high levels of fluoride have been shown to affect a raft of important pathways including reducing energy production, oxidation stress, and affecting immune function. The question is at what intake level do these effects become significant; we do not know, and it is all very complicated because for example you cannot entirely separate the effects of fluoride excess from iodine deficiency.
http://fluoridealert.org/fan-tv/dr-whyte/
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_abstract.aspx?volume=123&issue=6&start_page=675
and this paper links dental health to thyroid function
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CC4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fluorideresearch.org%2F382%2F files%2F38291-94.pdf&ei=alxtUtHrNMTnswbw3YGQAg&usg=AFQjCNGTxDGcEu9QTm0q2ZHIeui5rVomqg&sig2=vW7wXwVAPvRi3ssx3Y4G0w&bvm=bv.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/2007orleans/techprogram/abstract_93262.htm
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&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&ved=0CD4QFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnora.nerc.ac.uk%2F3472%2F1%2FA_he alth_risk_assessment_for_fluoride_in_Central_Europ e_final.pdf&ei=1nRtUvm7LMLWswb47oCICA&usg=AFQjCNFLy8wdLzso_ZTbro8LQGmWi5cPlw&sig2=L3lo3-7wOyKzEbWXd-UmJg&bvm=bv.55123115,d.Yms
. . . 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&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDIQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.tubitak.gov.tr%2Fveterin ary%2Fissues%2Fvet-13-37-5%2Fvet-37-5-8-1302-2.pdf&ei=1nRtUvm7LMLWswb47oCICA&usg=AFQjCNHYQg_a-sIZ6-YEcYY7Jx4noJAxVQ&sig2=I2ooJYVm9G2jl8reyUyktg&bvm=bv.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&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDAQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fluorideresearch.org%2F372%2F files%2FFJ2004_v37_n2_p102-106.pdf&ei=S4BtUtr-GMzbsgarmYHgCg&usg=AFQjCNEjZjzkWHp0jAiBuo_TautHJOBRBg&sig2=UopZNOKgVX5IauWSdG8FLg&bvm=bv.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)
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&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=26&cad=rja&ved=0CFAQFjAFOBQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.grassland.org.nz%2Fpublicatio ns%2Fnzgrassland_publication_1874.pdf&ei=i3ltUrnwE8KxtAaGyoGwAQ&usg=AFQjCNGy1bl93hiVdGWcWF98Bjg1AOK_bQ&sig2=siw1mrWZW9EFw-FMKniieg&bvm=bv.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
Two further papers suggesting mineral deficiency as well as fluoride plays a part in fluorosis
http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTOTAL-DYBF200802013.htm
http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTOTAL-ZGGW200204035.htm
And this paper http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCsQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fluorideresearch.org%2F301%2F files%2FFJ1997_v30_n1_p026-028.pdf&ei=I4RtUoSxMaOl0wWzyIDwBw&usg=AFQjCNG0C8xXImEekyWAveTXgLHwkLvQtg&sig2=gt3sHTTtEosmMjo-TpT5mQ&bvm=bv.55123115,d.Yms powerfully makes the point that water flouride levels of 1.4 and 1.6 mg/l can result in significant levels of fluorosis 62.96% and 76.49% respectively - they also noted the water was low in zinc and selenium - so maybe there is a cautionary tale here;
The determination of a safe fluoride intake should have regard to wider mineral intake
High fluoride levels may ? reduce mineral availability, which is particularly relevant in those who are already mineral deficient.
Given many in the west are mineral deficient in one or more minerals this may be of particular significance.
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.
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&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CD8QFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintraspec.ca%2FAssociation_of_vas cular_fluoride_uptake_with.3.pdf&ei=VONvUrCIOszNsgbjxYCYBQ&usg=AFQjCNE-qcOpNdYuFJpvnKzJqQBXDYipjw&sig2=G7McuHiapHENAY7uSenCIA&bvm=bv.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.
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."
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 . . .
This is a well regarded extensive UK study . . .
http://www.thejournal.ie/iodine-deficiency-during-pregnancy-could-adversley-affect-children%E2%80%99s-mental-development-919382-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.
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.
This is a paper (2005) by Dr Flechas titled
Orthoiodosupplementation in a Primary Care Practice
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&ved=0CDcQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.optimox.com%2Fpics%2FIodine%2 Fpdfs%2FIOD10.pdf&ei=rsByUuSHH4Sc0QWK64HgBQ&usg=AFQjCNEkmAiHHbPqGCI_6nCWB3YlW1QWzQ&sig2=yYOH6aBfFbt7wXqhZRqCGA&bvm=bv.55819444,d.bGE
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&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDAQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vri.cz%2Fdocs%2Fvetmed%2F46-6-153.pdf&ei=WspyUpmmIKep0QWuxIHYDg&usg=AFQjCNGhFuQpOSsbin83OonTlGFYhpPHdg&sig2=w2i7_7JqEwLSeM9ucyTB4w&bvm=bv.55819444,d.Yms
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/article/pii/S0013935113000091
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.
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%.
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.
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).
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/2007/06/05/news/hokkaido-cranes-mercury-levels-soaring/#.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 ?
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?"
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…"
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."
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.
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=7v7g5XoCQQwC&pg=PA573&lpg=PA573&dq=Iodine+uptake+and+loss-can+frequent+strenuous+exercise+induce+iodine+defi ciency&source=bl&ots=cME5AJ1-lt&sig=yqOvCw-Q16yGNsJ7Y9DSWT2MYYE&hl=en&sa=X&ei=_xp4UrOvKoqNtQbpw4CICg&ved=0CFQQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Iodine%20uptake%20and%20loss-can%20frequent%20strenuous%20exercise%20induce%20i odine%20deficiency&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=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=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)
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"
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.
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=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CC0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.food.gov.uk%2Fmultimedia%2Fpd fs%2Fevm0006p.pdf&ei=L7V_UveHCcPA0QWBtIHIBw&usg=AFQjCNFPa_s1D_upW6rmbV-kkJvFS7qsNg&bvm=bv.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.
Thyroid peroxidase activity as toxicity target for fluoride in patients with thyroid dysfunction
https://www.google.com/search?q=flouride%20thyroid%20dysfucntion&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=np&source=hp#channel=np&q=fluoride+thyroid+dysfunction&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&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/Perfluorooctanesulfonic_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/Fluoride/Pages/Introduction.aspx makes no mention of flouride and potential impact on thyroid function on this page.
This 'in full' paper on Fluoride Alert raises some interesting questions and information. I found it whilst trying to better understand the role of fluorine in hyperthyroidism.
Is fluoride-induced hyperthyroidism a cause of psychosis among East African immigrants to Scandinavia?
http://fluoridealert.org/studies/zachariassen-2009/?print=1
Viz local waters in some parts of Africa can contain 10 -40ppm of fluoride which raises the question what levels of fluorosis and thyroid problems do these groups have; one of the attached papers looks at fluorosis in Africa, which I will read and link here later.
This video clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkJuWLMaoG0 is intriguing (but has no details as to the speaker or occasion). If correct the information would seem to be of importance; viz that fluoride can substitute for iodine in T3 and T4, and tests for them will not differentiate between the iodine and fluorine content of T3 and T4, which would surely have a raft of implications. For example could a fluoride rich T4 result in higher activity in a still healthy thyroid because it fails to satisfy the body's demand for iodine?
It is also suggested soy is high in fluorine. I have seen this suggested before but not a paper as yet; if correct is high fluoride an inherent property of soy or a consequence of the type of the land it has been grown on?
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&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=9&cad=rja&ved=0CFMQFjAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsites.nicholas.duke.edu%2Favnerve ngosh%2Ffiles%2F2011%2F08%2FRango-et-al-2012.pdf&ei=PlaFUsrPGObE7AasuYCgCw&usg=AFQjCNEfBJ4b_qdlkDD7TKiKToDzS3Lm2Q
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.
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.
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
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%.
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 :(
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.
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
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&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=9&cad=rja&ved=0CFcQFjAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bfsweb.org%2Fonemillion%2F08% 2520One%2520in%2520a%2520Million%2520-%2520Technical%2520and%2520Scientific%2520Aspects. pdf&ei=AbyHUr2XFrCO7Qbk1IC4BA&usg=AFQjCNHdrzmo9tSSOKxFNBp_KaOutmrFJw&bvm=bv.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.
For the avoidance of doubt there is a mass of evidence that fluoride has an important role in the hardness of enamel, and topical delivery (viz toothpaste) has been shown to increase hardness of enamel, but it appears there may be non-flouridated products that also increase enamel hardness.
Fluoride is found in sea water and soil, and certainly has a role in the biological function of the body. As with many things the level of toxicity is in the dose; many things that are essential to human existence are toxic in abnormal amounts including water. It does appear that the level of flouride intake in breast fed infants is low, and nature evolution or intelligent design appears to have arranged it that way, so maybe there is a lesson there.
However overall fouride is not per se toxic, but is harmful in inappropriate amounts in the given circumstances, which will depend on other dietary factors, age, and probably genetic makeup . . .
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&cad=rja&ved=0CFoQFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tm.mahidol.ac.th%2Fseameo%2F2 011-42-5%2F29-5244-18.pdf&ei=xQuKUtilDMvH7AagkIGIBw&usg=AFQjCNH0JJ5KUpwc5jzP8YmD4DHia_MA0Q&bvm=bv.56643336,d.ZGU This paper looked at 5 different tooth pastes some with fluoride and some without on extracted teeth in artificial saliva. Interestingly the non fluoridated products had similar effects on hardness.
It is also interesting that they used chlorinated water to soften the teeth first. OK it was for 24 hours, but the fact is still thought provoking given "There have been several case reports of competitive swimmers suffering dental erosion from swimming in gas-chlorinated pools (Centerwall et al, 1986)."
Toothpaste can contain large amounts of fluoride. In this paper those pastes that contained fluoride had 900 - 1000 mg of fluoride per kg. For this reason it is important not to swallow or eat toothpaste, and to rinse really well after brushing. Further apparently the amount used should be the size of a pea rather than a wide strip down the brush.
As a child I and others would occasionally eat small amounts of toothpaste because it tasted good, used the lots on the brush because that is what they did in the adverts, and were not very fussy about rinsing because we knew that toothpaste was good for teeth. Nobody mentioned the wider issues of fluoride excess.
The debate is are there better ways of delivering products fluoride to teeth that may protect them against erosion than inclusion in drinking water, and are any potential benefits of fluoridation of water outweighed by other heath risks brought by the additive effect of fluoride in water, in addition to the modern-day increased occurrence of fluoride in the environment and in foods?
A highly thought provoking new fluoride alert video.
As previously stated fluoride is a naturally occurring substance which likely has roles in the body even if we are as yet unclear exactly what they are, (and the same goes for rare elements such as arsenic, which is commonly known to be highly toxic, but none the less in the tiny amounts to which we are usually exposed may have roles in cellular function). Fluoride clearly causes medical problems in inappropriate quantities, and but in appropriate amounts when applied direct to teeth has been shown to increase enamel hardness.
The problem is in the modern world we are at risk of having too much fluoride in our dietary / water/ tooth product / medical / airborne sources, and as a population are largely unaware of the dangers it poses in excess.
The situation is further complicated by the fact we are often deficient in other minerals, the level of ingestion of fluoride depends on the food source it is found in and the other minerals therein, and we are putting large amounts of fluoride into the environment which we ingest through air water and the food chain, all of which begs the question is the fluoridation of water still appropriate.
http://fluoridealert.org/fan-tv/10-facts/
A highly thought provoking video lecture by Jorge Flechas - he is clearly impassioned to communicate his experience using iodine with patients - it is sad there is not more research into the issues raised . . . as regularly observed there is great debate about what constitutes the optimal intake band of iodine either for repairing deficiency or ongoing maintenance. There is significant evidence that the Japanese have a much higher intake than those in the west; from 1mg a day up depending which source is examined - how much higher is debated - clearly there must be papers that support the higher intake figures in pregnancy but as yet I have not managed to find them - I will try harder :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc4Q3kzBSc4#t=1865
See below a crash resulted in a duplicated post - apologies
^ This is a 2011 study
Iodine status of pregnant and postpartum Japanese women: effect of iodine intake on maternal and neonatal thyroid function in an iodine-sufficient area.
http://jcem.endojournals.org/content/96/12/3846.long
Based on the secretion of iodine in urine there seems to be a wide variation of intakes in pregnant women from insufficient to probably quite high. There is no suggestion that higher intakes were harmful, but equally the subject is not discussed,beyond reference to one or two figures.
Modern intakes may not be representative of historic intakes, and it will a long time before we know what is happening to the incidence of cancer etc.
ABSTRACT
"The rates of the pregnant and postpartum women who excreted iodine less than 100 μg/liter (0.79 μmol/liter) were 16.1% (110 of 684 women) and 35.7% (190 of 532 women), respectively (P < 0.0001). High iodine excretion greater than 500 μg/liter (4.0 μmol/liter) was found in 22.2% (152 of 684) of pregnant women and 14.1% (75 of 532) of postpartum women (P = 0.0003). Extremely high UI values exceeding 1000 μg/liter (7.9 μmol/liter) were found in 13.5% (92 of 684) of pregnant women and 6.6% (35 of 532) of postpartum women (P < 0.0001)."
http://jcem.endojournals.org/content/94/5/1683.long
Title
Thyroid function in early pregnancy in Japanese healthy women: relation to urinary iodine excretion, emesis, and fetal and child development.
Journal
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 2009 Vol. 94 No. 5 pp. 1683-1688
Abstract
Context: The effect of constant rich iodine intake, especially during pregnancy, has not been well understood. Objective: The objective was to examine urinary iodine excretion and thyroid function in early pregnancy in Japanese healthy women. We also studied fetal maturation and child development in these women. Design and Setting: This study was an observational, prospective study conducted at a maternity hospital. Subjects: Subjects were 622 pregnant women who visited a maternity hospital consecutively in early gestation. Subjects with positive thyroid antibodies were excluded, and finally 514 subjects were examined. Offspring subjects were infants born to the maternal subjects. Main Outcome Measures: Thyroid function, serum thyroperoxidase antibodies, and urinary concentrations of iodine were measured at the initial obstetrical visit. The fetal maturation scores estimated by the Dubowitz and Ballard methods in newly born infants were assessed. A child developmental test was performed using the Enjoji Scale up to 12 months of age. Results: The distribution of urinary iodine concentrations was large, and the average was extremely high. There were significant positive correlations between urinary iodine and serum TSH (r=0.1326; P<0.005). Serum TSH during early pregnancy in mothers had no relevance to parameters in neonates, scores of fetal maturation, or child developmental testing in their infants. Conclusions: Iodine excess during early pregnancy seems to have no adverse effects on the fetus in healthy Japanese women. To avoid hypothyroidism, reducing excess dietary iodine intake to moderate intake may be beneficial for pregnant woman in Japan.
The official Japanese recommendation appears to be 3mg; the chart of urinary iodine shows intakes ranged widely and some were very high.
"Considering all the various factors together, the limit of iodine intake for healthy Japanese pregnant women should be around 3000 μg iodine/d, as recommended by the Japanese Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry (9)."
The above paper begs the question how well does iodine intake and urinary iodine correlate. This paper goes some way to confirming in general terms a strong correlation.
www.ymj.kr/Synapse/Data/PDFData/0069YMJ/ymj-39-355.pdf
Clearly the difficulties in assessing iodine intake because of the large variations due to processing and food preparation are significant.
But based on this paper it can be reasonably assumed that high urinary outputs do correlate with high intakes, so based on urinary iodine output cited in the papers above we can be certain that some Japanese do indeed consume significant amounts of iodine; further generally there is no indication that this intake has negative health consequences.
Of course nothing is ever simple, so higher urinary outputs for a given intake in some could be due to other factors including differences in transporter function, historic intake and so levels of tissue saturation including fat and muscle, absence of intake of iodine uptake blockers in so far as they can affect net uptake through the gut iodine transporters, other dietary differences such as polyunsaturated fat intake etc. It appears much is still unknown.
However overall if you have not at some point ingested the iodine it is not possible to excrete it, so it is inescapable that on a population basis higher excretion must point to higher intake.
I would find it surprising if nobody has looked at uptake and excretion in population groups known to have a high long term intake of iodine, but have not come across any such papers so far.
In the table in this paper the UK and USA have the lowest intakes, indeed the UK ranks towards the bottom of a global ranking of iodine intakes; no 7 in a list of "The top 10 iodine-deficient countries (based on national median UIC <100 μg/L) with the greatest numbers of SAC with insufficient iodine intake in 2011. SAC, school-age children; UIC, urinary iodine concentration." Fig 3 http://nutrition.highwire.org/content/142/4/744.full
I have removed this post as the link seems temperamental which is a shame; and the post has no point without the link.
More in the next day or so - the antibacterial effects of iodine are currently on my mind.
Apologies for any inconvenience
Whilst looking for something on a totally different biological topic I came across these two blogs by an MD / radiologist on iodine and breast cancer.
The first http://jeffreydachmd.com/breast-cancer-prevention-with-iodine/ is interesting because it points out;
"Potassium iodide has been prescribed safely to large numbers pulmonary (COPD) patients in amounts of up to 6 grams per day for several years. This is a well known treatment for chronic obstructiove pulmonary disease (COPD) which helps mobilize lung secretions. (18)"
Please NOTE the above amount is in GRAMS, US recommendations are in micrograms (one millionth of a gram) and Japanese recommendations in milligrams on thousandth of a gram - So 6 grams is a lot in terms of current dietary recommendation; 2000 times the Japanese recommendation of 3mg - yes this was /is? being used as a medicine and is not the sort of amount any Doctor I have seen is recommending as a normal dietary intake. It would be fascinating to know what side effects have been observed in what percentage of patients etc.
and also says
"The FDA has officially stated that Iodine supplementation is safe and actually recommends 165 mg of Iodine for adults in case of Radiation Emergency to protect the population from thyroid cancer. (17)"
The second http://jeffreydachmd.com/iodine-treats-breast-cancer/ is interesting for its extensive list of references set out in a clear format, along with some case histories report by Dr Brownstein in his book which were either not in the earlier version or I had forgotten about them .
"
Iodine Treats Breast Cancer, Overwhelming Evidence by Jeffrey Dach MD
Arrow points to Breast Cancer on PET SCAN
Arrow points to Breast Cancer on PET SCAN
Iodine Treats Breast Cancer, the Overwhelming Evidence
by Jeffrey Dach MD
This article is Part Two of a series. For Part One , Click Here.
Spontaneous Regression of Breast Cancer
David Brownstein MD reports three cases of spontaneous regression of breast cancer after women take iodine supplementation.(1) (This is reported on page 63 of the Iodine Book by David Brownstein MD.)
Joan, an English Teacher
The first patient, Joan a 63 year old English teacher, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1989, declined conventional treatment, and took 50 mg per day of Iodoral, (Iodine). Six weeks later, a PET scan (left image) showed, “all of the existing tumors were disintegrating”. Upper Left Image: Upper two frames is a PET scan showing breast cancer )(red arrows). Lower two frames is a CAT scan showing enhancing breast cancer mass, red arrow. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Delores
The second patient, 73 year old Delores, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. She declined conventional treatment with radiation and chemotherapy. Instead, Dolores took 50 mg of Iodoral daily. A follow up ultrasound of the breast 18 months later showed,” It appears that these malignancies have diminished in size since the last examination. Interval improvement is definitely seen,” Two years later a follow up mammogram and ultrasound failed to show any abnormality and were read by the radiologist as normal.
Joyce
The third patient, 52 year old Joyce was diagnosed with breast cancer two years prior (left image), and started on Iodoral 50 mg per day. Three years after starting Iodoral, her follow up mammograms and ultrasound exams show decreasing size of the tumor with no progression.(1) . . .
MORE FOLLOWS http://jeffreydachmd.com/iodine-treats-breast-cancer/
Another accidental find, not what I was searching for but is fascinating.
If you open this link http://books.google.com/books?id=7v7g5XoCQQwC&pg=PA160&lpg=PA160&dq=epithelial+cells+iodine+content&source=bl&ots=cME7CS4_kw&sig=HOks8TKTqqkJW5HguCdaLENt-TY&hl=en&sa=X&ei=nBebUoysPISqhQeg0oCQAQ&ved=0CFwQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=epithelial%20cells%20iodine%20content&f=false
it will take you to a page of a book called the Iodine Hand Book.
The graph graphically shows the effect of food based iodine blockers on the uptake of iodine by the thyroid; the effect is significant !
Earlier graphs in the pages above the one referred to show that the body maintains fairly stable levels of T4 in-spite of the presence of food based iodine blockers where iodine is adequate.
Another graph shows the effect of iodine intake an blockers on thyroid size.
The relative distribution of iodine between organs and tissue in the body is presumably dependent on iodine intake. I postulate if intake is low most iodine will be found in the thyroid, but when iodine intake is high most will be found mainly other tissues. This would explain the different figures that are given as to the distribution of iodine in the body. The gender of the test animal will also logically have a bearing on the results.
It appears the body is protective of the iodine status of the thyroid, and the focus on it to the exclusion of other iodine research is distorting our views and knowledge on wider iodine metabolism.
The atomic and molecular properties of iodine, its size, potential to bond in many different ways, and odd snippets of research suggest we have hardly even begun to understand the wide roles of iodine in the body.
http://books.google.com/books?id=7v7g5XoCQQwC&pg=PA160&lpg=PA160&dq=epithelial+cells+iodine+content&source=bl&ots=cME7CS4_kw&sig=HOks8TKTqqkJW5HguCdaLENt-TY&hl=en&sa=X&ei=nBebUoysPISqhQeg0oCQAQ&ved=0CFwQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=epithelial%20cells%20iodine%20content&f=false
I do not have access to the full papers but from a wider perspective this is intriguing.
Firstly those with cystic fibrosis may commonly be iodine deficient, presumably due to uptake issues. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23107148(Low selenium may be an issue too it has been suggested - selenium is important to the metabolism of iodine)
and in 1956 an salivary iodine based test was proposed for cystic fibrosis of the pancreas.
All of which raises all sorts of questions and possibilities, and particularly so given iodine's association with the mucal membranes /systems / sweating etc
A SCREENING TEST FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS OF THE PANCREAS USING ANALYSIS OF SALIVA
Wayne Hart,
Mansour J. Naime
+ Author Affiliations
Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri
The Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas School of Medicine
Abstract
A screening test for cystic fibrosis of the pancreas utilizing analysis of saliva for iodine after oral administration of Lipiodol® is presented. Tables provide the results obtained from testing 11 children who have cystic fibrosis of the pancreas and 30 children who have no evidence of this disease. It is indicated that the test can be easily and rapidly performed.
Essence = adequate selenium is very important if you are eating iodine rich foods viz kelp or using iodine supplementation.
This is a bit nerdy but hopefully the detail below will help with the gist; don't worry I do not understand all of it either (-:
This paper looks at the effects of higher iodine intakes on the thyroid and the response of the thyroid which includes the productions of selenium related antioxidants.
The graphs plotting the action of the iodine importer shows it reduces in activity, but interestingly does not 'shut down' totally. http://mend.endojournals.org/content/25/11/1924/F2.expansion.html
Similarly T3 and T4 fall but do not 'shut down'. http://mend.endojournals.org/content/25/11/1924/F1.expansion.html
This leaves me wondering how accurate the common descriptions of the Wolff-Chaikoff as a 'shut down' effect are, or if something different to what is observed in this paper happens at much higher intakes.
The idea of a healthy normal thyroid that efficiently and rapidly adapts its intake to the amount of iodine in the system has a ring of natures common sense about it - is this what this data and the Wolff-Chiakoff data suggests? - the data above raises the question was the choice of the description 'shut down' used for the sometimes rapid auto-regulation of iodine uptake / fall in hormone production by the thyroid an unfortunate one because it implied a reaction that was more dramatic than that observed viz rapid auto-regulation ? - hopefully there will be more research to answer these questions . . .
Also can extra thyroidal iodine when present in high amounts for example as iodine attached to lipids etc, and or extra-thyrodial production of related hormones for example from the ovaries in any way partially compensate for lower T3 and T4?
Much science has to discover yet methinks, and within the known sea of knowledge I am still not yet a toddler.
The paper is available in full - I hope that applies to you to
Regulation of Thyroid Oxidative State by Thioredoxin Reductase Has a Crucial Role in Thyroid Responses to Iodide Excess
Suzana G. Leoni,
Edna T. Kimura,
Pilar Santisteban and
Antonio De la Vieja
http://mend.endojournals.org/content/25/11/1924.long
"In summary, our results provide new information about the molecular events involved in thyroid autoregulation by high doses of I−. First, we determined that the rapid blockade of I− uptake in thyroid cells is not occurring in parallel to NIS mRNA and protein modulation and also that it is not caused by NIS internalization. These observations suggest an inactivation of NIS localized at the plasma membrane. Second, the incorporation of large amounts of I− increases ROS species in the thyroid cell above basal levels. As a consequence, the expression and activity of TxnRd selenoproteins increase to compensate oxidation and avoid cell toxicity. Thus, these selenoproteins participate in thyroid I− autoregulation by allowing the restoration of a normal thyroid cell oxidation state and NIS reexpression"
Here is another paper looking at the Wolff-Chaikoff effect, here again after ingestion / injection of a large amount of iodine there is a large fall in uptake, and temporary drop in T3 and T4, (T3 then recovers, and T4 increases) a metabolic adjustment but hardly a thyroid 'shutdown' as often described, in the in the normal sense of the word 'shutdown'.
http://endo.endojournals.org/content/140/8/3404/F1.expansion.html
http://endo.endojournals.org/content/140/8/3404.long
Hashimoto's
An interesting pair of posts on Paul Jaminet's site by a Hashimoto's patient which is well referenced and highlights the importance of selenium, possible benefits at least in some of iodine supplementation, and the fundamental importance of a balanced intake of both selenium and iodine to thyroid function.
http://perfecthealthdiet.com/2011/05/iodine-and-hashimotos-thyroiditis-part-i/
http://perfecthealthdiet.com/2011/05/iodine-and-hashimotos-thyroiditis-part-2/
Hasimoto's
Multifactoral - As ever it is important to keep in mind that most medical conditions are likely to be mutli-factoral, and have multiple associations with increased risks of other medical conditons Eg Hashimotos patients may be at increased risk of Pagets bone disease, http://europepmc.org/articles/PMC1889429/pdf/procrsmed00365-0047.pdf which common bone conditions is linked with low vitamin D, begging the question is there maybe a link between low vitamin D and Hashimoto's . . .
The association between severity of vitamin D deficiency and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Bozkurt NC, Karbek B, Ucan B, Sahin M, Cakal E, Ozbek M, Delibasi T.
Author information
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
The relation between vitamin D and autoimmune disorders has long been investigated regarding the important roles of this hormone in immune regulation. We evaluated 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) status in subjects with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and healthy controls.
METHODS:
Group-1 included 180 euthyroid patients (123 females/57 males) with HT who were on a stable dose of L-thyroxine (LT). A total of 180 sex-, age-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched euthyroid subjects with newly diagnosed HT were considered as Group-2, and 180 healthy volunteers were enrolled as controls (Group-3). All 540 subjects underwent thyroid ultrasound and were evaluated for serum 25OHD, anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG) levels.
RESULTS:
Group-1 had the lowest 25OHD levels (11.4 ± 5.2 ng/mL) compared to newly diagnosed HT subjects (Group-2) (13.1 ± 5.9 ng/mL, P = .002) and to control subjects (15.4 ± 6.8 ng/mL, P<.001). Serum 25OHD levels directly correlated with thyroid volume (r = 0.145, P<.001) and inversely correlated with anti-TPO (r = -0.361, P<.001) and anti-TG levels (r = -0.335, P<.001). We determined that 48.3% of Group-1, 35% of Group-2, and 20.5% of controls had severe 25OHD deficiency (<10 ng/mL). Female chronic HT patients had the lowest serum 25OHD levels (10.3 ± 4.58 ng/mL), and male control subjects had the highest (19.3 ± 5.9 ng/mL, P<.001).
CONCLUSIONS:
We demonstrated that serum 25OHD levels of HT patients were significantly lower than controls, and 25OHD deficiency severity correlated with duration of HT, thyroid volume, and antibody levels. These findings may suggest a potential role of 25OHD in development of HT and/or its progression to hypothyroidism.
More suggestions of connection between iodine breast health and estrogen metabolism; the paper also suggests that iodine may indirectly affect BRAC1 related metabolism . . . thought provoking stuff.
Interestingly breast health appears to be dependent at least in part on iodine rather than iodide and at least in part of the independent of supply of iodine by T3 and T4 indicating thyroid independent effects of iodine, in addition to possible as yet unidentified mechanisms
Iodine Alters Gene Expression in the MCF7 Breast Cancer Cell Line: Evidence for an Anti-Estrogen Effect of Iodine
Frederick R. Stoddard II,1,2 Ari D. Brooks,1 Bernard A. Eskin,3 and Gregg J. Johannes2
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2452979/
The protective effects of iodine on breast cancer have been postulated from epidemiologic evidence and described in animal models. The molecular mechanisms responsible have not been identified but laboratory evidence suggests that iodine may inhibit cancer promotion through modulation of the estrogen pathway. To elucidate the role of iodine in breast cancer, the effect of Lugol's iodine solution (5% I2, 10% KI) on gene expression was analyzed in the estrogen responsive MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Microarray analysis identified 29 genes that were up-regulated and 14 genes that were down-regulated in response to iodine/iodide treatment. The altered genes included several involved in hormone metabolism as well as genes involved in the regulation of cell cycle progression, growth and differentiation. Quantitative RT-PCR confirmed the array data demonstrating that iodine/iodide treatment increased the mRNA levels of several genes involved in estrogen metabolism (CYP1A1, CYP1B1, and AKR1C1) while decreasing the levels of the estrogen responsive genes TFF1 and WISP2. This report presents the results of the first gene array profiling of the response of a breast cancer cell line to iodine treatment. In addition to elucidating our understanding of the effects of iodine/iodide on breast cancer, this work suggests that iodine/iodide may be useful as an adjuvant therapy in the pharmacologic manipulation of the estrogen pathway in women with breast cancer.
The high rate of breast disease in women with thyroid abnormalities (both dietary and clinical) suggests a correlation between thyroid and breast physiology 1-3. In addition, women with breast cancer have larger thyroid volumes then controls 2. Multiple studies suggest that abnormalities in iodine metabolism are the likely link 4-7. Additionally, the impact of iodine therapy for the maintenance of healthy breast tissue has been reported in both animal 4-7 and clinical studies 8, 9 yet the mechanisms responsible remain unclear . . . http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2452979/ FREE FULL TEXT
Evidence indicates that the impact of iodine treatment on breast tissue is independent of thyroid function. For example, iodine deficient rats given the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) did not achieve reduced tumor growth following NMU treatment suggesting that the effect of iodine on tumor growth is independent of the thyroid gland or thyroid hormone 7. Additionally, Eskin et al and others have reported that administration of molecular iodine has a greater impact on tumor growth than the equivalent dose of iodide 5-9. Since the thyroid primarily utilizes iodide as opposed to iodine 5, this data supports the hypothesis that iodine is not acting through the thyroid.
In addition to differences in the metabolism of iodine, the mechanisms of iodine and iodide uptake appear to differ. While iodide uptake is essentially via the Sodium-Iodide Symporter (NIS) in the thyroid, data suggests that iodine uptake in the breast may be NIS-independent, possibly through a facilitated diffusion system 12. Together this data indicates that the effect of iodine on breast cancer progression is in part independent of thyroid function and suggests that iodine's protective effect on breast cancer progression is elicited through its direct interactions with breast cancer cells.
Hopeful
01-22-2014, 11:15 AM
Saw this and thought it worthy of posting - beware of OTC "thyroid boosting" supplements:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/01/20/thyroid-supplements-with-a-kick/?_php=true&_type=blogs&hpw&rref=health&_r=0
Hopeful
There is some powerful information, tables and graphs in this chapter of a publication on a site called Thyroid Disease Manager, particularly on the importance of iodine to brain development and function.
http://www.thyroidmanager.org/chapter/the-iodine-deficiency-disorders/
It is fascinating that iodine is so crucial to a burst of brain development at the end of the first trimester and into the second 8-20 weeks - ergo pre-conceptual nutrition is fundamental.
Interestingly apparently iodine intake is important to the development of abstract thought!
It is scary the number of pregnant women who are iodine insufficient; viz 70% in the UK, and even in Australia where they iodize bread etc.
The cost of iodine is miniscule compared to the costs of deficiency.
Based on Japanese intakes and outcomes I strongly question the current western paradigm / fear to supplement based on the assessment that total intakes above 1mg may lead to unacceptable levels of thyroiditis etc; there is growing evidence that the problem is not so much higher iodide but a lack of selenium, and or other factors such as the presence of high amounts of fluoride, lack of vitamin D etc (See prior posts generally); which is not to deny in a few it may be a problem, but my guess based on the Japanese experience is that any risks that would be associated with food supplementation within reasonable bounds eg maybe targeting an intake level of 500micrograms, providing accompanied by selenium, would be massively outweighed by the gains in population based health and more subtle wider mental performance benefits.
This is a very useful examination of the Iodine issue on the Western Price site which contains some material I had not seen before.
http://www.westonaprice.org/metabolic-disorders/the-great-iodine-debate
I found the reference to historic intakes in the USA of iodine particularly interesting " Thirty years ago, when iodine consumption was twice as high as it is now (480 mcg per day) one in twenty women developed breast cancer. Thirty years ago, consumption of iodized salt was higher than it is today; in addition a form of iodine was used as a dough conditioner in making bread, and each slice of bread contained 0.14 mg of iodine. In 1980, bread makers started using bromide as a conditioner instead, which competes with iodine for absorption into the thyroid gland and other tissues in the body. Iodine was also more widely used in the dairy industry as a teat cleaner thirty years ago than it is now. According to this argument, 15 percent of the U.S. adult female population suffers from moderate to severe iodine deficiency.1"
I would be really interested to know if they saw higher levels of hyperthyroidism, which is one of the regularly advanced arguments against increasing the current intake recommendations.
I had not really taken on board that in some countries salt was fluoridated for example it appears both Germany and Switzerland inter alia fluoridate salt
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16156167
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16156165
Is intake in those that eat a lot of salt maybe sufficient to affect thyroid function - is this a potential issue; I have no idea but maybe worthy of consideration.
As referenced above iodine in salt will sublime so and it appears that the amounts of iodine in table salt may vary considerably; but I suspect fluoride levels would remain more stable, so users could end up with most of the fluoride but not much of the iodine - as ever just more unanswered questions . . .
As pointed out by Sally Fallon matters of health and nutrition are rarely straight forward.
http://www.vitamindwiki.com/Hashimoto%27s+Thyroiditis+and+Vitamin+D+-+multiple+studies
Some great studies suggesting a link between low Vitamin D and an increased risk of Hasimotos
Relative Vitamin D Insufficiency in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (2011)
"Conclusions: We showed that serum 25OHD levels of patients with HT were significantly lower than controls and severity of vitamin-D deficiency correlated with duration of HT, thyroid volume and antibody levels. These findings may suggest a potential role of 25OHD in development of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and/or its progression to hypothyroidism. "
Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis and vitamin D deficiency. Current aspects. (Feb 2014)
Risk of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis reduced 19 percent for each 5 ng increase in vitamin D – March 2014
"Conclusions
Our study suggested that higher serum 25OHD levels was associated with decreased risk of HT so that each 5 ng/ml increase in the serum 25OHD levels results in 19 % decrease in odds of HT. "
^ and does vitamin D have a role in hyperthyroidism
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3461753/
"We have reported significantly lower vitamin D levels in Indian patients with hyperthyroidism 2. In this study, 30 patients with thyrotoxicosis were studied for vitamin D status and bone mineral density (BMD). The mean 25 (OH) vitamin D levels in patient group were 15.3±7.1 ng/ml and 30 per cent of patients had severe vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/ml). We have postulated hyperpigmentation of skin, malabsorption and increased vitamin D metabolism as possible mechanisms of vitamin D deficiency in hyperthyroidism3. Authors of the present study1 have not cited this important paper which was first reported study on this subject from India. Goswami et al4 have reported malabsorption in Indian patients with hyperthyroidism. According to this study significant number of patients (46%) with thyrotoxicosis in India had fat mal- absorption4. Absorption of fat soluble vitamins such as vitamin D is likely to be hindered in such a state. It is worthwhile to study correlation between steatorrhea and vitamin D status in these patients with thyrotoxicosis. "
http://press.endocrine.org/doi/abs/10.1210/en.2008-1191
Vitamin D Deficiency Modulates Graves’ Hyperthyroidism Induced in BALB/c Mice by Thyrotropin Receptor Immunization
A while ago I posted this link to a paper looking at the accumulation of iodine in various tissues in pigs.
http://www.vri.cz/docs/vetmed/46-6-153.pdf
A the moment I am wading my way through the 1000 pages plus of this not inexpensive text book on iodine http://books.google.com/books?id=7v7g5XoCQQwC&pg=PA3&lpg=PA3&dq=comprehensive+hand+book+on+iodine&source=bl&ots=cMFbuO1Smq&sig=XwkhIiTFY95ugQThLFDGCxl4SEs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=E9djU7vtD86OyAT-iYGQAQ&ved=0CGQQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=comprehensive%20hand%20book%20on%20iodine&f=false
I am again struck that the majority position still seems to be that most of the iodine in the body is found in the thyroid, despite the claims of some that this is not the case. I have not found any papers that definitively clarify this point.
From my reading I would suggest the relative proportions of iodide in the thyroid and wider tissue depends on the iodine intake status.
The linked paper Fig 3 and 4 clearly show that the amount of iodine in wider body tissue increases dramatically as intake increases; for example from a few micorgrams to in excess of 2mg per Kg in dorsal fat. For a 90kg pig, given the amounts of iodine found in other tissues based on the figures in the graph, the amount of iodine in a 90kg pig would mount up.
The amount in the thyroid at the highest intake is about 6 milligrams total, based on their figures.
The data in the above would suggest that at least in pigs where iodine intake is on the higher side, significantly more iodine will be found in the wider body tissues than the thyroid, which is what Venturi claims in the paper on the first page. The wider role of iodine in the body, and the examination of optimal requirements of tissues in addition to those of the thyroid may well result in the redefinition of the western guidelines on the optimal uptake of iodine.
The role of iodine / iodide / iodine in all its forms in many of the body's tissues including in female reproductive tissues remains to varying degrees to be clarified, and does not get much research funding because you cannot patent iodine, and iodine is very cheap in comparative terms. . .
In the UK the Government recently asked the body responsible for setting national nutritional standards called SACN to look at iodine intake. In their consequent position statement (linked below) SACN declined to look at maternal iodine intake due to a lack of 'robust' evidence. There is a huge amount of non randomized control evidence (RCTs) as to the importance of iodine in development, and RCTs to look at the neurological impact of iodine deficits in pregnancy can never happen due to ethical implications. The refusal of SACN to look at the issue begs the question who is responsible. I put the issues below in questions to a director of NICE and Health for England (HFE) (UK health regulatory agencies) and made this delegate submission at a recent forum held by an excellent organization called the Westminster Forums. http://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/ (the size of allowed submissions is limited). Importantly there is growing evidence that nutrient deficiency in the first trimester may lead to irreversible sub-optimal brain formation, for example incomplete neuron migration. There is also some evidence that fundamental factors such as abstract thought, empathy, musicality and higher human function generally may be compromised, which factors help define our humanity. Motor and more basic function is less sensitive to degradation. In a resource pressured world higher human function arguably including empathy and abstract thought is of fundamental importantance to the avoidance of conflict.
SUBMISSION
Optimal neurological development including IQ is crucial to individuals, society, and nations. Cell development in common with all cellular function, indeed life itself, is nutrient dependent. Is Health for England (HFE) ultimately responsible for national dietary and consequent nutrient intake; if not who is?
SACN reports to HFE but appears to restrict considerations to specific nutrient issues where science is ‘robust’; who then is responsible for assessment of health risks relating to significant population insufficiencies, where ‘evidence’ of risk is ‘weak’ e.g. no RCTs, but the overview fairly compelling? Further who is tasked to design and implement corrective strategies for existing identified nutritional insufficiencies.
For example SACN’s ‘Position Statement’ on iodine intake during pregnancy stated “The Subgroup advised that without further evidence it would not be possible to carry out a robust review of the UK DRV ”; although it is widely accepted very low iodine causes cretinism, and significant if ‘non-robust’ evidence suggests mild to moderate iodine deficiency may, starting in the first trimester, incrementally increase risks of irreversible sub-optimal brain formation, lower IQ 5-10 points, impair abstract thought, and lower other life-chance related developmental outcomes. (Maternal thyroxin supplies early foetus needs. Hypothyroxinemia is commonly associated with low iodine.) Accumulating evidence indicates growing iodine insufficiencies in adolescent females and pregnant women . Low income arguably increases deficiency risks. Further, DHA , and vitamin D deficiencies inter alia, likely also incrementally irreversibly compromise brain structure and function; examples of insufficiency and its effects include:
• DHA – 500 mg daily after week 22 reduced low birth weight babies by 35%, and very early pre-term deliveries by 50% (par 2.32) 7
• Iodine – 85% of adolescent females in a Belfast sample (par 5.1.1) 7 and 61% of pregnant women were classed as iodine deficient (par 5.1.5.2) 7
• Vitamin D – 75-96% of pregnant women were vitamin D insufficient 12
Iodine and vitamin D insufficiencies present particular challenges; realistically population based intake normalisation is only achievable through fortification or supplementation:
• Vitamin D food sources are limited compared to sun exposure production, which in modern day life is limited. The problem is particularly acute in the dark skinned.
• Iodine is only found in significant amounts in marine and particularly estuarine foods including seaweeds. Dairy foods are the next best source, but primarily because of cattle supplementation rather than pasture content . Other food sources of iodine are limited. Use of iodised salt, and idophors as food-industry disinfectants are falling. Iodine is lost during food preparation and storage, complicating intake assessments. Significant amounts are lost during intensive exercise. Iodine is stored in fat, so likely a greater issue in the obese. Thyroid iodide uptake is inhibited by a wide range of increasingly common foods including brassicas, perchlorates, and competing halides (bromine and chlorine), which group can partially be mitigated by higher iodine intake. Other rising factors that decrease thyroid function include high fluoride, nitrates, PCBs, chlorination, lithium, smoking, and likely polyunsaturated fat imbalances and excesses.
DHA is also mainly found in marine food, but livestock DHA could be increased somewhat by appropriate intervention. Inattention to dietary needs of livestock leads to large falls in DHA content.
In summary evidence grows of UK population wide insufficiencies in fertile and pregnant females of inter alia Omega 3 DHA, vitamin D, and iodine. Realistically addressing increasing pre and post-natal neurodevelopmental national nutrient insufficiency risks of particular relevance to the disadvantaged, including crucially iodine, vitamin D, and DHA, in fertile and pregnant females, can only be achieved by food supplementation; this will require bringing together health agricultural and food sectors in a quest for optimal solutions; the question is by whom?
1. SACN position statement on iodine and health - February 2014 – par. 122 http://www.sacn.gov.uk/pdfs/sacn_position_statement_on_iodine_and_health.pdf
2. Comprehensive Handbook of Iodine: Nutritional, Biochemical, Pathological and Therapeutic Aspects - Victor R. Preedy, Gerard N. Burrow, Ronald Ross Watson - Academic Press, 17 Mar 2009 - Medical - 1334 pages – in part on line - multiple references e.g - (FYO I purchased a copy and have read it twice from cover to cover)
http://books.google.com/books?id=7v7g5XoCQQwC&pg=PA1259&lpg=PA1259&dq=comprehensive+handbook+of+iodine+pregnancy&source=bl&ots=cNw3DO2Wpq&sig=2RZQskK6rXpTx3IeMWatV7Uq8zc&hl=en&sa=X&ei=yRyQU7yyCeWJ7AaKnYCABg&ved=0CCsQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=comprehensive%20handbook%20of%20iodine%20pregnan cy&f=false
3. Effect of inadequate iodine status in UK pregnant women on cognitive outcomes in their children: results from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) - Sarah C Bath PhD, Colin D Steer MSc, Prof Jean Golding FMedSci, Pauline Emmett PhD, Prof Margaret P Rayman DPhil, - The Lancet, Volume 382, Issue 9889, Pages 331 - 337, 27 July 2013 - http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2813%2960436-5/abstract
4. Section IV - The Scientific Basis for the Elimination of Brain Damage due to Iodine Deficiency – F Delange and B S Hetzel - http://www.iccidd.org/cm_data/hetzel-e-section4.pdf
5. Mild iodine deficiency in pregnancy in Europe and its consequences for cognitive and psychomotor development of children: A review – Caroline Trumpff, Jean De Schepper, Jean Tafforeau, Herman Van Oyen,
Johan Vanderfaeillie, Stefanie Vandevijvere – J Trace Elem Med Biol (2013) - http://www.iccidd.org/cm_data/2013_Trumpff_Mild_iodine_deficiency_in_pregnancy_i n_Europe_and_its_consequences_for_cognitive_and_ps ychomotor_development.pdf
6. Chapter 20 - The Iodine Deficiency Disorders - Creswell J. Eastman, M.D Michael Zimmermann, M.D – Thyroid Disease Manager - http://www.thyroidmanager.org/chapter/the-iodine-deficiency-disorders/
7. Benefits of Docosahexaenoic Acid, Folic Acid, Vitamin D and Iodine on Foetal and Infant Brain Development and Function Following Maternal Supplementation during Pregnancy and Lactation. - Nancy L. Morse - Nutrients. Jul 2012; 4(7): 799–840 - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3407995/
8. Recommendations; UK 150mcg; WHO 250mcg; American Paediatrics 220 - 290mcg, Japan 3000mcg.
9. Dietary (n-3) Fatty Acids and Brain Development – Sheila M. Innis - J. Nutr. April 2007 vol. 137 no. 4 855-859
http://jn.nutrition.org/content/137/4/855.full
10. Omega-3 Fatty Acid Deficiency in Infants before Birth Identified Using a Randomized Trial of Maternal DHA
Supplementation in Pregnancy - Kelly A. Mulder, D. Janette King, Sheila M. Innis - LoS ONE 9(1): e83764. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0083764 - http://www.plosone.org/article/fetchObject.action?uri=info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjour nal.pone.0083764&representation=PDF
11. DHA Deficiency and Prefrontal Cortex Neuropathology in Recurrent Affective Disorders – Robert K McNamara - J Nutr. Apr 2010; 140(4): 864–868. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2838627/
12. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in pregnant women: a longitudinal study - Valerie A. Holmes, Maria S. Barnes, H. Denis Alexander, Peter McFaul and Julie M. W. Wallace - British Journal of Nutrition / Volume 102 / Issue 06 / September 2009, pp 876-881 http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=6174000&fileId=S0007114509297236
13. Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy - still a public health issue. - McAree T1, Jacobs B, Manickavasagar T, Sivalokanathan S, Brennan L, Bassett P, Rainbow S, Blair M.- Matern Child Nutr. 2013 Jan;9(1):23-30. doi: 10.1111/mcn.12014.- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23230904
14. Vitamin D3 and brain development - D Eyles, J Brown, A Mackay-Sim, J McGrath, F Feron http://www.direct-ms.org/pdf/VitDGenScience/Mcgrath%20brain%20development.pdf
15. Developmental vitamin D deficiency causes abnormal brain development. - Eyles DW, Feron F, Cui X, Kesby JP, Harms LH, Ko P, McGrath JJ, Burne TH. - Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2009 Dec; 34 Suppl 1:S247-57. doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2009.04.015. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19500914
16. The geochemistry of iodine and its application to environmental strategies for reducing the risks from iodine deficiency disorders http://nora.nerc.ac.uk/10724/1/CR03057N.pdf
17. To refine and confirm the level of selenium and iodine supplementation for breeding ewes http://www.eblex.org.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Selenium-and-iodine-for-breeding-ewes-Final-Report-190214.pdf
18. POLICY STATEMENT Iodine Deficiency, Pollutant Chemicals, and the Thyroid: New Information on an Old Problem – COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH – American Academy of Pediatrics - DOI: 10.1542/peds.2014-0900 ; originally published online May 26, 2014; Pediatrics http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2014/05/20/peds.2014-0900.full.pdf+html
19. http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=53928 I am R.B.
20. Modern organic and broiler chickens sold for human consumption provide more energy from fat than protein. Wang Y, Lehane C, Ghebremeskel K, Crawford MA. - Public Health Nutr. 2010 Mar;13(3):400-8. doi: 10.1017/S1368980009991157. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19728900
dauntricastewart
07-07-2014, 03:52 AM
The Deficiency of Iodine in Asia is not so much prominent, but in the West the percentage of Deficiency of Iodine is higher which is major factor causing diseases related Breast.
More sources of flouride :( :( :( from Flouride Alert - I have copied and pasted some of the content below, but it is worth visiting the site - there is more mind numbing information on this page in relation to developmental issues - flouride can both be used to kill bugs on foods and fumigate warehouses to kill bugs in them - apparently in the US it is not obligatory to move food when fumigating warehouses which where relevant could result in very high fluoride loads in food twice a year! - so you really do not know what little extras you might be getting this Thanksgiving or Christmas :(
http://fluoridealert.org/issues/sources/f-pesticides/
Pesticides
Due to its high toxicity, fluoride has long been used as a pesticide. In the United States, there are currently two fluoride-based pesticides that are allowed to be sprayed on food. These are: cryolite and sulfuryl fluoride.
2) According to data from the USDA (2005), the average fluoride levels in grape products are as follows:
White grape juice = 2.13 ppm
White wine = 2.02 ppm
Red wine = 1.05 ppm
Raisins = 2.34 ppm
3) Many juice drinks that are not labeled as “grape juice” use grape juice as a filler ingredient. The use of cryolite thus contaminates many juices with fluoride.
4) Cryolite is also allowed to be added to the following products (although it is unclear how many producers actually do so, and what the resulting fluoride levels are):
Apricot, Broccoli, Brussels Sprout, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Citrus fruit, Collards, Eggplant, Kale, Kiwifruit, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Melon, Nectarine, Peach, Pepper, Plum, Pumpkin, Squash (summer & winter), Tomato, and a number of Berries (Blackberry, Blueberry (huckleberry) Boysenberry, Cranberry, Dewberry, Loganberry, Raspberry, Strawberry, Youngberry).
Direct Fumigation of Food
6) The EPA also allows food processors to use sulfuryl fluoride as a direct fumigant of certain foods. This means that food processors can purposely spray sulfuryl fluoride directly onto certain foods.
7) Unlike structural fumigation (which takes place once or twice a year), direct fumigation is a routinely performed procedure. Thus, foods that can be directly fumigated with sulfuryl fluoride will consistently have elevated fluoride levels.
8) According to EPA’s estimates, some of the foods that will be most commonly fumigated are cocoa powder, dried beans, walnuts and dried fruits.
9) EPA estimates that, if the current regulations are not rescinded, 100% of cocoa powder, 100% of dried beans, 99% of walnuts, 69% of dried fruits, 10% of walnuts, 10% of tree nuts, and 3% of rice will be fumigated.
10) When fumigated the average fluoride levels in fumigated food is:
Brown rice = 12.5 ppm
Cocoa powder = 8.4 ppm
Almonds = 5.3 ppm
Tree nuts = 5.3 ppm
Dried beans = 4.5 ppm
White rice = 4.5 ppm
Walnuts = 2.4 ppm
Dried fruits = 1 ppm
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]
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+Placenta+to+combect+flurosis.pdf
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
08-24-2014, 02:57 AM
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. (http://pinkkitchen.info/seasme-nori-chips-easy-make-take/)
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
10-03-2014, 10:40 AM
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
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
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/cann_2000_iodine_selenium_breast_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%)."
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/articles/PMC2080287/pdf/brmedj03628-0022.pdf
MayuSwang
03-01-2017, 06:35 AM
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.
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.
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.com/journal/2014-06/iodine-and-cancer#sthash.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."
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/uploads/2014/04/Hypothesis-iodine-selenium-and-breast-cancer-Cann-Stephen-A-Cancer-Causes-Control-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"
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
10-10-2017, 08:14 AM
Is Iodine closely related with hyperthyriodism?
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_continue=39&v=Uq37Xpp5czg
but this paper indicates it may be worth wider reading
https://thyroidresearchjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1756-6614-6-3
Clearly those who have or suspect they have these conditions should seek medical advice
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=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=18&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwikiqvyn7_dAhWR4YUKHYvqBpcQFjARegQIABAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eek.admin.ch%2Fdam%2Feek%2Fe n%2Fdokumente%2Fpublikation-und-dokumentation%2Fexpertenbericht-jodversorgung.pdf.download.pdf%2FEEK_Iodbericht_fi nal_9-5.pdf&usg=AOvVaw27duNAx35flcQ0Sxir53sk
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/special-interest/dual/worldfoodsystemcenter-dam/RESEARCH/Fact%20Sheet%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/science/article/pii/S0946672X17305308
“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/publication/51513716_Iodine_concentration_of_organic_and_conve ntional_milk_Implications_for_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?seq=2#metadata_info_tab_contents - just posted as of general interest and old data can be hard to find)
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/veterinary-science-and-veterinary-medicine/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/2012/01/iodine-deficiency-in-alps-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/journals/eje/123/6/acta_123_6_002.xml
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/content/l_i_42_2007-10_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_Haldimann_Iodine_content_in_food_groups_JFCA. pdf
Iodine insufficiency is a global problem, and is more complicated than iodine/ iodide intake alone.
Some may have adequate intake but uptake may be inhibited, thyroid function impaired, excretion increased, or digestion reduced by external factors.
The subject of impairment of uptake and function by various inhibiting factors in vegetable foods is discussed earlier in the thread.
Uptake and function inhibition may also be caused indirectly where they are uptaken by animals, and then eaten by humans as in dairy products. The amount of research in this area is limited but historic papers suggest it can in certain circumstances be a real issue.
I raise it here as it is a factor that might have historically contributed to the specific regionality of goiter in Switzerland. Are gotregenic plant present in significant amounts in some Alpine pastures - I have no idea, but it is an interesting question.
THE EPIDEMIOLOOY OF ENDEMIC GOITRE IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC REGION*
http://iris.wpro.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665.1/9017/WPR_RC017_09_Goitre_1966_en.pdf
"Practically the whole of Tasmania is goitrous. In 1949 Clements examined 8000 schoolchildren and found visible goitres in approximately 6% of boys and 20%. of girls in the age-group 12-14 years. Iodine therapy did not control goitres in some areas. Clements and Wishart later suspected a goitrogenic substance in cow's milk which interfered with the synthesis of thyroxine and so the subjects drinking that milk were not amenable to .the standard iodine preventive measures. The goitrogenic substance was consumed by cows feeding on pastures containing a certain variety of Brassica; the children were being given increased quantities of milk under a free milk scheme. later, a goitrogenic iso-thiocyanate was isolated from these plants and the milk of the cows eating them (Bachelard and Triltojus, 1960)."
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/whole_StathamMichael1974_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/articles/PMC2369402/pdf/brmedj07356-0001.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.
IS THERE A ROLE FOR IODINE IN
BREAST DISEASES?
Sebastiano Venturi, Servizio di Igiene, ASL n.1, Regione Marche; Pennabilli (Pesaro), Italy
Published in "THE BREAST" , Vol.10, Number 5, 2001, p 379-382,
Abstracts of this have been previously referred; this is a link to a PDF of the paper.
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=IS+THERE+A+ROLE+FOR+IODINE+IN+BREAST+DISEASES&btnG=
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5327366/
Abstract - full free paper at link - one important factor of several I suspect
"Changes in Dietary Iodine Explains Increasing Incidence of Breast Cancer with Distant Involvement in Young Women"
"In conclusion, dietary iodine insufficiency represents a plausible explanation for the increasing incidence of breast cancer in young women with distant metastasis. In view of the established reduction in iodine levels in US women of childbearing age since the mid 70s, this group would be most vulnerable to increased breast cancer risk. The increased sensitivity of breast tissue to estradiol induced proliferative changes in the setting of dietary iodine insufficiency, provides a plausible mechanistic explanation for the increasing incidence of breast cancer with distant involvement in this age group. Based on the importance of iodine in thyroid and breast health, fetal brain development, as well as deficits in nutritional trends among younger women, iodine testing and management may be considered as a potentially important aspect for clinical practice."
As usual more research required!
https://journals.lww.com/oncology-times/Fulltext/2016/12250/How_Molecular_Iodine_Attacks_Breast_Cancer.13.aspx
"How Molecular Iodine Attacks Breast Cancer"
Oncology Times: December 25, 2016 - Volume 38 - Issue 24 - p 34
doi: 10.1097/01.COT.0000511599.52147.f1
Abstract
"Researchers have elucidated the mechanism of action for molecular iodine to determine how it helps protect women from fibrocystic breast condition (FBC) and confirm how it attacks breast cancer.
"Numerous studies have previously suggested iodine supplementation can promote breast health, but none had determined precisely how it worked with FBC cells. Investigators sought to identify the specific MOA that made molecular iodine effective."
"The breast cancer study focused on two common breast cancer subtypes using well-established breast cancer cell lines, MCF7 (a luminal A subtype) and MDA-MB231 (a triple-negative subtype). Cells were treated with molecular iodine at various concentrations to measure proliferation and cell death. This was subsequently followed by gene expression analysis of key important molecular markers, which are primarily responsible for cell growth and apoptosis. Primary human mammary epithelial cells derived from a healthy female donor were used as an internal control."
"Data from these studies indicated that molecular iodine has potent inhibitory effects on cell growth in both breast cancer and FBC (fibrocystic breast condition) The data also showed a dramatic increase in cell death in breast cancer cell lines used in the study and in cells derived from fibrocystic breast tissue."
"“Although several studies have, through the years, shown that molecular iodine can promote breast health and protect women from fibrocystic breast condition and potentially cancer, no one has ever identified molecular iodine's mechanism of action in fibrocystic breast condition,” said Usha Nagavarapu, PhD, study director and principal investigator of the project. “The pre-clinical investigations confirm the MOA and give the medical community reason to revisit the earlier research for clues on how best to use molecular iodine to treat and protect women.”"
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