Iodoral IOD-50 90 Tablets

Just one tablet of Iodoral by Optimox Corporation supplies about the same amount of total elemental iodine as the daily average intake consumed by mainland Japanese residents: A population with very low rates of breast cancer and fibrocystic diseases of the breast.

What is Iodine?

Although iodine is an essential element, much like calcium or magnesium, you don’t hear as much about it. That’s because the body needs so little iodine to carry out its normal function. However, the body does need that trace amount of iodine or deficiency symptoms ensue. Iodine’s main function is tied to the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland, but other bodily organs also need iodine to function properly.

Iodine and Breast Health

Many studies have shown a connection between inadequate iodine intake and fibrocystic breast disease (FBD). The minimum amount of iodine that is required to control and prevent FBD is only about 0.01 milligram per kilogram of body weight per day. For example, if your weight is equivalent to 50 kilograms (110 pounds), you should be consuming 5 milligrams of iodine daily.

Iodine and Thyroid Function

In the absence of adequate dietary iodine, individuals are likely to develop a goiter because their thyroid is not functioning properly. Not every person with a goiter is suffering from an iodine deficiency, but without the right intake of iodine, you can expect to eventually develop a goiter. The original study from 80 years ago indicated that adolescent girls need 9 milligrams of iodide daily to avoid developing a goiter.

Recommended Daily Allowance

In the early 1900s, an iodine/iodide solution, Lugol, was extensively used to treat low and elevated activity of the thyroid gland. The dose of 2 to 6 drops (equivalent to 12.5 to 37.5 milligrams of total iodide) was used safely and effectively in medical practice for many years. The average intake of women living in mainland Japan is about 13.8 milligrams of elemental iodine. Much research points to the conclusion that their iodine intake is likely related to their low incidence of breast cancer, fibrocystic breast disease, ovarian cancer and uterine cancer.

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for all vitamins and minerals were established shortly after World War II based on the best available research at the time. However, one of the last minerals to be added to the list was iodine, in 1989. Its RDA was based on the needed to prevent goiter, hypothyroidism and extreme stupidity. It is not necessarily the recommended daily allowance for optimal health. Although this amount is unknown (more studies must be done), we can take a cue from the Japanese women who have been studied and strive for 13.8 milligrams of elemental iodine daily. Assuming you get very little iodine in your diet, taking Iodoral will put you well within this range. If you aren’t getting enough elemental iodine in your diet, consider supplementing with Optimox Corporation’s Iodoral.