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Bromide

Q: Is bromide recommended as a dietary supplement?

No, bromide is not recommended for dietary supplementation due to safety concerns and a lack of evidence supporting its benefits.

Q: What are the potential risks of taking bromide?

High doses of bromide can lead to toxicity, known as bromism, with symptoms including sedation, confusion, and neurological disturbances. It should be avoided by vulnerable populations.

Q: Are there any established benefits of bromide supplementation?

No, there are no established benefits for bromide supplementation in the context of dietary use. Its historical use as a sedative is not supported by modern research.

Q: Can bromide interact with other medications?

Yes, bromide can interact with other central nervous system depressants, potentially increasing their sedative effects. Consult a healthcare professional before use.

Q: Is bromide safe for everyone?

No, bromide is not safe for everyone. It is contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and for individuals with neurological conditions. Elderly individuals should also avoid it.

Also known as: Bromide, Br⁻, Sodium Bromide, NaBr, Potassium Bromide, KBr

Overview

Bromide is a naturally occurring ion found in seawater and some mineral springs. It is not typically classified as a dietary supplement but has been historically used in pharmaceutical preparations for its sedative and anticonvulsant properties. Bromide ions can affect the central nervous system, leading to sedation. However, its use has declined due to side effects and the availability of safer alternatives. While bromide is well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, its bioavailability can vary. Research on bromide as a dietary supplement is limited, with most studies focusing on its pharmaceutical applications. The evidence for its use as a supplement is not robust, and its safety profile raises concerns about potential toxicity at higher doses.

Benefits

There is limited evidence on the benefits of bromide as a dietary supplement. Historically, it was used for its sedative effects, but this use is not supported by modern dietary supplementation research. No significant secondary benefits have been documented for bromide as a dietary supplement, and there are no documented population-specific benefits. Due to the lack of relevant studies, effect sizes and clinical significance for bromide supplementation are not well-defined. The time course of any potential benefits from bromide supplementation is not established.

How it works

Bromide ions can affect the central nervous system by enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), leading to sedation. It interacts primarily with the nervous system, though its effects can be systemic. The primary molecular target is the GABA receptor, where bromide enhances inhibitory neurotransmission. Bromide is well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, but its bioavailability can vary depending on the form and other factors.

Side effects

Bromide salts can be toxic at high doses, leading to bromism, which includes symptoms like sedation, confusion, and neurological disturbances. Common side effects (>5%) include sedation, drowsiness, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) include skin rashes and allergic reactions. Rare side effects (<1%) include severe neurological symptoms, including psychosis and seizures in extreme cases. Bromide can interact with other central nervous system depressants. It is contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and conditions where sedation is undesirable. Elderly individuals and those with neurological conditions should avoid bromide due to potential adverse effects.

Dosage

Bromide is not recommended for dietary supplementation due to safety concerns. The minimum effective dose is not established for dietary supplementation, and optimal dosage ranges are not recommended. The maximum safe dose is not well-defined for dietary use; high doses can lead to toxicity. Timing considerations and form-specific recommendations are not applicable for dietary supplementation. Absorption can be influenced by gastrointestinal health. No required cofactors have been established for dietary supplementation.

FAQs

Is bromide recommended as a dietary supplement?

No, bromide is not recommended for dietary supplementation due to safety concerns and a lack of evidence supporting its benefits.

What are the potential risks of taking bromide?

High doses of bromide can lead to toxicity, known as bromism, with symptoms including sedation, confusion, and neurological disturbances. It should be avoided by vulnerable populations.

Are there any established benefits of bromide supplementation?

No, there are no established benefits for bromide supplementation in the context of dietary use. Its historical use as a sedative is not supported by modern research.

Can bromide interact with other medications?

Yes, bromide can interact with other central nervous system depressants, potentially increasing their sedative effects. Consult a healthcare professional before use.

Is bromide safe for everyone?

No, bromide is not safe for everyone. It is contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and for individuals with neurological conditions. Elderly individuals should also avoid it.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34539813/ – A systematic review assessed the efficacy of pinaverium bromide for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) compared to placebo. The review highlights the need for more up-to-date meta-analyses to fully understand its efficacy. This study focuses on a specific bromide compound in a medical context rather than dietary supplementation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6506885/ – A study on aclidinium bromide showed its efficacy in reducing COPD exacerbations without increasing cardiovascular risks. This study does not directly relate to dietary bromide supplementation but demonstrates the use of bromide compounds in medical treatments. The research highlights the potential therapeutic applications of bromide compounds in respiratory conditions.
https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/14/11/349/2659825 – This article discusses the role of bromide in nutrition, noting that there is limited research on bromide as a nutritional requirement or supplement. Most studies focus on its use in pharmaceuticals or industrial applications rather than dietary supplementation. The review emphasizes the need for further research to understand the nutritional aspects of bromide.
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9121 – This source likely contains information related to the safety and regulatory aspects of bromide, potentially within the context of food or water. Further review of the full text is needed to extract specific findings related to dietary supplementation. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) provides scientific advice on food-related risks.
https://jcadonline.com/treatment-of-axillary-bromhidrosis-with-topical-2-glycopyrronium-bromide-cream-a-prospective-non-randomized-open-label-study/ – This study investigates the use of topical glycopyrronium bromide cream for the treatment of axillary bromhidrosis (excessive sweating with odor). The research demonstrates a specific application of a bromide compound in dermatology. This study does not directly relate to dietary bromide supplementation but highlights the use of bromide compounds in medical treatments.