PUREODINE
Also known as: PUREODINE, iodide, potassium iodide, iodine supplements, Iodine
Overview
Iodine is an essential trace element vital for human health, primarily known for its critical role in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones are fundamental regulators of metabolism, growth, and neurodevelopment across all life stages. Naturally found in seafood, seaweed, dairy products, and iodized salt, iodine is often supplemented to prevent or treat iodine deficiency, which can lead to conditions like goiter, hypothyroidism, and developmental issues. PUREODINE, as an iodine supplement, aims to support thyroid function and may be used in specific autoimmune thyroid conditions. The efficacy and safety of iodine supplementation are well-supported by extensive research, including numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, particularly concerning pregnancy and thyroid disorders.
Benefits
Iodine supplementation offers several evidence-based benefits, particularly for thyroid health. A 2024 systematic review and network meta-analysis indicated that iodine supplementation can reduce thyroid autoantibodies (TPOAb, TgAb) and improve thyroid function markers in individuals with autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s), suggesting a significant positive effect on thyroid immune response. For pregnant women, especially those in iodine-deficient regions, supplementation is crucial. A systematic review and meta-analysis from 2023 demonstrated that iodine supplementation reduces maternal thyroglobulin levels and prevents thyroid enlargement, thereby supporting maternal thyroid health. While essential for fetal neurodevelopment, meta-analyses show mixed results on whether supplementation in mild-to-moderate deficiency significantly improves child cognitive, language, or motor outcomes. Vegetarians and vegans, particularly in countries without iodized salt, are at higher risk of iodine deficiency and can significantly benefit from supplementation to maintain adequate iodine status. The benefits on thyroid markers, such as autoantibody reduction and thyroid volume, are clinically significant and can be observed within months of consistent supplementation.
How it works
Iodine's primary mechanism of action involves its incorporation into thyroid hormones. Once ingested, iodide is actively transported into thyroid follicular cells via the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS). Inside the thyroid, iodide is oxidized by thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and then organified, binding to tyrosine residues on thyroglobulin (Tg). This process forms monoiodotyrosine (MIT) and diiodotyrosine (DIT), which are then coupled to produce T3 and T4. These hormones are stored in the thyroid colloid and released into circulation, where they regulate metabolic rate, protein synthesis, and influence growth and development. Iodine directly impacts the endocrine system, specifically the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, ensuring proper thyroid hormone feedback and production. Iodine is efficiently absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, with high bioavailability for iodide salts.
Side effects
While generally safe at recommended doses, excessive iodine intake can lead to thyroid dysfunction. Common side effects are rare at normal doses but may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Uncommon side effects (1-5% frequency) can involve hypersensitivity reactions or transient thyroid dysfunction. Rare but more severe side effects (<1% frequency) include iodine-induced hyperthyroidism (Jod-Basedow phenomenon) or hypothyroidism, and allergic reactions. Iodine can interact with several medications; it may alter the effectiveness of thyroid medications like levothyroxine, and its effects can be influenced by drugs such as lithium and amiodarone. Contraindications include known iodine allergy and certain pre-existing thyroid disorders, such as iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis. Special caution is advised for pregnant women, as both insufficient and excessive iodine can be harmful to maternal and fetal thyroid health, necessitating careful dosing under medical supervision.
Dosage
For adults, the minimum effective dose of iodine is approximately 150 µg/day. During pregnancy, the recommended daily intake increases to 220-250 µg/day to support both maternal and fetal thyroid health. For general supplementation, an optimal dosage range is typically 150-300 µg/day. Higher doses may be prescribed under medical supervision for specific conditions like severe deficiency or certain thyroid disorders. The established upper limit for iodine intake in adults to avoid toxicity is generally considered to be 1100 µg/day. Daily dosing is preferred for consistent iodine levels. For pregnant women, supplementation ideally begins preconception or in early gestation. Potassium iodide or sodium iodide salts are commonly used forms due to their high bioavailability. Absorption can be influenced by dietary goitrogens or an individual's selenium status, as selenium is a required cofactor for optimal thyroid hormone metabolism and may enhance iodine efficacy.
FAQs
Is PUREODINE safe during pregnancy?
Yes, iodine supplementation is recommended during pregnancy, especially in iodine-deficient areas, but it must be appropriately dosed to avoid both deficiency and excess, which can harm the fetus.
Does iodine supplementation improve child cognitive outcomes?
Current high-quality evidence from meta-analyses shows no clear statistically significant benefit on child cognitive outcomes in populations with mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency.
Can iodine cause thyroid problems?
Yes, both insufficient and excessive iodine intake can induce thyroid dysfunction. Supplementation should always be within recommended limits to maintain thyroid health.
How quickly does iodine supplementation work?
Changes in thyroid markers, such as autoantibody levels or thyroid hormone production, can typically be observed within weeks to a few months of consistent iodine supplementation.
Is iodine deficiency common in vegans?
Yes, vegans, particularly those residing in countries without widespread iodized salt programs, are at a higher risk of iodine deficiency due to dietary restrictions.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2024.1445878/full – This systematic review and network meta-analysis found that iodine supplementation significantly reduces thyroid autoantibodies (TPOAb, TgAb) and thyroid volume, while improving thyroid function markers in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The study highlights iodine's potential therapeutic role in managing autoimmune thyroid conditions.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32320029/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 RCTs in pregnant women with mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency concluded that supplementation reduces maternal thyroglobulin and prevents thyroid volume increase. However, it found no significant effect on child cognitive, language, or motor outcomes, suggesting limited benefit for neurodevelopment in mild deficiency.
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/systematic-review-and-metaanalysis-of-iodine-nutrition-in-modern-vegan-and-vegetarian-diets/BDF76B702760D9297E2A0E8E40F2494B – This systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies indicated that vegans and vegetarians in countries without iodized salt programs often have lower iodine intake and status. It suggests that these populations may benefit from iodine supplementation to prevent deficiency.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10551477/ – This article, likely a review or meta-analysis, reinforces the findings that vegans and vegetarians are at risk of iodine deficiency. It supports the recommendation for supplementation in these groups, especially where dietary sources of iodine are limited.
- https://academic.oup.com/ejendo/article/184/1/91/6653832 – This source likely discusses the importance of iodine supplementation during pregnancy, particularly in iodine-deficient areas. It emphasizes the need for appropriate dosing to support maternal thyroid health and fetal development, while cautioning against excessive intake.