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Bromine: I have not found a cell receptor for Bromine (Br) to date, and at this time, bromine has not
been classified as being essential to human health. However bromine - either as potassium bromide
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or sodium bromide - has anti-seizure properties, and it is an interesting and effective trace mineral in
regard to hyperthyroid conditions.
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Many marine plants, particularly kelp, are a rich source of bromine and iodine, and depending on their
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Bromine / Iodine ratio and whether someone is hypothyroid or hyperthyroid, this can have a beneficial
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or unfavorable effect on thyroid functions when regularly consumed.
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When reports of hypothyroidism cases surfaced as a result of certain cultures regularly consuming
seaweed (i.e. kelp), some researchers believed the high iodine content in those marine plants to be
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the reason. However, further research would have either revealed a higher bromine / iodine ratio in
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the plants compared to those of other regions, or that these same people possibly also consumed
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higher amounts of "goitrogenic" vegetables (such as lima beans, cassava, cabbage, sweet potatoes,
rutabaga), which can result in depressed iodine / thyroid functions. On average, most varieties of kelp
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tend to increase thyroid functions.
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In hyperthyroidism, where milder forms of nutritional therapy such as PABA or magnesium have not
been very effective, I have seen bromine work well in human and animal applications, and provided
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the proper amount is used, no side effects are experienced. Bromine inhibits both, T4 thyroxine and
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T3 triiodothyronine hormones, and in some cases only a short course of bromine is needed to return
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(hyper) thyroid functions back down to normal. (see also Acu-Cell Nutrition "Tin & Iodine").
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Bromides can still be found in some (over-the-counter) medications, and despite a ban on potassium
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bromate in flour by the World Health Organization (it was found that potassium bromate caused renal
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cancer in rats when they drank water containing KBrO3), some nations are allowing its use as oxidizer
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in baked goods at very low levels. Bakers associations maintain that potassium bromate is converted
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to harmless potassium bromide during the baking process. Bromine was also used as a sleeping aid
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in the past, for which it worked well, however long-term use of bromides can result in brominism, a toxic
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condition. In addition, even trace amounts of bromine can trigger severe acne in sensitive individuals.
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Bromine-based fire retardants used in carpets, mattresses, upholstery, furniture and various electronic
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equipment have become suspect for causing a number of medical conditions, including hypothyroidism.
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Based on animal research, bromides have also been linked to behavioral problems, neurodevelopment
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and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADD/ADHD) in children. The European Union has already
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banned some PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) compounds, and it is hoped that countries still
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allowing their use will follow suit.
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While phenobarbital is the conventional approach in Veterinary Medicine to control seizures in dogs,
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some veterinary doctors started experimenting with bromides some years ago. At first, they were used
for refractory (resistant) cases, but now there are a large number of vets who are not opposed to using
either sodium bromide or potassium bromide as a first choice over phenobarbital. €
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______________________________________________________________________________
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Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) is a collective term replacing all other reference values such as
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Adequate Intake (AI), Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), Estimated Average Requirements (EAR),
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Nutrient Reference Value (NRV), and Recommended Dietary Allowance / Intake (RDA / RDI).
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Bromine: DRI (RDA):noneTherapeutic Range:100mg - 2,000mg
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Estimated median daily intake of bromine worldwide from food and water is 1mg - 3mg per day.
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______________________________________________________________________________
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Bromine Synergists: PABA,
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Bromine Antagonists: Chloride, iodine,
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Low Levels / Therapeutic Indications for Bromine:
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Seizures, insomnia, agitation, irritability, hyperthyroidism,
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High levels / Overdose / Toxicity / Negative Side Effects - Symptoms and/or Risk Factors:
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Drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, acne, skin rash, blurred vision, dizziness, mania, hallucinations,
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increased thirst, hunger and urination, pancreatitis, muscle weakness, hypothyroidism, poor memory,
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psychosis, coma, possible attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) in children.
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In lab animals: Neurodevelopmental disorders and behavioral problems from exposure to PBDEs.
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Bromine Sources: Kelp, seaweed, nuts, (also some baked goods and fire-retardant compounds).
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General recommendations for nutritional supplementation: To avoid stomach problems and promote
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better tolerance, supplements should always be taken earlier, or in the middle of a larger meal. When
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taken on an empty stomach or after a meal, there is a greater risk of some tablets causing irritation, or
eventually erosion of the esophageal sphincter, resulting in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
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It is also advisable not to lie down immediately after taking any pills.
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When taking a very large daily amount of a single nutrient, it is better to split it up into smaller doses to
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not interfere with the absorption of other nutrients in food, or nutrients supplemented at lower amounts.
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Copyright © 2000-2008 Ronald RothAcu-Cell Nutrition: Bromine
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