|
Tin & Iodine: Both elements share right / left-sided cell receptors and are considered essential
|
to human health. Tin (Sn) is associated with iodine (I) the same way as calcium is associated with
magnesium, with tin supporting the adrenals, and iodine supporting the thyroid. Both, Adrenals and
|
the Thyroid affect cardiac functions, so subsequently, low or high levels of tin and iodine can affect
|
cardiac functions as well, whereby tin / adrenals have some controlling effect on the left cardiac output,
|
and iodine / thyroid have some controlling effect on the right cardiac output.
|
|
Outside of heart disease (and diseases of heart-supporting organs), left-sided cardiac insufficiency
|
may result secondary to low adrenals, which in turn may be due to low tin (or other adrenal-supporting
|
nutrients). Right-sided cardiac insufficiency may result secondary to low thyroid, which in turn may be
|
due to low iodine (or other thyroid-supporting nutrients). In addition to tin and iodine, a number of other
|
nutritional factors either directly or indirectly affect the thyroid and adrenals (and subsequently cardiac
|
functions), which include potassium, zinc, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, bismuth, lithium, most of the
B-vitamins..., and the amino acid tyrosine, which in combination with iodine is manufactured into the
thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), while selenium affects T4 to T3 (triiodothyronine) conversion.
|
|
Fatigue and/or depression are common with cardiac insufficiency of both sides, however symptoms
|
of insufficiency specific to the left side are generally more often breathing difficulties or asthma, and
symptoms of insufficiency of the right side are more commonly experienced as edema, particularly
|
swelling of hands and feet.
|
|
In Canada and the US, iodine deficiency has not officially been a concern since the introduction of
|
iodized table salt, however for various reasons - one of them being that some people just don't use
|
any extra table salt - there are still plenty of individuals who would benefit from supplementing iodine
|
in addition to whatever amounts they get from dietary sources. In fact, a lot of people who are
|
routinely put on thyroid hormone for hypothyroid conditions could normalize their thyroid by simply
supplementing extra iodine (and perhaps L-tyrosine), instead of taking thyroid medications.
|
|
Vitamin B6 can be helpful for hypothyroidism when triggered by abnormal liver functions (which may be
|
due to drugs such as lithium, Tylenol, high estrogen, etc.), however the body seems to eventually adapt
|
to whatever amounts are supplemented, so in order to maintain normal thyroid activity with Vitamin B6,
|
ever-increasing amounts have to be taken. This of course becomes self-limiting, since magnesium
|
levels (raised by Vitamin B6 intake), and Vitamin B6 itself would become unreasonably high in the long
|
run. I believe in routinely measuring both, thyroid and iodine levels, so the most appropriate therapy is
implemented, and any hyperthyroid conditions are caught in time as well, which could otherwise lead
|
to bone density or heart problems.
|
|
I have tested individuals who have been ingesting as much as 6mg (40x the RDA / RDI) of organic
|
iodine for longer periods of time, yet without experiencing any ill effects, so toxicity - at least for most
people, and when not using inorganic iodine - does not appear to be a major issue. However, too
|
much iodine can trigger hyperthyroidism with all its undesirable consequences, and during pregnancy,
too much - just like too little iodine - can have adverse effects on the baby also.
|
|
Under certain circumstances, i.e congestive liver disease, too much iodine can depress thyroid
|
functions, in which case taking higher amounts of iodine is contraindicated. In contrast, supplementing
normal (RDA / RDI), or even lower amounts of iodine following long-standing iodine deficiency can
strangely enough trigger hyperthyroidism in some instances.
|
|
Goiter can develop after consuming large amounts of goitrogenic foods that interfere with iodine uptake
|
and/or thyroid metabolism. These foods, known as "goitrogens," include Brussels sprouts, lima beans,
cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, sweet potatoes, rutabaga, cassava, and nitrate-rich food sources.
|
In some parts of the world, there are still cases emerging where children, as a result of ingesting large
|
amounts of goitrogenic foods, end up with mental retardation, which could have been prevented with
|
iodine supplementation. On a similar note, heavy, regular consumption of soy products, because of
their phyto-estrogenic properties, can also have a significant (depressing) impact on thyroid functions.
|
|
With fibrocystic breast disease, sufficient iodine intake is an important consideration, as is adequate
intake of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids (EFAs), however, caffeine sources such as tea, coffee,
|
cola drinks, chocolate... should be avoided, or eliminated completely.
|
|
For mild hyperthyroidism, PABA is usually helpful, and raising magnesium (if low) will sometimes help
normalize a slightly overactive thyroid as well. Some premenopausal or postmenopausal women will,
|
as a result of declining estrogen levels, become hyperthyroid. Most of these cases readily improve with
estrogen therapy (i.e. estriol, phytoestrogens), or with supplementing manganese and/or PABA, both
|
of which have estrogenic properties. Although it is not an essential trace mineral, bromine is a fairly
|
potent thyroid and iodine antagonist that works well in humans and animals and is indicated for more
|
severe cases of hyperthyroidism (see also Acu-Cell Nutrition "Bromine").
|
|
Kelp is sometimes supplemented as a source of iodine, however it also contains bromine, whereby
|
the iodine / bromine ratio will ultimately determine its beneficial or adverse effect on someone's thyroid.
Some people develop an acne-like skin condition as a result of consuming iodine-containing foods,
|
but the culprit may well be bromine (which is usually present as well), and not necessarily the iodine.
|
(See Acu-Cell "Tin & Health" for additional aspects and research results about the trace element Tin).
|
|
Using Potassium Iodide tablets to protect from Nuclear Fallout
|
|
In the event of a radioactive material fallout following a nuclear disaster at a power plant or a terrorist
|
attack, potassium iodide can to some extent protect the thyroid gland from developing cancer following
|
exposure to the radioactive isotopes of iodine (Iodine 131, or radioiodine), however it does not protect
|
from other radioactive material, such as contamination with plutonium, americium, or curium which can
|
occur through inhalation, ingestion, or contact with open wounds as a result of industrial accidents, or
from terrorist attacks using "dirty bombs."
|
To increase the rate of elimination of these contaminants, the FDA (US) has approved the two drugs
|
pentetate calcium trisodium (Ca-DTPA), and pentetate zinc trisodium (Zn-DTPA) via injection.
|
|
Normally, the thyroid gets the iodine necessary to produce thyroxine from dietary sources such as
|
seafood, shellfish, seaweed, iodized salt, and some seeds and dairy, however after a nuclear fallout,
|
large amounts of radioactive iodine become available for uptake, with the thyroid being unable to
|
distinguish between radioactive and non-radioactive iodine. As a result, the thyroid will absorb and
|
retain excessive amounts of radioiodine, with those suffering from hypothyroidism, or children being
|
adversely affected the most.
|
|
Fortunately, if enough potassium iodide (KI) or potassium Iodate (KIO3) are taken orally from a couple
|
of hours to a day before being exposed to radioactive iodine (according to some sources, 30 minutes
are sufficient), then the thyroid is saturated enough to prevent radioactive iodine from being absorbed,
|
and thus prevents the ensuing damage to the thyroid gland which would otherwise result. The small
|
amount (about 1%) of radioactive iodine that may still be absorbed is eliminated through the kidneys.
|
The standard 130mg potassium iodide tablets that are used for thyroid protection contain about 77%
|
iodine and are nearly 1000x the Recommended Dietary Intake, or Dietary Reference Intake of iodine.
|
|
Please note: Dietary sources of iodine do not provide sufficient iodine to saturate the thyroid enough
|
to prevent radioactive iodine absorption.
|
For instance, a teaspoon of iodized salt provides approximately 6g of salt, which contains only about
|
520mcg (micrograms) of potassium iodide, so a 130mg (milligram) potassium iodide tablet provides
|
250x more potassium iodide, while using sea salt would require 30x the amount of iodized salt, which
|
would make potassium iodide tablets 7500x stronger than sea salt. The same applies to other dietary
|
sources of iodine such as kelp, or seafood, where enormous amounts would have to be consumed to
|
(theoretically only) achieve a thyroid-protective effect.
|
|
It should also be mentioned that elemental (free) iodine, or tincture of iodine (which can be poisonous)
|
is not effective as a blocking agent to prevent thyroid damage, although there are claims that stronger
|
solutions of topical applications would work, which however has not been officially verified.
|
|
 ***
|
|
Additional FDA Patient Information
|
|
Use of 130 mg Potassium Iodide USP tablets for thyroid blocking:
|
|
Take potassium iodide tablets only when Public Health officials tell you. In a Radiation Emergency,
|
radioactive iodine could be released into the air. Potassium iodide (a form of iodine) can help protect
|
you. If you are told to take this medicine, take it one time every 24 hours. Do not take it more often.
|
More will not help you and may increase the risk of side effects. You will probably be told not to take
|
the drug for more than 10 days.
|
|
Warning:
|
|
Do not take Potassium Iodide if you know you are allergic to Iodine (see side effects below).
|
Keep out of the reach of children. In case of overdose or allergic reaction, contact a physician or public
|
health authority.
|
|
Indications:
|
|
Thyroid blocking in a radiation emergency only.
|
|
Dose (US):
|
|
Adults and children one year of age or older: One 130mg tablet once a day. Crush for small children.
|
Babies under one year of age: One-half 130mg tablet once a day. Crush first.
|
|
Dose (WHO):
|
|
Adults: One 130mg tablet once a day
|
Children age 3 - 18:One-half 130mg tablet once a day (65mg)*
|
Children under 3 years old:One-quarter 130mg tablet once a day (32mg)
|
Babies under 1 month old:One-eighth 130mg tablet once a day (16mg)
|
|
*heavier / larger teens should use 130mg (adult-size) tablets.
|
|
Take for 10 days unless directed otherwise by state or local public health authorities.
|
Store at controlled room temperature between 15 to 30C (59 degrees to 86 degrees F).
|
Keep bottle tightly closed and protect from light.
|
|
You may take potassium iodide even if you are taking medicines for a thyroid problem (for example,
|
a thyroid hormone or anti-thyroid drug). Pregnant and nursing women and babies and children may
|
also take this drug.
|
|
Side effects:
|
|
Usually, side effects of potassium iodide happen when people take higher doses for a long time.
|
You should be careful not to take more than the recommended dose or take it for longer than you are
|
told. Side effects are unlikely because of the low dose and the short time you will be taking the drug.
|
Possible side effects include skin rashes, swelling of the salivary glands, and "iodism" (metallic taste,
|
burning mouth and throat, sore teeth and gums, symptoms of a head cold, and sometimes stomach
|
upset and diarrhea).
|
A few people have an allergic reaction with more serious symptoms. These could be fever and joint
|
pains, or swelling of parts of the face and body and at times severe shortness of breath requiring
|
immediate medical attention. Taking potassium iodide may rarely cause overactivity of the thyroid
|
gland, underactivity of the thyroid gland, or enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter).
|
|
What to do if side effects occur:
|
|
If the side effects are severe or if you have an allergic reaction, stop taking potassium iodide.
|
Then, if possible, call a doctor or public health authority for instructions.
|
|
==============================================================================
|
|
Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) is the latest term replacing daily dietary reference values such as
|
Adequate Intake (AI), Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), Estimated Average Requirements (EAR),
|
Nutrient Reference Value (NRV), and Recommended Dietary Allowance / Intake (RDA / RDI).
|
|
Tin:Iodine:
|
|
DRI (RDA):noneDRI (RDA):
|
0-6 months40mcg
|
6-12 months50mcg
|
1-10 years70mcg-120mcg
|
11-18 years150mcg
|
18 years + (suggested)10-20mg18 years +150mcg
|
pregnant / lactating+ 50mcg
|
|
Therapeutic Range:25mg - 250mgTherapeutic Range:250mcg - 130mg
|
______________________________________________________________________________
|
|
Cellular / Intracellular Attributes and Interactions:
|
|
Tin Synergists:Iodine Synergists:
|
Nickel, iodine, Vitamin B1, Vitamin C,Cobalt, tin, Vitamin B12, *[Vitamin B6],
|
|
Tin Antagonists / Inhibitors:Iodine Antagonists / Inhibitors:
|
Iron, calcium, copper, chloride, Vitamin B2,Manganese, magnesium, chromium, PABA,
|
Vitamin E, [bismuth, zinc],fluoride, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B15, nitrate,
*[Vitamin B6], [lithium],
|
|
* short-term synergist, long-term antagonist,
|
|
Low Levels / Deficiency - Symptoms and/or Risk Factors:
|
|
Tin:Iodine:
|
Fatigue, depression, low cardiac outputFatigue, depression, low cardiac output, goiter,
|
(left), low adrenals, shortness of breath,edema (water retention), hair loss, inability to
|
asthma, headaches, insomnia. -think, memory loss, hypothyroid, weight gain,
|
In animals, low tin results in poor growth,low body temperature, miscarriage, infertility,
|
alopecia / bilateral hair loss, hearing loss,fibrocystic breast disease, menstrual problems,
|
and reduced feeding efficiency,dry skin, shortness of breath, asthma,
|
Children: mental retardation, delayed sexual
development, depressed growth, deafness,
|
|
High levels / Overdose / Toxicity / Negative Side Effects - Symptoms and/or Risk Factors:
|
|
Tin:Iodine:
|
Skin rash, stomach problems, palpitations,Palpitations / irregular heartbeat, tachycardia,
|
vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea,throat tightness, insomnia, skin rash, sweating,
|
headache,goiter, exophthalmos ("bug-eyes"), weight loss,
|
intolerance to heat, hyperthyroid, hypothyroid,
|
During pregnancy: potential hypothyroidism,
|
thyroid enlargement, or cretinism in infant,
|
______________________________________________________________________________
|
|
Tin Sources:Iodine Sources:
|
Tinned / canned foods, cereal grains, dairy, meat,Seafood, shellfish, fish liver oils, seaweed,
|
vegetables, seaweed, licorice, some toothpastes,sunflower seeds, iodized table salt. ¤
|
|
==============================================================================
|
|
General recommendations for nutritional supplementation: To avoid stomach problems and promote
|
better tolerance, supplements should always be taken earlier, or in the middle of a larger meal. When
|
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).
|
It is also advisable not to lie down immediately after taking any pills.
|
When taking a very large daily amount of a single nutrient, it is better to split it up into smaller doses to
|
not interfere with the absorption of other nutrients in food, or nutrients supplemented at lower amounts.
|
|
______________________________________________________________________________
|
Copyright © 2000-2008 Ronald Roth Acu-Cell Nutrition: Tin, Iodine & Potassium Iodide
|
|
