iThei mdcdaelcinfd o c elllllrllll do thlsdtcfdbhfenThe authors were unsure whether some members of the control group de-
cided to restrict iodine intake on their own or if other variables accounted
for this high number. The authors recommended that iodine restriction
should be a first-line measure for those with Hashimoto’s hypothyroid-
ism—before thyroid supplemental medication is even started.
While this sounds like a compelling reason to throw away your box of
iodized salt, a few things should be noted about this study:
- The TPO value was only measured at baseline and not at the three-
month follow-up. - Echogenic studies were not conducted to compare the baseline/
three-month follow-up lesions in the thyroid. - Sources of iodine were not examined to rule out possible cross-
contaminating effects of halogens such as fluorine and bromine,
which may be found in kelp, seaweed, and other iodine-rich foods
traditionally eaten in Korea. - Selenium levels were not assessed during the study.
Interaction of Halogens with Iodine
Our threshold for iodine consumption can be affected by halogens such as
chlorine, bromine, and fluorine. The binding structures or the “business
end” of these molecules look similar to the binding structure of iodine.
Storage proteins, enzymes, and transporters in our bodies that bind to
micronutrients have a predefined limited capacity. An excess of other
molecules with similar chemical structures may occupy all of the sites
usually reserved for processing iodine. This is the basis of modern phar-
macology and how most drug-to-drug interactions occur. When halo-
gens occupy the designated iodine-binding sites, a change in absorption,
distribution, metabolism, or excretion of iodine may occur, which can
lead to toxicity—even at “normal” therapeutic amounts. (More informa-
tion about halogens will be covered in the Toxins chapter.)