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Iodine Research
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Orthosupplementation
ABRAHAM
Orthoiodosupplementation: Iodine Sufficiency Of The Whole Human Body
Abraham, G.E., Flechas, J.D., Hakala, J.C.
The Original Internist, 9:30-41, 2002.
The assumption that the only role of I as an essential element is in its essentiality for the synthesis
of T3 and T4, became a dogma. With the advent of sensitive assays, Thyroid Stimulating Hormones
(TSH) was promoted to queen of tests for thyroid functions and I was forgotten altogether as
irrelevant to the point where most endocrinologists and other medical practitioners do not request a
single test for urine I concentration, during their whole medical career.”
So far, the optimal daily requirement for I has been estimated at 6 mg of iodide for the thyroid gland
and 5 mg of iodine for the mammary glands. The adrenal glands may also require adequate levels
of I for normal function.”
Amazingly, 0.1 ml (2 drops) of Lugol contains 5 mg iodine and 7.5 mg iodide as the potassium salt,
the near perfect total amount of I and ratio of iodine over iodide, for sufficiency of the thyroid and
mammary glands.
The concept of orthoiodosupplementation and its clinical implications.
Abraham GE
The Original Internist, 11(2):29-38, 2004
From a review of the published data, it soon became evident that medical textbooks contain several
vital pieces of misinformation about the essential element iodine, which may have caused more
human misery and death than both world wars combined. The purpose of this manuscript is to
present some useful information about iodine and to discuss the concept of
orthoiodosupplementation in more detail than in previous publications.
Diatomic iodine (I2) can be absorbed through the lungs and through the skin. However, ingested
food, drinks and iodine/iodide supplementation, are the most common means of supplying iodine to
the human body. Without interfering substances present in the gastrointestinal tract, inorganic
iodine, iodates, and iodides are quantitatively absorbed. The elimination of peripheral inorganic
iodide occurs almost exclusively through renal clearance. Organic and inorganic iodine are not
cleared by the kidneys. When inorganic iodide is ingested in amounts ranging from 0.001 mg up to
2,000 mg, Childs, et al, estimated an average renal clearance of serum inorganic iodide of 50L/day
over the whole range of intakes. Fisher, et al, and Koutras, et al, have measured serum inorganic
iodide levels at equilibrium in subjects ingesting increasing amounts of iodide from 75-1,250
mcg/day. Their results are displayed in Table 2. When these data are plotted on an X-Y axis
(Figure 1), a high degree of correlation (0.999) was obtained with a slope of 0.023. The slope is an
index of renal clearance: 1/0.023 = 43.5 L/day.
To compute the serum inorganic iodide levels at equilibrium in a subject ingesting a narrow range of
iodine/iodide, divide the average daily intake expressed as milligrams elemental iodine by 43.5 liters
to obtain the serum concentration of inorganic iodide expressed as mg/L of serum. Besides giving
accurate information about the peripheral concentrations of iodide available for uptake by the cells
and organs of the human body, measurement of serum inorganic iodide levels is very useful for
assessing bioavailability of the iodine/iodide ingested. Alexander, et al, measured the serum
inorganic iodide levels in normal subjects consuming an average of 70 mcg iodide per day, but no
iodized salt. He observed a mean value of 1.8 mcg/L. This measured value is very close to the
value computed by dividing 70 mcg/day by 43.5 liters/day = 1.6 mcg/L. This is evidence that the
iodine present in the food and drink of these subjects is highly bioavailable.
Pittman, et al, measured serum inorganic iodide levels in two groups of subjects: one group after
iodization of salt, with an estimated daily intake of 750 mcg iodide, and the other group after
iodization of bread, with a similar average daily intake of iodates. The expected mean serum level at
equilibrium would be 17.2 mcg/L (750 mcg/43.5 L). The mean values observed by Pittman, et al,
were 1.7 mcg/L for subjects after iodization of salt, and 18.7 mcg/L for subjects after iodization of
bread. These data suggest that iodate in bread is very bioavailable, whereas only 10% of iodide in
iodized salt were absorbed. On a molar basis, there is 30,000 times more chloride than iodide in
iodized salt. Chloride competes with iodide for absorption in the intestinal tract. To this author's
knowledge, the low bioavailability of iodide in iodized salt has never been reported.
Iodine: The Universal Nutrient
Abraham, GE
Based on a review of the literature, and recent clinical research studies, the concept of
orthoiodosupplementation can be summarized as follows:
1. The nutrient iodine is essential for every cell of the human body requiring peripheral
concentrations of inorganic iodide ranging from 10-6M to 10-5M.
2. In non-obese subjects without a defecting cellular transport system for iodine, these
concentrations can be achieved with daily intake of 12.5 mg to 50 mg elemental iodine. The adult
body retains approximately 1.5 gm iodine at sufficiency. At such time, the ingested iodine is
quantitatively excreted in the urine as iodide.
3. The thyroid gland is the most efficient organ of the human body, capable of concentrating iodide
by 2 orders of magnitude to reach 10-6M iodide required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones
when peripheral levels of inorganic iodide are in the 10-8M range.
4. Goiter and cretinism are evidence of extremely severe iodine deficiency, because the smallest
intake of iodine that would prevent these conditions, that is 0.05 mg per day, is 1000 times less
than the optimal intake of 50 mg elemental iodine.
5. The thyroid gland has a protective mechanism, limiting the uptake of peripheral iodide to a
maximum of 0.6 mg per day when 50 mg or more elemental iodine are ingested. This amount
therefore would serve as a preventive measure against radioactive fallout.
6. An intake of 50 mg elemental iodine per day would achieve peripheral concentration of iodide at
10-5M, which is the concentration of iodide markedly enhancing the singlet triplet radiationless
transition. Singlet oxygen causes oxidative damage to DNA and macromolecules, predisposing to
the carcinogenic effects of these reactive oxygen species.5 This effect would decrease DNA
damage, with an anticarcinogenic effect.
7. Preliminary data so far suggest that orthoiodosupplementation results in detoxification of the
body from the toxic metals aluminum, cadmium, lead and mercury.
8. Orthoiodosupplementation increases urinary excretion of fluoride and bromide, decreasing the
iodine-inhibiting effects of these halides.
9. Most patients on a daily intake ranging from 12.5 mg to 50 mg elemental iodine reported higher
energy levels and greater mental clarity with 50 mg (4 tablets Iodoral), daily. The amount of iodine
used in patients with Fibrocystic Disease of the Breast by Ghent et al is 0.1 mg/Kg BW per day, 10
times below the optimal daily intake of 50 mg. In our experience, patients with this clinical condition
responded faster and more completely when ingesting 50 mg iodine/iodide per day.
10. For best results, orthoiodosupplementation should be part of a complete nutritional program,
emphasizing magnesium instead of calcium.
11. A beneficial effect of orthoiodosupplementation was observed in the clinical conditions listed in
Table I.
12. The iodine/iodide loading test and serum inorganic iodide levels are reliable means of
assessing whole body sufficiency for elemental iodine for quantifying the bioavailability of the forms
of iodine ingested and for assessing cellular uptake and utilization of iodine by target cells.
13. Orthoiodosupplementation may be the safest, simplest, most effective and least expensive way
to solve the healthcare crisis crippling our nation.
The Safe and Effective Implementation of Orthoiodosupplementation In Medical Practice
Abraham, GE
The Original Internist, 11:17-36, 2004
A cursory review of the literature suggests that the use of Lugol solution in Graves' disease, the
preferred approach by thyroidologists of that time, resulted in a higher success rate with fewer
complications than the use of iodine and iodide alone. The daily amount of Lugol solution used in
Graves' disease ranged from one drop (6.25 mg) to 30 drops (180 mg). A complete nutritional
program in our experience improved further the response to orthoiodosupplementation in Graves'
disease and other thyroid disorders.
A critical evaluation of some review articles on iodine-induced hypothyroidism and iodine-induced
hyperthyroidism reveals that in most cases, organic forms of iodine are involved. However, the titles
of those articles suggest that the review is about inorganic iodine/iodide.
“In several communities worldwide, an increased incidence of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis was
reported following implementation of iodization of sodium chloride…. It is of interest to note that
prior to iodization of salt, autoimmune thyroiditis was almost non-existent in the US, although Lugol
solution and potassium iodide were used extensively in medical practice in amounts two orders of
magnitude greater than the average daily amount ingested from iodized salt. This suggests that
inadequate iodine intake aggravated by goitrogens, not excess iodide, was the cause of this
condition. To be discussed later, autoimmune thyroiditis cannot be induced by inorganic iodide in
laboratory animals unless combined with goitrogens, therefore inducing iodine deficiency.”
The concept of orthoiodosupplementation is based on the self-evident fact that the whole body, not
just the thyroid gland, needs iodine. The whole body needs this essential trace element, which
plays different roles in different organs and tissues. In order to assess whole body sufficiency for
iodine/iodide, a simple loading test was developed, based on the concept that the more deficient a
patient is in this nutrient, the greater the percentage of ingested iodine/iodide that will be retained,
the smaller the percentage excreted in the urine.
Orthoiodosupplementation increased urinary excretion of lead, cadmium, arsenic, aluminum, and
mercury. Urinary bromide and fluoride levels increased markedly and proportionally to the amount
of iodine/iodide ingested.
Whole body sufficiency for iodine correlated well with overall wellbeing, and some subjects could tell
when they achieved sufficiency even before knowing the results of the test. Iodine sufficiency was
associated with a sense of overall wellbeing, lifting of a brain fog, feeling warmer in cold
environments, increased energy, needing less sleep, achieving more in less time, experiencing
regular bowel movements and improved skin complexion. In some subjects with overweight or
obesity, orthoiodosupplementation resulted in weight loss, decreased percent body fat and
increased muscle mass.
Following orthoiodosupplementation, increased urinary excretion of the goitrogens fluoride and
bromide and the toxic metals mercury, lead, cadium and aluminum was observed; marked
improvement of fibrocystic disease of the breast occurred following 3 months of iodine
supplementation at 50 mg/day. In 3 patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with olygomeuorrhea,
orthoiodosupplementation resulted in regularization of the menstrual cycle.
In patients on thyroid hormones, orthoiodosupplementation resulted in a decreased requirement to
much lower levels of thyroxine and in some cases, resulted in the complete discontinuation of this
hormone. This decreased requirement for thyroid hormones following orthoiodosupplementation
was observed in a female patient with total thyroidectomy, suggesting that iodine not only improves
thyroid function but also has an effect at the target organ level. In diabetic patients on insulin,
orthoiodosupplementation resulted in better control of this condition, and in some cases alleviated
this condition without the need for insulin. In hypertensive patients, whole body iodine sufficiency
resulted in normalization of blood pressure without medications. Similar observations were reported
by other physicians using this program. Best results were achieved when orthoiodosupplementation
was combined with a complete nutritional program emphasizing magnesium instead of calcium.
The historical background of the iodine project.
Abraham GE
The Original Internist, 12(2):57-66, 2005
The goal of this manuscript is to have, under the same cover, an update on the Iodine Project which
started five years ago; an exposé of the Wolff-Chaikoff forgery; and contributions from two clinicians
with a combined experience with 4,000 patients using Lugol tablets within the range recommended
by pre-World War II physicians. This range of daily intake of iodine is called
orthoiodosupplementation because it is the amount of iodine required for whole body sufficiency
based on an iodine/iodide loading test recently developed by the author.
"During the first half of the 20th century, almost every U.S. physician used Lugol solution for iodine
supplementation in his/her practice for both hypo- and hyperthyroidism, and for many other medical
conditions. In the old pharmacopeias, Lugol solution was called Liquor Iodi Compositus. The
minimum dose called minim, was one drop containing 6.25 mg of elemental iodine, with 40% iodine
and 60% iodide as the potassium salt. The recommended daily intake for iodine supplementation
was 2 to 6 minims (drops) containing 12.5 to 37.5 mg elemental iodine.
During the second half of the 20th century, iodophobic misinformation disseminated progressively
and deceitfully among the medical profession resulted in a decreased use of Lugol, with iodized salt
becoming the standard for iodine supplementation.
The bioavailable iodide from iodized salt is only 10% and the daily amount of iodide absorbed from
iodized salt is 200 to 500 times less than the amount of iodine/iodide previously recommended by U.
S. physicians.
After World War II, U.S. physicians were educated early in their medical career to believe that
inorganic non-radioactive forms of iodine were toxic.
Adverse reactions to radiographic contrast media and other iodine-containing drugs were blamed
on iodine. If a patient told his/her physician that he/she could not tolerate seafood, the physician
told him/her that he/she was allergic to iodine.
Amiodarone is a toxic form of sustained release iodine. The author has previously discussed the
interesting observation that this antiarrhythmic drug becomes effective when the body has
accumulated approximately 1.5 gm of iodine. This is exactly the amount of iodine retained by the
human body when iodine sufficiency is achieved following orthoiodosupplementation. Whole body
sufficiency for inorganic non-radioactive iodine/iodide results in optimal cardiac functions. Inorganic
non-radioactive iodine was never tested in clinical conditions for which physicians prescribe
amiodarone. However, inorganic iodide is blamed for the severe side effects of this drug.
The Wolff-Chaikoff Effect: Crying Wolf?
Abraham GE
The Original Internist, 12(3):112-118,2005
The W-C effect is supposedly the inhibitory effect of peripheral inorganic iodide (PII) levels equal to
or greater than 0.2 mg/L (10-6M) on the organification of iodide by the thyroid gland of rats,
resulting supposedly in hypothyroidism and goiter. These rats never became hypothyroid and
thyroid hormones were not measured in their plasma. Nevertheless, the W-C effect, which did not
even occur in the rats, was extrapolated to humans. The correct interpretation of the results
obtained in rats from the W-C experiments is: Iodide sufficiency of the thyroid gland was achieved
when serum inorganic iodide levels reached 10-6M, as we previously discussed. These law-abiding
rats refused to become hypothyroid and instead followed their normal physiological response to the
iodide load. They were unjustly accused of escaping from the W-C effect. Labeling these innocent
rats as fugitives from the W-C effect was a great injustice against these rodents.
More Articles by Abraham on Orthoiodosupplementation
ABRAHAM
Orthoiodosupplementation: Iodine Sufficiency Of The Whole Human Body
Abraham, G.E., Flechas, J.D., Hakala, J.C.
The Original Internist, 9:30-41, 2002.
The assumption that the only role of I as an essential element is in its essentiality for the synthesis
of T3 and T4, became a dogma. With the advent of sensitive assays, Thyroid Stimulating Hormones
(TSH) was promoted to queen of tests for thyroid functions and I was forgotten altogether as
irrelevant to the point where most endocrinologists and other medical practitioners do not request a
single test for urine I concentration, during their whole medical career.”
So far, the optimal daily requirement for I has been estimated at 6 mg of iodide for the thyroid gland
and 5 mg of iodine for the mammary glands. The adrenal glands may also require adequate levels
of I for normal function.”
Amazingly, 0.1 ml (2 drops) of Lugol contains 5 mg iodine and 7.5 mg iodide as the potassium salt,
the near perfect total amount of I and ratio of iodine over iodide, for sufficiency of the thyroid and
mammary glands.
The concept of orthoiodosupplementation and its clinical implications.
Abraham GE
The Original Internist, 11(2):29-38, 2004
From a review of the published data, it soon became evident that medical textbooks contain several
vital pieces of misinformation about the essential element iodine, which may have caused more
human misery and death than both world wars combined. The purpose of this manuscript is to
present some useful information about iodine and to discuss the concept of
orthoiodosupplementation in more detail than in previous publications.
Diatomic iodine (I2) can be absorbed through the lungs and through the skin. However, ingested
food, drinks and iodine/iodide supplementation, are the most common means of supplying iodine to
the human body. Without interfering substances present in the gastrointestinal tract, inorganic
iodine, iodates, and iodides are quantitatively absorbed. The elimination of peripheral inorganic
iodide occurs almost exclusively through renal clearance. Organic and inorganic iodine are not
cleared by the kidneys. When inorganic iodide is ingested in amounts ranging from 0.001 mg up to
2,000 mg, Childs, et al, estimated an average renal clearance of serum inorganic iodide of 50L/day
over the whole range of intakes. Fisher, et al, and Koutras, et al, have measured serum inorganic
iodide levels at equilibrium in subjects ingesting increasing amounts of iodide from 75-1,250
mcg/day. Their results are displayed in Table 2. When these data are plotted on an X-Y axis
(Figure 1), a high degree of correlation (0.999) was obtained with a slope of 0.023. The slope is an
index of renal clearance: 1/0.023 = 43.5 L/day.
To compute the serum inorganic iodide levels at equilibrium in a subject ingesting a narrow range of
iodine/iodide, divide the average daily intake expressed as milligrams elemental iodine by 43.5 liters
to obtain the serum concentration of inorganic iodide expressed as mg/L of serum. Besides giving
accurate information about the peripheral concentrations of iodide available for uptake by the cells
and organs of the human body, measurement of serum inorganic iodide levels is very useful for
assessing bioavailability of the iodine/iodide ingested. Alexander, et al, measured the serum
inorganic iodide levels in normal subjects consuming an average of 70 mcg iodide per day, but no
iodized salt. He observed a mean value of 1.8 mcg/L. This measured value is very close to the
value computed by dividing 70 mcg/day by 43.5 liters/day = 1.6 mcg/L. This is evidence that the
iodine present in the food and drink of these subjects is highly bioavailable.
Pittman, et al, measured serum inorganic iodide levels in two groups of subjects: one group after
iodization of salt, with an estimated daily intake of 750 mcg iodide, and the other group after
iodization of bread, with a similar average daily intake of iodates. The expected mean serum level at
equilibrium would be 17.2 mcg/L (750 mcg/43.5 L). The mean values observed by Pittman, et al,
were 1.7 mcg/L for subjects after iodization of salt, and 18.7 mcg/L for subjects after iodization of
bread. These data suggest that iodate in bread is very bioavailable, whereas only 10% of iodide in
iodized salt were absorbed. On a molar basis, there is 30,000 times more chloride than iodide in
iodized salt. Chloride competes with iodide for absorption in the intestinal tract. To this author's
knowledge, the low bioavailability of iodide in iodized salt has never been reported.
Iodine: The Universal Nutrient
Abraham, GE
Based on a review of the literature, and recent clinical research studies, the concept of
orthoiodosupplementation can be summarized as follows:
1. The nutrient iodine is essential for every cell of the human body requiring peripheral
concentrations of inorganic iodide ranging from 10-6M to 10-5M.
2. In non-obese subjects without a defecting cellular transport system for iodine, these
concentrations can be achieved with daily intake of 12.5 mg to 50 mg elemental iodine. The adult
body retains approximately 1.5 gm iodine at sufficiency. At such time, the ingested iodine is
quantitatively excreted in the urine as iodide.
3. The thyroid gland is the most efficient organ of the human body, capable of concentrating iodide
by 2 orders of magnitude to reach 10-6M iodide required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones
when peripheral levels of inorganic iodide are in the 10-8M range.
4. Goiter and cretinism are evidence of extremely severe iodine deficiency, because the smallest
intake of iodine that would prevent these conditions, that is 0.05 mg per day, is 1000 times less
than the optimal intake of 50 mg elemental iodine.
5. The thyroid gland has a protective mechanism, limiting the uptake of peripheral iodide to a
maximum of 0.6 mg per day when 50 mg or more elemental iodine are ingested. This amount
therefore would serve as a preventive measure against radioactive fallout.
6. An intake of 50 mg elemental iodine per day would achieve peripheral concentration of iodide at
10-5M, which is the concentration of iodide markedly enhancing the singlet triplet radiationless
transition. Singlet oxygen causes oxidative damage to DNA and macromolecules, predisposing to
the carcinogenic effects of these reactive oxygen species.5 This effect would decrease DNA
damage, with an anticarcinogenic effect.
7. Preliminary data so far suggest that orthoiodosupplementation results in detoxification of the
body from the toxic metals aluminum, cadmium, lead and mercury.
8. Orthoiodosupplementation increases urinary excretion of fluoride and bromide, decreasing the
iodine-inhibiting effects of these halides.
9. Most patients on a daily intake ranging from 12.5 mg to 50 mg elemental iodine reported higher
energy levels and greater mental clarity with 50 mg (4 tablets Iodoral), daily. The amount of iodine
used in patients with Fibrocystic Disease of the Breast by Ghent et al is 0.1 mg/Kg BW per day, 10
times below the optimal daily intake of 50 mg. In our experience, patients with this clinical condition
responded faster and more completely when ingesting 50 mg iodine/iodide per day.
10. For best results, orthoiodosupplementation should be part of a complete nutritional program,
emphasizing magnesium instead of calcium.
11. A beneficial effect of orthoiodosupplementation was observed in the clinical conditions listed in
Table I.
12. The iodine/iodide loading test and serum inorganic iodide levels are reliable means of
assessing whole body sufficiency for elemental iodine for quantifying the bioavailability of the forms
of iodine ingested and for assessing cellular uptake and utilization of iodine by target cells.
13. Orthoiodosupplementation may be the safest, simplest, most effective and least expensive way
to solve the healthcare crisis crippling our nation.
The Safe and Effective Implementation of Orthoiodosupplementation In Medical Practice
Abraham, GE
The Original Internist, 11:17-36, 2004
A cursory review of the literature suggests that the use of Lugol solution in Graves' disease, the
preferred approach by thyroidologists of that time, resulted in a higher success rate with fewer
complications than the use of iodine and iodide alone. The daily amount of Lugol solution used in
Graves' disease ranged from one drop (6.25 mg) to 30 drops (180 mg). A complete nutritional
program in our experience improved further the response to orthoiodosupplementation in Graves'
disease and other thyroid disorders.
A critical evaluation of some review articles on iodine-induced hypothyroidism and iodine-induced
hyperthyroidism reveals that in most cases, organic forms of iodine are involved. However, the titles
of those articles suggest that the review is about inorganic iodine/iodide.
“In several communities worldwide, an increased incidence of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis was
reported following implementation of iodization of sodium chloride…. It is of interest to note that
prior to iodization of salt, autoimmune thyroiditis was almost non-existent in the US, although Lugol
solution and potassium iodide were used extensively in medical practice in amounts two orders of
magnitude greater than the average daily amount ingested from iodized salt. This suggests that
inadequate iodine intake aggravated by goitrogens, not excess iodide, was the cause of this
condition. To be discussed later, autoimmune thyroiditis cannot be induced by inorganic iodide in
laboratory animals unless combined with goitrogens, therefore inducing iodine deficiency.”
The concept of orthoiodosupplementation is based on the self-evident fact that the whole body, not
just the thyroid gland, needs iodine. The whole body needs this essential trace element, which
plays different roles in different organs and tissues. In order to assess whole body sufficiency for
iodine/iodide, a simple loading test was developed, based on the concept that the more deficient a
patient is in this nutrient, the greater the percentage of ingested iodine/iodide that will be retained,
the smaller the percentage excreted in the urine.
Orthoiodosupplementation increased urinary excretion of lead, cadmium, arsenic, aluminum, and
mercury. Urinary bromide and fluoride levels increased markedly and proportionally to the amount
of iodine/iodide ingested.
Whole body sufficiency for iodine correlated well with overall wellbeing, and some subjects could tell
when they achieved sufficiency even before knowing the results of the test. Iodine sufficiency was
associated with a sense of overall wellbeing, lifting of a brain fog, feeling warmer in cold
environments, increased energy, needing less sleep, achieving more in less time, experiencing
regular bowel movements and improved skin complexion. In some subjects with overweight or
obesity, orthoiodosupplementation resulted in weight loss, decreased percent body fat and
increased muscle mass.
Following orthoiodosupplementation, increased urinary excretion of the goitrogens fluoride and
bromide and the toxic metals mercury, lead, cadium and aluminum was observed; marked
improvement of fibrocystic disease of the breast occurred following 3 months of iodine
supplementation at 50 mg/day. In 3 patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with olygomeuorrhea,
orthoiodosupplementation resulted in regularization of the menstrual cycle.
In patients on thyroid hormones, orthoiodosupplementation resulted in a decreased requirement to
much lower levels of thyroxine and in some cases, resulted in the complete discontinuation of this
hormone. This decreased requirement for thyroid hormones following orthoiodosupplementation
was observed in a female patient with total thyroidectomy, suggesting that iodine not only improves
thyroid function but also has an effect at the target organ level. In diabetic patients on insulin,
orthoiodosupplementation resulted in better control of this condition, and in some cases alleviated
this condition without the need for insulin. In hypertensive patients, whole body iodine sufficiency
resulted in normalization of blood pressure without medications. Similar observations were reported
by other physicians using this program. Best results were achieved when orthoiodosupplementation
was combined with a complete nutritional program emphasizing magnesium instead of calcium.
The historical background of the iodine project.
Abraham GE
The Original Internist, 12(2):57-66, 2005
The goal of this manuscript is to have, under the same cover, an update on the Iodine Project which
started five years ago; an exposé of the Wolff-Chaikoff forgery; and contributions from two clinicians
with a combined experience with 4,000 patients using Lugol tablets within the range recommended
by pre-World War II physicians. This range of daily intake of iodine is called
orthoiodosupplementation because it is the amount of iodine required for whole body sufficiency
based on an iodine/iodide loading test recently developed by the author.
"During the first half of the 20th century, almost every U.S. physician used Lugol solution for iodine
supplementation in his/her practice for both hypo- and hyperthyroidism, and for many other medical
conditions. In the old pharmacopeias, Lugol solution was called Liquor Iodi Compositus. The
minimum dose called minim, was one drop containing 6.25 mg of elemental iodine, with 40% iodine
and 60% iodide as the potassium salt. The recommended daily intake for iodine supplementation
was 2 to 6 minims (drops) containing 12.5 to 37.5 mg elemental iodine.
During the second half of the 20th century, iodophobic misinformation disseminated progressively
and deceitfully among the medical profession resulted in a decreased use of Lugol, with iodized salt
becoming the standard for iodine supplementation.
The bioavailable iodide from iodized salt is only 10% and the daily amount of iodide absorbed from
iodized salt is 200 to 500 times less than the amount of iodine/iodide previously recommended by U.
S. physicians.
After World War II, U.S. physicians were educated early in their medical career to believe that
inorganic non-radioactive forms of iodine were toxic.
Adverse reactions to radiographic contrast media and other iodine-containing drugs were blamed
on iodine. If a patient told his/her physician that he/she could not tolerate seafood, the physician
told him/her that he/she was allergic to iodine.
Amiodarone is a toxic form of sustained release iodine. The author has previously discussed the
interesting observation that this antiarrhythmic drug becomes effective when the body has
accumulated approximately 1.5 gm of iodine. This is exactly the amount of iodine retained by the
human body when iodine sufficiency is achieved following orthoiodosupplementation. Whole body
sufficiency for inorganic non-radioactive iodine/iodide results in optimal cardiac functions. Inorganic
non-radioactive iodine was never tested in clinical conditions for which physicians prescribe
amiodarone. However, inorganic iodide is blamed for the severe side effects of this drug.
The Wolff-Chaikoff Effect: Crying Wolf?
Abraham GE
The Original Internist, 12(3):112-118,2005
The W-C effect is supposedly the inhibitory effect of peripheral inorganic iodide (PII) levels equal to
or greater than 0.2 mg/L (10-6M) on the organification of iodide by the thyroid gland of rats,
resulting supposedly in hypothyroidism and goiter. These rats never became hypothyroid and
thyroid hormones were not measured in their plasma. Nevertheless, the W-C effect, which did not
even occur in the rats, was extrapolated to humans. The correct interpretation of the results
obtained in rats from the W-C experiments is: Iodide sufficiency of the thyroid gland was achieved
when serum inorganic iodide levels reached 10-6M, as we previously discussed. These law-abiding
rats refused to become hypothyroid and instead followed their normal physiological response to the
iodide load. They were unjustly accused of escaping from the W-C effect. Labeling these innocent
rats as fugitives from the W-C effect was a great injustice against these rodents.
More Articles by Abraham on Orthoiodosupplementation
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