Iodine

[tsaku00]

There is conflicting information about Iodine and Hashimoto's/ hypothyroid. Some say supplementing with iodine is okay, some say it's the worst thing you can do. Some say it's okay as long as you take selenium with it.  Can anyone clarify this for me?

I tend to produce functional cysts, and my Dr. currently has me taking 6.25mg of iodine. I'm confused as to whether I should continue since I am hypothyroid.  

Thanks

[Red_Star]

Excerpts from Life Extention - Nutrients to Support Thyroid Function...

"Iodine or foods high in iodine, such as seaweed, are thought useful in treating hypothyroidism but this is probably only true for people who are iodine deficient.113, 114 The upper intake level (UL) of iodine for adults is 1.1mg per day. However, iodine ingestion above this amount is generally well tolerated.117

The amount of supplemental iodine needed for an individual varies widely based on the factors previously listed. It is important to test thyroid function when supplementing with iodine since both low and excessively high intake can contribute to thyroid dysfunction."

"Some researchers suggest that selenium supplementation will improve conversion of T4 to T3.120 Selenium also plays a role in protecting the thyroid gland itself. The cells of the thyroid generate hydrogen peroxide and use it to make thyroid hormone. Selenium protects the thyroid gland from the oxidative damage caused by these reactions. Without adequate selenium, high iodine levels lead to destruction of the thyroid gland cells.121,122"

[tsaku00]

Thanks Barb. I had an ultrasound on both my thyroid and my uterus recently and I will find out the results on Friday. I guess I will wait until then to decide whether I should continue or if it's worth taking.  

[Barb135]

We pretty much have the same conflicting information; however, since iodine can cause the autoimmune attack to be worse, the consensus seems to be that it should not be taken when one has Hashimoto's. Once the thyroid has completely died off and there's nothing left for antibodies to attack, I would say it probably doesn't matter.  I have a multi-vitamin that contains iodine and I have no trouble with, but my endo says my thyroid is completely dead and my antibody count is nearly nothing, at this point.

There's also controversy with the idea that selenium can diminish antibody numbers, but even if it diminishes them by 20%, what good does that do?  You still have the other 80% doing their damage.  I've taken selenium for years and the main benefit I find is that it seems to help with the conversion of FT4 to FT3.