Iodide or Iodine

Question
Hi Evelyn Alexander,

Does Kelp contain iodide or iodine?  Which supplement should I take; potassium iodide, or an iodine supplement?  What would be a good dosage of the iodide or iodine supplement?

Sincerely,
Angel

Answer
Dear Angel,
Unfortunately, your question is a little too succinctly put for me to give you a tailored answer. It does not provide sufficient information for me to help you from a holistic angle.  But I can answer the technical part of your question, as well as probably your search engine could:
Iodine is a trace mineral ?found naturally in foods, like kelp, milk and yoghurt, mozzarella, strawberries and eggs - which is required by the body for the synthesis of the thyroid hormones (thyroxins).  A deficiency can lead to thyroid problems, or in severe cases (some areas on the planet) mental retardation ?here there will be a chronic shortage in the population's diet.
Iodide is  a compound, for example, potassium-iodide found in kitchen salt. It is added by government mandates worldwide (so not naturally found in sea salt or rock salt). These governments will encourage you to eat bread, milk, tinned products and other processed food which has this iodide in it. But it is not iodine and is used specifically in supplements, in the form of potassium- or sodium iodide.

The difference, if you ask me as an advocate for a holistic approach, is  a complex bio-chemical story and only worth explaining in reference to a specific disorder that requires you to identify an iodine deficiency. Classically, iodide was administered in thyroid disorders related to iodine deficiencies, however, it  is no longer considered the best treatment ?since it far from tackles the underlying cause (something alternative medicine knew all along).

Be cautious, without medical indications, in taking supplements. It is better to reassess your overall diet and find a more integral solution where possible. The problem with supplements is that they make you forget the dynamics involved in the whole metabolic system. Our organisms are not just built up of chemical blocks.

Also note, that in taking any seaweed supplements you need to be aware of the quality. Good supplements are extremely dear, which is only half an indicator, still. Sea vegetables are especially sensitive to pollution (heavy metals ?and nuclear radiation, of course).  You also don't want all sorts of gelatines or other bulk ingredients, let alone multi-vitamin complexes thrown in. The advantage of eating sea vegetables  (generally bought dried and then soaked, sometimes in pastes, or if you are lucky, including coastal plants in spring) or anoter iodine rich food over a processed product of kelp or one with merely iodide added, is the additional minerals which come naturally in a harmonious combination. Plus, you get to bring the element of air/light and water into your inner world in a most pure yet subconscious manner by eating entire plants, coming from distinct regions, picked with care. A plant is so much more than just an organic construct of minerals: it is also a recepticle of cosmic influences and telluric imprints, full of (geometrical) patterns and subject to cyclical and seasonal effects. The true qualities of iodine are better presereved and transported, in a dynamic sense, when eaten in a "vital" product. This stimulates the  actual digestive process and is beneficial to any healing or regenerative process.


There are conditions which require one vitamin or mineral to be supplemented, but where a diet is balanced this trend to take supplements preventively becomes superfluous or even detrimental. There are many factors to take into consideration before taking an iodine supplement. If you live by the sea, for example, there is far less risk of havinging a deficiency (many minerals are actually absorbed by the air we breathe and contribute on a subtle but significant level to our health). Consider, also, how selenium relates narrowly to iodine levels.

Holistic, wholesome, nutrition is about sourcing food that is full of the right energy and properties you need to keep your life on earth going optimally. What you eat effects - in part - how you live, but you cannot eat yourself into health. Conscious awareness of your diet, however, is a crucial factor in modern health.

There is a subtle science behind the further role of iodine in our organism (involving an understanding of our four-fold nature, a specifically Anthroposophic fundamental). Unfortunately, you have given me too little background information for me to be able to help you further, at this moment in time. I am unable to present you with a clearer picture of your options.

Please do not hesitate to ask any further questions if you so wish, providing me with as much personal detail as possible (age, gender,  height/weight/build, diet (vegetarian, wholefoods, junkfoods etc), relevant medical history, desired results.

Wishing you all the best,
Evelyn.

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