Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide. Once researchers realized this, health authorities around the world began adding iodine to table salt.
This strategy was effective in correcting iodine deficiency. But it had an unanticipated—and undesired—effect. In countries where iodine has been added to table salt, the rates of autoimmune thyroid disease have risen. The following is just a sample of studies around the world demonstrating this effect:
Why does this happen? Because increased iodine intake, especially in supplement form, can increase the autoimmune attack on the thyroid. Iodine reduces the activity of an enzyme called thyroid peroxidase (TPO). TPO is required for proper thyroid hormone production.
One of the best overviews on this topic I have seen. Whether to supplement with iodine or not is the most day-and-night health topic I can think of. Some people love the supplements, others warn against them. Some of this is due to the wide variety of problems affecting the thyroid, but even with that in mind it is very hard to get a handle on this topic. Add well-deserved mistrust of official medical doctrine and traditionally low established doses for micronutrients. Supplementing kelp and other sea vegetables is probably the best way to go. ABN
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