It’s not exactly common knowledge that iodine plays a pivotal role in your health—let alone that deficiencies may actually prove deadly. But believe it or not, insufficient levels of this important trace mineral can have some very serious consequences.
Research has established a number of links between iodine intake and breast health. The abundance of iodine in the Japanese diet, for example, is thought to be strongly associated with the low rates of breast diseases in Japan. And animal and human studies alike have revealed that iodine suppresses the development and size of lumps in breast tissue—while inducing programmed cell death and increasing antioxidant activity in breast cells.1-3
So, it shouldn’t surprise you that research has indicated that iodine deficiency actually raises your risk of breast conditions.4 In addition, deficiency of this crucial mineral makes your breast tissue more susceptible to deadly carcinogens, while promoting the activity of estrogen receptor proteins—both of which play a role in mutagenesis.5-6 Iodine deficiency also plays a well-known role in thyroid dysfunction—another condition with a strong connection to breast abnormalities.7-8
Even benign fibrosis and cysts (known as fibrocystic breasts)—a condition marked by tender, lumpy breasts that affects over half of all women—are associated with low iodine levels.9-11 Clinical trials show, however, that daily iodine supplementation can deliver improvements in tenderness and nodularity within six months, with 50 percent of patients reporting significantly enhanced comfort within three months.12 Over the longer term, success rates are even better, with daily iodide supplementation yielding clinical improvement in as much as 74 percent of patients with lumpy or nodular breasts within two years of use.13
New evidence also suggests that iodine may be just as crucial to men’s health. Epidemiologic data shows that men with the highest iodine intakes also have a 29 percent lower risk of serious prostate concerns than their iodine insufficient counterparts.14 Furthermore, men with a history of thyroid issues have as much as three times the prostate concern risk—which scientists believe is due to the fact that iodine is required for thyroid hormone synthesis.14
If you’re worried that your iodine levels aren’t up to par, consider taking a 24-hour urine Iodine Sufficiency Test, which is available now as an easy-to-use home kit from Vitamin Research Products. Should results show that your iodine levels are on the low end, simply add a high-quality iodine supplement to your daily regimen—such as VRP’s Iodoral®, which is formulated to reduce stomach irritation and minimize unpleasant taste.
Finally, extra doses of riboflavin and niacin (both found in ATP Cofactors, also available from VRP) will ensure that your body gets the maximum benefits that this powerful iodine boost can deliver.15
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