How Much Iodine Is Needed For Weight Loss?

Many nutrients and herbs are touted as weight loss panaceas, with iodine catching attention as another candidate. While not a weight loss compound in itself, iodine plays in important role in the function of the thyroid and cellular sensitivity, so adding it into your daily intake may facilitate a better metabolic function, with weight loss occurring as a side effect. Always speak to your physician before using supplements.

Iodine Deficiency

Iodine deficiency remains widespread with approximately 96 percent of the population affected, according to Dr. David Brownstein, the author of "Iodine: Why You Need It and Why You Can't Live Without It." A reduction in eating habits and a reduction in the iodine content of the soil means that you likely need more iodine then you now get, according to Brownstein.

Thyroid Health

The thyroid gland requires iodine for the production of thyroxine, the base hormone produced in the gland. The body makes thyroxine by combining tyrosine, an amino acid, and iodine. However, as Brownstein points out, the body requires a lot more than the recommended daily allowance in order to produce iodo-lipids; these compounds are formed when iodine binds to fatty substances inside the cell. Iodo-lipids can help regulate the rate of oxidation in the cell and reduce the likelihood of thyroid auto-immunity, a regular cause of low thyroid function. Poor thyroid function affects the metabolic rate, slowing it down and reducing the rate of fat burning.

Cellular Sensitivity

Beyond its effects on the thyroid gland, iodine can contribute to weight loss through other mechanisms. Dr Guy Abrahams, a researcher and one of the leading experts on iodine deficiency disorders, points out that cellular sensitivity to a wide range of hormones is affected by the level of iodine present. He also explains that, for insulin sensitivity to improve, you must consume much more than the recommended daily allowance.

Estrogen Balancing

Both men and women produce estrogen, although women make around ten times more. Estrogens -- which include estrone, estradiol and estriol -- can help boost mental processing and provide protection from cardiovascular disease, but also may increase cancer risk and the storage of fat around the thighs and buttocks. According to Brownstein, estriol appears responsible for the positive aspects of the hormone, while estradiol takes the blame for the development of cancer and the retention of fatty tissue. Consumed at optimal levels, iodine helps convert estradiol into estriol.

Amount Required

Abrahams spent many years analyzing the iodine intake of a number of countries. He rates the 150-microgram recommended daily allowance in the U.S. as extremely low, and found many cases of iodine deficiency disorders across the country. He cites the average Japanese intake, which stands 92 times higher at 13.8 milligrams, as a more suitable intake. With this in mind, he recommends 12.5 milligrams per day as a suitable dose for most, which you can achieve with two drops of Lugols solution, a liquid solution that contains both elemental iodine and potassium iodide.