The brown-yellow liquid that immediately comes to mind at the thought of "iodine" is not pure iodine but a mixture of povidone and iodine. Iodine is an element with its own box on the periodic table. Pure iodine is not found in nature; in its pure state, iodine is a purple-colored crystal, liquid or gas. There are three main uses for iodine as it relates to human health. Iodine is used as both a disinfectant and a water purifier, and it is necessary in small amounts to maintain proper thyroid function.
Povidone and iodine are an effective disinfecting combination for environmental and skin surfaces. Surgeons use this mixture to prep skin before they perform surgery. A typical povidone/iodine solution can also be used to disinfect wounds, thereby preventing infection.
It is possible to purify water and make it drinkable using iodine. In general, to purify water, follow the package directions and add a certain amount of iodine to a liter of water, then let the water sit for 30 to 60 minutes as purification takes place. If you cannot handle the taste of the iodine, it is fine to halve the amount added to your water and double the amount of time you allow it to sit. By that same rule of thumb, if you need your water purified faster, you can double the amount of iodine and then let the water sit for half the recommended time. Iodine-based water purification is not recommended for people with thyroid conditions.
Iodine is necessary for the thyroid to produce its hormone. The thyroid is the body part most profoundly affected by a deficiency or overdose of iodine. The FDA has established an adult's iodine needs as 150 mcg daily. Typically, table salt is iodized and provides enough iodine to meet the average person's daily needs. Iodine deficiency in children leads to swollen thyroids that do not produce an adequate amount of thyroid hormone. This is commonly known as "goiter." Adults who have been affected by overexposure to iodine are prone to various thyroid problems, most of which affect metabolism and energy level.
What to Look for
Different forms of iodine are marketed for its different purposes. If you intend to use iodine as a disinfectant, the povidone/iodine mixture is advised. Iodine by itself is not very stable in liquid form, which is the easiest form to use when disinfecting things. If you intend to use iodine to purify water, tablets and tinctures that have been created specially for this are your best bet. Pure iodine is sold as a cure for thrush acquired by horses.
Common Pitfalls
Name-brand povidone-iodine solutions are often priced much higher than generic equivalents, which are equally effective. These solutions do stain. They become sticky if left on skin and can be rather difficult to wash off. Water purified with iodine does have a distinct taste that some people can tolerate and others cannot. A small amount of vitamin C added to iodine-treated water can diminish the iodine taste.
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