Iodine is important for the functioning of your thyroid gland. Iodine deficiency causes your thyroid to enlarge, known as goiter, and produce fewer hormones, a condition known as hypothyroidism. A primary symptom of hypothyroidism is diffuse, achy muscle pain. If you suffer from similar pain due to an inactive thyroid, then supplemental iodine may be of benefit. Iodine also displays antimicrobial properties and can help with infections. However, if your pain stems from a musculoskeletal injury, arthritis or cardiovascular disease, then iodine is likely to have little or no impact. Consult with your doctor about possible causes of your pain.
Iodine
Iodine is needed to produce thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which are hormones secreted by your thyroid and used by your body to regulate metabolism, body temperature and energy production. In the United States, table salt, which is sodium chloride, has been iodized for many years to prevent iodine deficiency, goiter and hypothyroidism. Consequently, iodine deficiency is much more common in third-world countries, but as more Americans refrain from using table salt for other health reasons, risks of deficiency may increase, according to "Contemporary Nutrition." Supplemental iodine is also a good antimicrobial, especially against bacteria, and is used to help reduce stomach and digestive complaints.
Hypothyroidism
An estimated 15 percent of Americans suffer from hypothyroidism, 95 percent of which is caused by a primary problem with the thyroid gland, according to "Nutrition and Public Health." Lack of iodine is a primary cause, but other common causes include thyroid cancer, radiation damage, drug toxicity, negative reactions to food additives and complications from thyroid surgery. Hypothyroidism is frequently undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, although thyroid hormones can be measured in blood tests to determine malfunction. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include profound fatigue, lethargy, weight gain, dry skin, brittle fingernails and hair, depression and diffuse achy muscle pain and weakness, according to "Human Biochemistry and Disease." If you have achy pain in your muscles and test low for thyroid hormones, then supplemental iodine may be helpful. Ask your doctor about the appropriate blood tests.
Infections
Due to iodine's antibiotic properties, it can be used internally or externally to combat infections. For example, throat infections commonly cause inflammation and pain, so adding liquid iodine to water and gargling with it might be effective at combating the infection and reducing the pain. However, iodine is not an analgesic or anti-inflammatory, so you shouldn't expect quick results. Adding iodine to a cut or abrasion might actually cause more stinging pain temporarily, although it will reduce the risk of infection and the pain that arises from it. According to "Professional Guide to Diseases," about 80 percent of stomach ulcers are caused by H. pylori bacterial infections, which create burning stomach pain. Consuming supplemental iodine may help with stomach infections also.
Supplemental Types
Kelp and other seaweeds are excellent sources of iodine, although liquid iodine supplements, such as Lugol's solution, allow you to take exact amounts and can be used for external application. Iodoral is a concentrated source of iodine supplementation, but taking too much iodine causes symptoms also, such as stomach upset and nausea. According to "Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients and Metabolism," about 150 mcg of iodine per day for adults is recommended, which is well below levels that cause negative reactions.
References
- "Contemporary Nutrition"; Gordon M. Wardlaw; 2010
- "Nutrition and Public Health"; Sari Edelstein; 2006
- "Human Biochemistry and Disease"; Gerald Litwack; 2008
- "Professional Guide to Diseases: Ninth Edition"; Springhouse Publishing; 2009
- "Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Metabolism"; Carolyn D. Berdanier; 2009
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