Info on Iodine/Hypothyroidism per Dr. Adamd

[Guest guest]

This from Dr. re our thread on iodine and hypothyroidism:

The thymus gland adds iodine to tyrosine (an amino acid) to make the thyroid

hormones, which regulates metabolism and growth of nearly all tissues.

Iodine deficiency is the LEADING cause of mental retardation worldwide,

accounting for an estimated 40 million cases, with many more mildly affected.

It is believed to be much less common in the US, due to the use of iodinized

salt; however, NHANES data from the 1970's vs the 1990's show that the average

level of iodine in the US is now half of what it was in the 1970's, presumably

due to decreased use of iodinized salt (many fastfood manufacturers use

non-iodinized salt, so that is not a useful form). Similarly, a recent study in

Scotland of 400 pregnant women found that 40% were consuming less that half of

the RDA of iodine. So, I think iodine deficiency still widely exists, and is

growing due the apparent decreased use of iodinized salt. The damage due to

iodine deficiency is generally believed to be life-long, although I hope that is

not true.

Our hair study found that children with autism (n=51) vs gender and age-matched

controls (n=40), all from greater Phoenix, found that the children with autism

had 45% lower levels of iodine in their hair, p=0.005 (highly significant). It

is not known if hair is or is not a valid indicator for iodine levels. We are

now doing a large study of baby hair,which will examine the level of iodine and

many other metals. If that again shows iodine abnormalities, we will try to

find funding to do thyroid and iodine evaluations.

Based on our preliminary data, I suspect that low iodine may be one of the major

causes of mental retardation in autism.

Re. the level of iodine, it is true that high levels of iodine can decrease

thryoid function. However, according to Murray's Encyclopedia of

Nutritional Supplments, short term dosages of 1500 mcg to 250,000 mcg reduces

thyroid hormone secretion. In people with reduced thyroid function, as little as

750 mcg may cause this effect.

So, I would go with the recommended RDA, which is 90 mcg for a 4-8 yr old, and

150 mcg for an adult. Many children's supplements now contain iodine, but most

of the DAN multivitamin/mineral supplements do not - I have encouraged them to

consider including iodine at RDA levels.

I am not very familiar with the iodine patch test, but I would rather use a

standard test for it.

B.

Professor

Chemical and Materials Engineering

Arizona State University

PO Box 876006

Tempe, AZ 85287-6006

[Guest guest]

Good question: I referred it to the expert (Dr. )

Info on Iodine/Hypothyroidism per Dr. Adamd

This from Dr. re our thread on iodine and hypothyroidism:

The thymus gland adds iodine to tyrosine (an amino acid) to make the thyroid

hormones, which regulates metabolism and growth of nearly all tissues.

Iodine deficiency is the LEADING cause of mental retardation worldwide,

accounting for an estimated 40 million cases, with many more mildly affected.

It is believed to be much less common in the US, due to the use of iodinized

salt; however, NHANES data from the 1970's vs the 1990's show that the average

level of iodine in the US is now half of what it was in the 1970's, presumably

due to decreased use of iodinized salt (many fastfood manufacturers use

non-iodinized salt, so that is not a useful form). Similarly, a recent study in

Scotland of 400 pregnant women found that 40% were consuming less that half of

the RDA of iodine. So, I think iodine deficiency still widely exists, and is

growing due the apparent decreased use of iodinized salt. The damage due to

iodine deficiency is generally believed to be life-long, although I hope that is

not true.

Our hair study found that children with autism (n=51) vs gender and

age-matched controls (n=40), all from greater Phoenix, found that the children

with autism had 45% lower levels of iodine in their hair, p=0.005 (highly

significant). It is not known if hair is or is not a valid indicator for iodine

levels. We are now doing a large study of baby hair,which will examine the

level of iodine and many other metals. If that again shows iodine

abnormalities, we will try to find funding to do thyroid and iodine evaluations.

Based on our preliminary data, I suspect that low iodine may be one of the

major causes of mental retardation in autism.

<snip>

[Guest guest]

Here's the expert: (Dr. )

Good question.

We do not know what low level of iodine in hair correlates with; it could mean

limited excretion or too low a level. All it tells us is that something is

wrong with either iodine levels and/or thyroid function. That is why other

tests of iodine are needed.

However, since we know mental retardation is common in autism, and since we know

that low iodine is the leading cause of mental retardation, I think it is very

likely that iodine is low.

Obviously some clinical tests of iodine levels, and/or a research study, is

needed.

B.

Professor

Chemical and Materials Engineering

Arizona State University

PO Box 876006

Tempe, AZ 85287-6006

Another iodine question

Hi, Jim: Thanks so much for your informative post on the iodine issue. A list

member is asking this question, and I said I'd refer it to the expert (you):

Jaquelyn

Hi, I may be displaying my lack of medical knowledge here, but I thought I'd ask

anyway.

I have a question about the assumption that lower levels or iodine in the hair

mean lower levels in the body.

Why is it that lower levels of metals in the hair can mean that the levels in

the body are high but the child's system is not removing them correctly, but

lower levels of iodine in the hair indicate that there may be low levels in the

body as well (per my understanding of what I read below)? Could it be possible

that, just as with metals, there are actually *high* levels of iodine in the

body but the children are not excreting them correctly??

Thanks!

Info on Iodine/Hypothyroidism per Dr. Adamd

This from Dr. re our thread on iodine and hypothyroidism:

The thymus gland adds iodine to tyrosine (an amino acid) to make the thyroid

hormones, which regulates metabolism and growth of nearly all tissues.

Iodine deficiency is the LEADING cause of mental retardation worldwide,

accounting for an estimated 40 million cases, with many more mildly affected.

It is believed to be much less common in the US, due to the use of iodinized

salt; however, NHANES data from the 1970's vs the 1990's show that the average

level of iodine in the US is now half of what it was in the 1970's, presumably

due to decreased use of iodinized salt (many fastfood manufacturers use

non-iodinized salt, so that is not a useful form). Similarly, a recent study in

Scotland of 400 pregnant women found that 40% were consuming less that half of

the RDA of iodine. So, I think iodine deficiency still widely exists, and is

growing due the apparent decreased use of iodinized salt. The damage due to

iodine deficiency is generally believed to be life-long, although I hope that is

not true.

Our hair study found that children with autism (n=51) vs gender and

age-matched controls (n=40), all from greater Phoenix, found that the children

with autism had 45% lower levels of iodine in their hair, p=0.005 (highly

significant). It is not known if hair is or is not a valid indicator for iodine

levels. We are now doing a large study of baby hair,which will examine the

level of iodine and many other metals. If that again shows iodine

abnormalities, we will try to find funding to do thyroid and iodine evaluations.

Based on our preliminary data, I suspect that low iodine may be one of the

major causes of mental retardation in autism.

<snip>

[Guest guest]

Hi, I may be displaying my lack of medical knowledge here, but I thought I'd ask

anyway.

I have a question about the assumption that lower levels or iodine in the hair

mean lower levels in the body.

Why is it that lower levels of metals in the hair can mean that the levels in

the body are high but the child's system is not removing them correctly, but

lower levels of iodine in the hair indicate that there may be low levels in the

body as well (per my understanding of what I read below)? Could it be possible

that, just as with metals, there are actually *high* levels of iodine in the

body but the children are not excreting them correctly??

Thanks!

Inna Nill

Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2003 12:28:25 -0600

Subject: Info on Iodine/Hypothyroidism per Dr. Adamd

This from Dr. re our thread on iodine and hypothyroidism:

The thymus gland adds iodine to tyrosine (an amino acid) to make the thyroid

hormones, which regulates metabolism and growth of nearly all tissues.

Iodine deficiency is the LEADING cause of mental retardation worldwide,

accounting for an estimated 40 million cases, with many more mildly affected.

It is believed to be much less common in the US, due to the use of iodinized

salt; however, NHANES data from the 1970's vs the 1990's show that the average

level of iodine in the US is now half of what it was in the 1970's, presumably

due to decreased use of iodinized salt (many fastfood manufacturers use

non-iodinized salt, so that is not a useful form). Similarly, a recent study in

Scotland of 400 pregnant women found that 40% were consuming less that half of

the RDA of iodine. So, I think iodine deficiency still widely exists, and is

growing due the apparent decreased use of iodinized salt. The damage due to

iodine deficiency is generally believed to be life-long, although I hope that is

not true.

Our hair study found that children with autism (n=51) vs gender and age-matched

controls (n=40), all from greater Phoenix, found that the children with autism

had 45% lower levels of iodine in their hair, p=0.005 (highly significant). It

is not known if hair is or is not a valid indicator for iodine levels. We are

now doing a large study of baby hair,which will examine the level of iodine and

many other metals. If that again shows iodine abnormalities, we will try to

find funding to do thyroid and iodine evaluations.

Based on our preliminary data, I suspect that low iodine may be one of the major

causes of mental retardation in autism.

<snip>

[Guest guest]

A throid panel consists of T3, T4, and TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone).

An amino acid panel is a blood test checking the levels of either 20 or 40 amino

acids in your body.

Immunosciences has many panels: I have devised the McCandless panel with many

markers, none for thyroid or amino acids, mostly immune and viral testing. I'll

try to get it on the list. Jaquelyn

Info on Iodine/Hypothyroidism per Dr. Adamd

This from Dr. re our thread on iodine and hypothyroidism:

The thymus gland adds iodine to tyrosine (an amino acid) to make the

thyroid hormones, which regulates metabolism and growth of nearly all

tissues.

Iodine deficiency is the LEADING cause of mental retardation worldwide,

accounting for an estimated 40 million cases, with many more mildly

affected. It is believed to be much less common in the US, due to the

use of iodinized salt; however, NHANES data from the 1970's vs the

1990's show that the average level of iodine in the US is now half of

what it was in the 1970's, presumably due to decreased use of iodinized

salt (many fastfood manufacturers use non-iodinized salt, so that is not

a useful form). Similarly, a recent study in Scotland of 400 pregnant

women found that 40% were consuming less that half of the RDA of iodine.

So, I think iodine deficiency still widely exists, and is growing due

the apparent decreased use of iodinized salt. The damage due to iodine

deficiency is generally believed to be life-long, although I hope that

is not true.

Our hair study found that children with autism (n=51) vs gender and

age-matched controls (n=40), all from greater Phoenix, found that the

children with autism had 45% lower levels of iodine in their hair,

p=0.005 (highly significant). It is not known if hair is or is not a

valid indicator for iodine levels. We are now doing a large study of

baby hair,which will examine the level of iodine and many other metals.

If that again shows iodine abnormalities, we will try to find funding to

do thyroid and iodine evaluations.

Based on our preliminary data, I suspect that low iodine may be one of

the major causes of mental retardation in autism.

Re. the level of iodine, it is true that high levels of iodine can

decrease thryoid function. However, according to Murray's

Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplments, short term dosages of 1500 mcg

to 250,000 mcg reduces thyroid hormone secretion. In people with reduced

thyroid function, as little as 750 mcg may cause this effect.

So, I would go with the recommended RDA, which is 90 mcg for a 4-8 yr

old, and 150 mcg for an adult. Many children's supplements now contain

iodine, but most of the DAN multivitamin/mineral supplements do not - I

have encouraged them to consider including iodine at RDA levels.

I am not very familiar with the iodine patch test, but I would rather

use a standard test for it.

B.

Professor

Chemical and Materials Engineering

Arizona State University

PO Box 876006

Tempe, AZ 85287-6006

[Guest guest]

: Please send me a private e-mail if you want a copy of the McCandless

Panel at Immunosciences; I can't get it on the list (doesn't take attachments).

I'll have to ask parents to tell you what form of Iodine should be used; I don't

know. For hypothyroidism I treat with " natural " porcine thyroid. Jaquelyn

Info on Iodine/Hypothyroidism per Dr. Adamd

This from Dr. re our thread on iodine and hypothyroidism:

The thymus gland adds iodine to tyrosine (an amino acid) to make the

thyroid hormones, which regulates metabolism and growth of nearly all

tissues.

Iodine deficiency is the LEADING cause of mental retardation worldwide,

accounting for an estimated 40 million cases, with many more mildly

affected. It is believed to be much less common in the US, due to the

use of iodinized salt; however, NHANES data from the 1970's vs the

1990's show that the average level of iodine in the US is now half of

what it was in the 1970's, presumably due to decreased use of iodinized

salt (many fastfood manufacturers use non-iodinized salt, so that is not

a useful form). Similarly, a recent study in Scotland of 400 pregnant

women found that 40% were consuming less that half of the RDA of iodine.

So, I think iodine deficiency still widely exists, and is growing due

the apparent decreased use of iodinized salt. The damage due to iodine

deficiency is generally believed to be life-long, although I hope that

is not true.

Our hair study found that children with autism (n=51) vs gender and

age-matched controls (n=40), all from greater Phoenix, found that the

children with autism had 45% lower levels of iodine in their hair,

p=0.005 (highly significant). It is not known if hair is or is not a

valid indicator for iodine levels. We are now doing a large study of

baby hair,which will examine the level of iodine and many other metals.

If that again shows iodine abnormalities, we will try to find funding to

do thyroid and iodine evaluations.

Based on our preliminary data, I suspect that low iodine may be one of

the major causes of mental retardation in autism.

Re. the level of iodine, it is true that high levels of iodine can

decrease thryoid function. However, according to Murray's

Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplments, short term dosages of 1500 mcg

to 250,000 mcg reduces thyroid hormone secretion. In people with reduced

thyroid function, as little as 750 mcg may cause this effect.

So, I would go with the recommended RDA, which is 90 mcg for a 4-8 yr

old, and 150 mcg for an adult. Many children's supplements now contain

iodine, but most of the DAN multivitamin/mineral supplements do not - I

have encouraged them to consider including iodine at RDA levels.

I am not very familiar with the iodine patch test, but I would rather

use a standard test for it.

B.

Professor

Chemical and Materials Engineering

Arizona State University

PO Box 876006

Tempe, AZ 85287-6006

[Guest guest]

Very informative,

So, if patch testing indicates low iodine, what form of Iodine should be

used for the 90 mcg mentioned?

Also, what is the difference between a Thyroid Panel, Amino Acid Panel,

and the Immunosciences Panel?

JL

Info on Iodine/Hypothyroidism per Dr. Adamd

This from Dr. re our thread on iodine and hypothyroidism:

The thymus gland adds iodine to tyrosine (an amino acid) to make the

thyroid hormones, which regulates metabolism and growth of nearly all

tissues.

Iodine deficiency is the LEADING cause of mental retardation worldwide,

accounting for an estimated 40 million cases, with many more mildly

affected. It is believed to be much less common in the US, due to the

use of iodinized salt; however, NHANES data from the 1970's vs the

1990's show that the average level of iodine in the US is now half of

what it was in the 1970's, presumably due to decreased use of iodinized

salt (many fastfood manufacturers use non-iodinized salt, so that is not

a useful form). Similarly, a recent study in Scotland of 400 pregnant

women found that 40% were consuming less that half of the RDA of iodine.

So, I think iodine deficiency still widely exists, and is growing due

the apparent decreased use of iodinized salt. The damage due to iodine

deficiency is generally believed to be life-long, although I hope that

is not true.

Our hair study found that children with autism (n=51) vs gender and

age-matched controls (n=40), all from greater Phoenix, found that the

children with autism had 45% lower levels of iodine in their hair,

p=0.005 (highly significant). It is not known if hair is or is not a

valid indicator for iodine levels. We are now doing a large study of

baby hair,which will examine the level of iodine and many other metals.

If that again shows iodine abnormalities, we will try to find funding to

do thyroid and iodine evaluations.

Based on our preliminary data, I suspect that low iodine may be one of

the major causes of mental retardation in autism.

Re. the level of iodine, it is true that high levels of iodine can

decrease thryoid function. However, according to Murray's

Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplments, short term dosages of 1500 mcg

to 250,000 mcg reduces thyroid hormone secretion. In people with reduced

thyroid function, as little as 750 mcg may cause this effect.

So, I would go with the recommended RDA, which is 90 mcg for a 4-8 yr

old, and 150 mcg for an adult. Many children's supplements now contain

iodine, but most of the DAN multivitamin/mineral supplements do not - I

have encouraged them to consider including iodine at RDA levels.

I am not very familiar with the iodine patch test, but I would rather

use a standard test for it.

B.

Professor

Chemical and Materials Engineering

Arizona State University

PO Box 876006

Tempe, AZ 85287-6006