Iodine as an anti-oxidant -- Kessler recommends

[Guest guest]

We have been looking at some of the functions of iodine -- i.e., what it does. One of the functions of iodine that has been proposed is that of an anti-oxidant. Venturi and others in Evolutionary Biology have proposed that one of iodine's very first functions was as an anti-oxidant.

Dr. Jack Kessler has just sent us a reference to a recent study that demonstrates iodide acting as an antioxidant. I have posted it under Specific Topics > Iodine as an Anti-Oxidant

A newly discovered oxidant defence system and its involvement in the development of Aurelia aurita (Scyphozoa, Cnidaria): [reactive oxygen species and elemental iodine control medusa formation.] Berking S, Czech N, Gerharz M, Herrmann K, Hoffmann U, Raifer H, Sekul G, Siefker B, Sommerei A, Vedder F, 2005. "In Aurelia aurita, applied iodine induces medusa formation (strobilation). This process also occurs when the temperature is lowered. This was found to increase oxidative stress resulting in an increased production of iodine from iodide....We argue that an oxidant defence system may exist which makes use of iodide and tyrosine....Both substances together, iodide and tyrosine, form an efficient oxidant defence system which shields the tissue against damage by reactive oxygen species. In the course of evolution (from a species at the basis of the animal kingdom like Aurelia to a highly evolved species like man) the waste product thyroxin (indicating a high metabolic rate) has developed into a hormone which controls the metabolic rate." Abstract (+ free article if you'll click to recommend that your library purchases the journal)

I have found some of the articles in Developmental Biology to be quite fascinating. I'm looking forward to reading this one.

Zoe

Iodine Biochemistry for the Intelligent Layperson

Dear Jack,

Last night, I finally had a chance to read Symbollon's "White paper on Iodine's Mechanism of Action." I could understand just enough to be very excited by the ideas being mentioned. However, my background in biochemistry is almost non-existent and that limited my understanding.

Is there anything written for the intelligent layperson on (1) the relevant aspects of "aqueous iodine chemistry" or (2) how iodine is metabolized by the body?

I am especially interested in (1) the effect of various levels of iodine and (2) anti-oxidant qualities of iodine.

Thanks.

Zoe