Fw: [iodine] Fw: Dr. Brownstein's Blog: Caveats about taking kelp in lieu of iodine

[Guest guest]



Good afternoon,

Dr. Brownstein, in his blog on his website www.drbrownstein.com, shares some

caveats about taking kelp in lieu of iodine. He discusses the variability in

the amount of iodine in kelp, plus the possibility of toxic amounts of arsenic

or halides inherently in the kelp.

Dr. Brownstein recommends either Lugol's or Iodoral iodine.

If you do take kelp, make sure that it is tested for purity.

Sally

Dr. Brownstein's Blog

Caution With Kelp Supplements

My research has shown that after testing over 4,000 patients for their iodine

levels, over 96% of those tested are significantly low in iodine. Many patients

ask me if they can take kelp instead of iodine. The amount of iodine in kelp

can be variable. Furthermore, I was always concerned that kelp supplements may

contain toxic amounts of arsenic or halides. I have tested 2 kelp supplements

and found very elevated arsenic levels in both items. Both of these products

were marketed heavily and sales in the millions of dollars were reported. When

I contacted he manufactures of these products, neither returned my phone calls.

Remember, if kelp is grown in a polluted area of the ocean, it may contain

elevated amounts of these pollutants. New research has validated my findings.

Researchers at the University of California/ found that eight out of nine

kelp supplements contained abnormal levels of arsenic (Env. Health Perspectives,

April, 2007). The researchers began to look at kelp supplements after a

patient presented to the UC clinic with a myriad of complaints including

memory loss, hair loss and fatigue. She was found to have very high arsenic

levels which was traced to a kelp supplement she was taking. After stopping the

kelp supplement, her arsenic levels gradually declined and her symptoms

improved.

So, what can you do? IF you are low in iodine, take a pure iodine product that

is not contaminated. Lugol’s solution or tableted Lugol’s solution

(Iodoral®) have both proven safe and effective in my practice. Kelp can be an

appropriate iodine source if the kelp has been tested and found free of toxic

elements. I would be very cautious about taking a kelp supplement unless the

manufacture is consistently testing the kelp for purity and consistency.

http://www.drbrownstein.com/blog.asp?

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[Guest guest]

I have no doubt that I am 'toxic' with arsenic as I was on heparin via

an IV for 7 1/2 days and Coumadin for 9 1/2 months! I also am

relatively sure that I'm probably 'toxic' from RAI, from an injection

for an MRI within approximately 2 years prior to becoming severely

myxedema at a TSH of 1027! Given the government has a stockpile of

iodine tablets to provide those it deems worthy in the event of a

nuclear attack (RAI exposure), some of the reference materials I've

read on government websites had lead me to think there is a probable

connection in my sudden decline, since I was only borderline to

becoming severely hypoT prior to the RAI injection...something I read

in Dr. Brownstein's book last night pointed to a likely confirmation

of my theory...