Iodine Oral Drops (7-LUG 4% dilution)

Brand

Clinicians

Size

100 ml

Common Uses

Iodine has been used therapeutically in cases of atherosclerosis, breast hyperplasia, cognitive deficits, cold hands and feet, goitre, hypothyroidism (low thyroid function), infection, iodine deficency and weight loss.

Suggested Dosage

Recommended adult dosage: 1 to 2 drops daily depending on symptoms (see Health Use for details), taken in fruit juice or an acidic drink (i.e. add 1 teaspoon of cider vinegar to a glass of water). Sip the drink throughout the course of a meal.

This product is safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding at the recommended daily dosage of 1 drop a day.

Here is a link to an information site on Potassium Iodide and its uses, particularly with relation to a radiologic or nuclear event.

Health Information

History of Lugols Iodine

In 1880 a French physician names Lugol originated a solution which contains 5% of elemental iodine and a 10% solution of potassium iodide. It has been used continuously ever since.

Unfortunately in NZ, we are only able to provide a 4% dilution, not 5%, so this is a diluted version of the original formula. You can purchase the 5% dilution, with a prescription from your doctor. 

Your thyroid

Your thyroid (located at the frontal base of the neck) is the key gland that furnishes energy to every cell in your body. Its function is dependent on a balance of nutrients and trace minerals; these include zinc, copper, selenium, manganese and especially iodine.

Iodine helps the thyroid gland and with breast health

Your thyroid does not function well in the absence of adequate iodine and trace minerals. Iodine levels may also be low in people with fibrocystic breast problems. Iodine supplementation may help prevent oestrogen from binding to breast cell receptors and may help to reduce symptoms of breast swelling and pain. The theory is that an absence of iodine renders the epithelium more sensitive to oestrogen stimulation. This hypersensitivity can produce excess secretions over the limit of absorption, thus distending the breast ducts to produce small cysts and later fibrosis (hardening of the tissue due to a depletion of fibrin similar to the formation of scar tissue).

Assessment of iodine deficiency has shown that 70% of women may experience softening of the breast tissue and reduction of hardened tissue after using iodine appropriately.

Applying Tincture of Iodine to you skin is an efficient (as well as most economical) method of determining a metabolic deficiency of iodine. It acts as a test and as well as a treatment. If the brown stain fades in 24 hours (or less), it indicates that iodine is likely not sufficient to normalize Thyroid hormone production.  Unfortunately you can no longer purchase this strength over the counter and require a prescription from your GP, which can then be filled at PCNZ.

Even if you are taking Thyroid hormone orally, a lack of iodine can prevent your body functioning properly. By following these instructions, when the faded brown stain is apparent after 24 hours, your thyroid will be able to function more normally. If you are taking Thyroid orally, you may be able to reduce dosage immediately, or over a period of several months, or eventually, stop taking it altogether.

Unfortunately, we are no longer able to get the 5% strength of iodine which can produce a stain.  This is now only available with a prescription from your GP. 

A deficiency in thyroid hormone production affects the way in which the body utilises energy.  It may also affect growth and development, protein synthesis, cholesterol production, carbohydrate absorption, nerve and bone formation, reproduction, speech and mental state and the condition of the hair, skin and nails.

Ingredients

Active ingredients in 1 drop: Total Iodine 250mcg (from iodide and potassium iodide) Also contains: Purified water. Potassium content: 47mcg in 1 drop.  Store below 25C

Safety Information

Keep out of reach of children. Do not use iodine if you have an over active thyroid, unless prescribed by your health care professional.  Store below 25C