IODINE :: Supplementation :: Protocols :: Recent Research :: Avalon Member Knowledge

[Casey Claar]

IODINE :: Supplementation :: Protocols :: Recent Research :: Avalon Member Knowledge

I am currently in a process of reinvestigating Iodine.

In addressing some of my own current, potential nutritional deficiencies relative to a health issue ( source ) the subject is resurfacing.

There are a few threads here on the board about Iodine ( source ) - but each of them is 1) old, has 2) link breaks and missing video data, and/or 3) a distinct focus which is different from my idea for this thread. If it is possible, along with the recent research I am coming across and distinct protocols for supplementation, I would be most appreciative if Avalon members with a history of supplementing Iodine could, minimally in brief, share the scope of that journey here. Including:

• When you began supplementing and why

• The type of Iodine(s) you used, for what purposes, to what effects

• If any lab data were utilized

• If your protocol was daily or otherwise

• The length of your supplementation and the reason for any periodic pauses

**If you live within “the goiter belt” here in the United States or any other such area globally, where the Iodine in the soil is known to be low, if at all existent — this information would also be helpful. I appreciate everyone’s assistance. A resource such as this could be quite helpful to us all.


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The current RDA for Iodine

It sometimes astounds me, what serves as the basis for official recommended daily allowances—the RDA for Iodine, as an example, according to Dr. David Brownstein and others who are surfacing within the scope of my research, is based solely on what the thyroid gland requires to not form a goiter *an extremely low 150 mcg. It is not, as one might think, based on what is optimal for the thyroid, nor does it take into account all the other organs which require Iodine ( such as the breasts, reproductive organs, etc.. ), or in fact, every cell in the human body. **If experiments and research papers on this exist and you know of them, this thread would be a great place to share them. To my knowledge, Dr. David Brownstein leads the research in this area through his direct medical practice. He says in interviews ( I will post one below ) that in testing upwards of 8000+ patients, 97% of them have been deficient in Iodine. I believe he lives and practices within the goiter belt of the United States. I am uncertain of what percentage of his patients also do, so please read with this in mind.

I have begun Iodine supplementation myself as of this month, October 2026, to an experienceable and very good effect; my energy level would seem to be improving and my voice, which has been growing more “gravel-y” through the past couple years is returning more to normal *at least at times; I am able to project my voice when previously it was growing difficult. There may be an effect on my insulin and morning blood-sugar level as well. I can report back at a future time on how this continues to unfold. Note: I do not utilize the allopathic health care system so my observations are my own *but I am a spiritually developed person who is able to, with great ease, scan my bio-fields, and am also a professional medical caregiver with over 30 years of direct experience in making useful observation in the care of others; I am skilled at recognizing signs (both etherically and physically) and symptoms.





While, previously, I would have supplemented with Nascent Iodine, this time I am choosing Lugol’s Solution instead due to Dr. Brownstein’s information. Nascent Iodine is available only in micrograms and, according to my understanding contains only Iodine—while Lugol’s is available in milligrams and contains both Iodine and potassium Iodide; Dr. Brownstein’s research with thousands of actual patients revealed to him the necessity for both Iodine and potassium Iodide, as some cells and organs need and utilize the one, and some the other. He showed limited to no results in patients until he began dosing in the MILLIGRAMS **the dosing reaching anywhere from 25-50 milligrams on average and sometimes even higher.

NOTE: Selenium is required for Iodine to do its job **but it is recommended to not increase Selenium when beginning an Iodine protocol; 100-200 mcg, or maximally 200-400 mcg daily.


DR. DAVID BROWNSTEIN’S IODINE PROTOCOL





What is Important if/when You Run Labs

There are multiple doctors, Dr. Brownstein and Dr. Sarah Myhill among them, who state the important tests, perhaps the ONLY genuinely informative tests to run in reference to the thyroid and Iodine are 1) free T3, and 2) free T4. It is said that total T3/T4 are attached to proteins so the number is not accurate. It is further said that TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is a pituitary thing not (directly) thyroid—it should not be read for thyroid but should still be within its own healthy range. **If anyone reading this has further thoughts and/or quality information on this please do share these in your comments.

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=jn4quw1Mnx0

“Dr. David Brownstein is a global expert in iodine. Based on clinical experience with 8,000+ patients (he reports that) over 97% are iodine deficient. Iodine deficiency can cause glandular problems like ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, and thyroid cancer, Hashimoto’s, and hypothyroidism. And you can’t get enough iodine from the diet.”

In this episode, we discuss:


• Hidden Iodine Deficiency: Why almost everyone is low in iodine and how it slows down your metabolism and thyroid

• Toxic Blockers: How common household chemicals like fluoride and bromide push iodine out of your body

• Glandular Healing: How iodine can help reverse painful issues like fibrocystic breast disease naturally

• Iodine and Salt: Why unrefined salt is actually essential for helping your body process iodine safely

• Lugol’s iodine: How to properly test your iodine levels and use simple tools like Lugol's solution to heal

Dr. Brownstein's website and Iodine book


***

Note: Save for the YT description, the idea, formatting and writing of this post is fully my own.

[Casey Claar]

For those who are unfamiliar with her,

I would also like to include an interview with Dr. Sarah Myhill **which heavily centers in on her recommendation of Iodine.


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Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=xYB6uYyRjCA

“Dr. Sarah Myhill has worked full time in National Health Service and independent medical practice. She has a special interest in CFS and ME."

[onawah]

There is also an iodine supplement that Edgar Cayce recommended and which the company Heritage (which specializes in products recommended by Cayce) carries:
See: https://cayce.com/health-solutions/e...many-purposes/

"A Product with Many Purposes
Edgar Cayce's Atomidine Formula, Atomic Iodine
Although mentioned in the Edgar Cayce readings over 2,500 times as Atomidine (pronounced ah-TOMuh-deen), this highly useful product, discovered in 1914, was originally sold under the name Beslin (as well as other designations) and distributed by Schieffelin and Company in New York City until the early 1940s. At that time the two-ounce bottle sold for $1.00. Now it is available from the official supplier of Cayce health products under the label Atomic Iodine™, a description, according to the readings, of just what Atomidine is. On March 7, 1933, Dr. Sunkar (also spelled Sunker) A. Bisey, a distinguished Hindu scientist and inventor (called the “Edison of India”), who discovered Atomidine and several years earlier requested readings on its proper manufacture and marketing, sent a flier to Cayce which offered this information:

“Atomidine is a stable compound of iodine in a saline solution that liberates the element in an atomic or nascent state on contact with an excess of solvent, such as the fluids of the body… By liberating nascent or atomic iodine, Atomidine furnishes the organism with this element in such a form that it may be readily utilized…
“Atomidine acts beneficially in iodine deficiency diseases, gastrointestinal disorders and asthenic conditions. It has the property of reducing blood pressure in cases of hypertension. Atomidine is an efficient diuretic and urinary antiseptic, acting in either an acid or alkaline medium.” (1734-5, R-5)

Does this sound like a “wonder drug”? From the multiple uses to which the readings refer, it can appear to be so. Handy for both external and internal applications, atomic iodine was recommended—almost always in conjunction with other treatments—for a wide variety of illnesses. Its value lies in that it is iodine in a form that is apparently less toxic to the body than what is available from other commercial sources. Though probably safe for external use by most anyone, it should be used with great care when ingested internally. Its high iodine content can be harmful to some who might take too large a dosage, while others could be sensitive to even minute amounts. Each drop of the solution contains approximately 1/100 grain of iodine, supplying about six times the minimum daily requirement of iodine, and “legally is a prescription item when used internally,” so should be taken under a physician’s care.

Over stimulation to the thyroid gland, which traps iodine and processes it into thyroid hormones, can result in nervousness, irritability, skin rashes, insomnia, or increase in heart rate. It should not be taken with other iodine containing drugs, such as thyroid pills, heart stimulants (2366-7), any multiple vitamin or mineral tablet containing iodine, or if you are already obtaining iodine in your diet (seafood’s), from Calcios or Calcidin, or from certain formulas (such as Herbal Tonic 636).

Despite these cautions on internal applications, the readings state: “This will not only be a curative property, but a preventative…especially for any form of disorder in glands or tissue of body” (358-2), and “with the use of this product [Atomidine], a more equal balance is to be gained and maintained in the system—but used properly!” (358-1) Reiterated throughout this body of information is its purpose, when taken orally, as a gland purifier and cleanser, especially affecting the thyroid, thymus, adrenals, and other ductless glands, and stimulating “the circulation through lungs, heart, liver and kidneys.” (3535-1) This reaction upon the glands would create “perfect coordination between the glandular forces of the body” (1933-1) and “build strength to the whole anatomical condition of the body.” (1475-1) Another reading stated that “most glands function as machinery would under oil. The iodine being the oil for the gland, see?” (294-130)

Beneficial Uses Externally
Applied, full-strength Atomidine can be used as a local antiseptic for cuts, boils, poison ivy, bites, and rashes; an additive in a steam bath; a solution with the Radiac® appliance; for ingrown toenails, hangnails, cuticles on hands and feet, soles of feet, and “large lumps behind ears” (934-8); and, as a pack, poured onto a cloth and applied to swollen joints, spleen, or pubic area. Diluted, the readings recommend it as a massage lubricant for scalp, hair, and carbuncles on neck; to be sponged onto mammary glands or swollen areas or bathed across hips; and, as a stupe, to relax limbs and reduce swelling and stiffness, and relieve liver and stomach pain.

Internal applications, as mentioned earlier, require cautionary measures. Keeping in mind the individual nature of each reading, here are some precautions. In addition to those items noted in the previous section, Atomidine should not be taken orally on the same days as alcohol, yeast, cod liver oil, KadDak (nutritional supplement; no longer available), kelp salt, Epsom salts baths, or electrotherapy (diathermy, infrared, Violet Ray). Some people were told not to have spinal manipulations on days that Atomidine is taken, while others were told it was all right.

Dosages, of course, vary a great deal. In his “Commentary” to the Circulating File on Atomidine Dr. William McGarey notes that in researching “more than 300 of the readings [he] recorded more than 75 different ways that Cayce suggested for Atomidine to be taken…” (p.14) When I was advised to take it by a Cayce-compatible chiropractor, the recommended dosage was: one drop in half a glass of water for five days; then two drops per day for five days, off two days; then three drops per day for five days, off two days; skip one week; then, if needed, repeat from the beginning with one drop and continue the procedure.
It was not meant to be ingested continuously, only until relief is obtained.

Other diluted internal uses include: as a mouth and gum wash to reduce acidity; as a nasal and throat spray or gargle to prevent colds; as a solution for enemas; and for feminine hygiene, as a douche, to prevent inflammation and infection. Conditions for which internal use was recommended in the readings, demonstrating its wide range of effects, include arthritis, asthma, goiter, dizziness, vertigo, sluggish thyroid, excessive hair, tooth decay, scaly or tough scalp, preparation for smallpox vaccination, hypertension, infantile paralysis, and to prevent inclination toward warts and moles.

Becoming familiar with your body’s physical needs plus with individuals’ cases from the readings recommending this product will help you make a wise choice as to the proper way to benefit you.

© True Health Newsletter

Edgar Cayce Encyclopedia of Healing notes that:

Users of Atomodine are cautioned that when used internally it can be harmful if taken in large doses, and it is particularly contraindicated in cases where it might excessively stimulate the heart. Too much iodine can lead to overstimulation of the thyroid gland, resulting in nervousness, insomnia, and skin rash, as well as rapid heartbeat.

CAUTION: Atomic Iodine should only be taken under the supervision of a physician. Some individuals may experience increased anxiety and/or cardiovascular functioning as a result of taking any iodine.[/B]"

[Casey Claar]

There is also an iodine supplement that Edgar Cayce recommended and which the company Heritage (which specializes in products recommended by Cayce) carries:
See: https://cayce.com/health-solutions/e...many-purposes/

"A Product with Many Purposes
Edgar Cayce's Atomidine Formula, Atomic Iodine

Thank you, Onawah.

"Atomic" and "Nascent" Iodine are essentially equivalents. I realize the Edgar Cayce organization trademarked the name "Atomidine" *which is an extremely low dose iodine **I started out on this.

Do you supplement with iodine? if yes, please do share your experience:

• When you began supplementing and why

• The type of Iodine(s) you used, for what purposes, to what effects

• If any lab data were utilized

• If your protocol was daily or otherwise

• The length of your supplementation and the reason for any periodic pauses

[onawah]

Sorry, I don't have anything to add, other than I think Cayce was generally a good source of information about the value of iodine.

[RunningDeer]

Great thread, Casey Claar. As mentioned here: I have a different perspective when it comes to supplements, but J.CROW'S® Lugol's Solution of Iodine 2% is one that I do take. Not daily, but when I do it's 2 drops. I eat foods that include iodine such as eggs and sea food.

I've read these books by the doctors in the videos below:

• Dr. Elizabeth Bright: Good Fat is Good for Women
• Dr. Ken D. Berry MD: Lies My Doctor Told Me

Your Body Is BEGGING for Iodine (How Much You Actually Need)

Dr. Elizabeth Bright is an author and a highly respected American Osteopath & Naturopath living in Italy.

She has been eating a high-fat carnivore diet and has been using it as a treatment modality since 2016.

00:00 - Intro
01:04 - Biggest mistakes on a carnivore diet
10:38 - Does the quality of meat matter?
18:09 - Top foods that prevent iodine absorption
27:21 - Why iodine is important + protocol recommendations
51:36 - Elizabeth’s thoughts on vitamin D & fat
1:02:16 - Thyroid & cortisol testing
1:05:43 - Why you need cholesterol
1:08:17 - Elizabeth's daily routine

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=O-EgLcf0veA

*********************

Signs of Low Iodine You Should Know (Doctor Explains)

Iodine: Essential or Dangerous? (What You Need to Know)
7 IODINE Rich Foods (Plus one myth)

Iodine deficiency is real and common. Learn the 9 common signs of low iodine including weight gain fatigue and others that many people miss. In this video I explain why iodine is critical for health and how deficiency can affect you.

You will understand the important role iodine plays in thyroid function energy and more. This guide helps you recognize potential deficiency and take simple steps to address it.

Discover practical ways to ensure adequate iodine intake. Watch for clear signs and advice based on real physiology.

• Iodine drops I use: https://amzn.to/2YcdGhg
• Real Salt I use: http://bit.ly/RealSalts
• Electrolyte drops I use: https://bit.ly/ElectrolyteDropsKC

Lies My Doctor Told Me

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=qMShxgQNfUY

[DNA]

So what's the difference between Iodide and Iodine in terms of health
And source?
If you have one can your body make the other?
Should you take both?

[Bill Ryan]

Dear Friends, a cautionary note if I may.

I reported nearly a year ago on my A Thyroid question thread that my TSH levels were way too high, at 12.15. (They should be 0.4—4.5.) TSH measures how much the pituitary gland is 'helping to push' the thyroid, in a situation when the thyroid isn't doing its job very well. So what I had was a measure of incipient hypothyroidism.

That puzzled me, as I'd been taking plenty of iodine for years. Then I looked into it a little more, and read that sometimes TOO MUCH iodine can cause the thyroid to start failing.

On onawah's excellent recommendation, I started taking a heaped teaspoon of maca every day, which she had shared had helped her in a similar situation.

But I'd been taking a drop of 5% Lugol's every day for the last 5 years, about 6.25 mg per day according to this Lugol's dosing web page.

So I cut that out immediately, and relied only on occasional fish in my diet and the contents of a multivitamin. I reduced my 6.25 mg/day to about 0.5 mg/day.

After a few weeks, that reduction in iodine normalized my thyroid — and everything's working fine now.

[Johnnycomelately]

Hi Casey. I use a topical preparation that includes a form of Iodine, called Betadine, daily. Label says:

“10% povidone-iodine topical solution, USP

(1% available iodine)

Dependable Germicide
Broad Spectrum Antiseptic

Film-forming, non-staining, water-soluble”


In my youth, my mom (Army nurse in WWII) daubed Iodine on my cuts and scrapes. Might have been a similar thing/formulation. I recall that it hurt, but that didn’t stop me from playing hard.

Your thread here, with focus on internal uptake, reminded me of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear power plant mishap. News soon spoke of iodine tablets made available, and advised, for folks in the fallout zone. Iirc, sufficient normal iodine prevents uptake of a radioactive type of iodine when that is present in air.

Am “all ears” about this element now, and it’s formulations and uses. Cool to have realized that it’s not just the name of an old medication.

[Casey Claar]

Posted by DNA (here)
So what's the difference between Iodide and Iodine in terms of health
And source?
If you have one can your body make the other?
Should you take both?

Hello DNA, I appreciate the questions. A quick search reveals this re: iodine and iodide:

"lodine is the element; iodide is its negatively charged form, commonly found in salts such as potassium iodide. lodine can enter cells directly, while iodide requires transport proteins."

My understanding is that neither can be made internally by the body.

[Casey Claar]

Posted by Bill Ryan (here)
Dear Friends, a cautionary note if I may.

I reported nearly a year ago on my A Thyroid question thread that my TSH levels were way too high, at 12.15. (They should be 0.4—4.5.) TSH measures how much the pituitary gland is 'helping to push' the thyroid, in a situation when the thyroid isn't doing its job very well. So what I had was a measure of incipient hypothyroidism.

That puzzled me, as I'd been taking plenty of iodine for years. Then I looked into it a little more, and read that sometimes TOO MUCH iodine can cause the thyroid to start failing.

On onawah's excellent recommendation, I started taking a heaped teaspoon of maca every day, which she had shared had helped her in a similar situation.

But I'd been taking a drop of 5% Lugol's every day for the last 5 years, about 6.25 mg per day according to this Lugol's dosing web page.

So I cut that out immediately, and relied only on occasional fish in my diet and the contents of a multivitamin. I reduced my 6.25 mg/day to about 0.5 mg/day.

After a few weeks, that reduction in iodine normalized my thyroid — and everything's working fine now.

Bill,

Thank you for your word of caution ( so important! ). I had read your thyroid question thread and hoped you would swing through here.

Getting our individual dosing correct and periodically pausing a protocol are each critical to the process.

This rather walks us into 1) testing, and 2) the halogens and why it is we tend to need to supplement higher doses of iodine in our modern day.

The halogens :: fluorine, bromine, chlorine, and iodine ALL COMPETE FOR CELL RECEPTOR SITES and absorption.







Re: dosing, I have now titrated up to one 2.5mg drop of Lugols per day. I know I am quite deficient. I feel good on this and will likely remain here at this for the next year, possibly two. Though it is hard to speak to the future. I will build pauses into this program as well, to re-establish my baseline. For instance, I may stop iodine for 2 days in a given week to make observations in how I feel *if there is any detectible difference than when I am taking the iodine.

I enjoy listening to Dr. Osborne and this 9 minute video seems fitting as it touches on what we've discussed. He also explains in the last two minutes how milligram sized doses of iodine can falsely elevate TSH. Before I post the video, though, I would like to ask a question. When you began the 1 drop of Logols 5% did you include more salt as part of your protocol? Dr. Brownstein says he will not start people on high MG sized doses of iodine without the added salt. Something about halogens (notably fluorine and bromine, but I imagine all excess halogens) attaching to it and being excreted daily in the urine *rather than not.


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Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=fhrOZSr9oBs

[Bill Ryan]

Posted by Casey Claar (here)
Before I post the video, though, I would like to ask a question. When you began the 1 drop of Logols 5% did you include more salt as part of your protocol? Dr. Brownstein says he will not start people on high MG sized doses of iodine without the added salt. Something about halogens (notably fluorine and bromine, but I imagine all excess halogens) attaching to it and being excreted daily in the urine *rather than not.

Ha. That's very interesting. No, I always use low-sodium salt.(!)

• 50% sodium
• 45% potassium
• 5% magnesium.

[Casey Claar]

Posted by Johnnycomelately (here)
Hi Casey. I use a topical preparation that includes a form of Iodine, called Betadine, daily. Label says:

“10% povidone-iodine topical solution, USP

(1% available iodine)

Dependable Germicide
Broad Spectrum Antiseptic

Film-forming, non-staining, water-soluble”


In my youth, my mom (Army nurse in WWII) daubed Iodine on my cuts and scrapes. Might have been a similar thing/formulation. I recall that it hurt, but that didn’t stop me from playing hard.

Your thread here, with focus on internal uptake, reminded me of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear power plant mishap. News soon spoke of iodine tablets made available, and advised, for folks in the fallout zone. Iirc, sufficient normal iodine prevents uptake of a radioactive type of iodine when that is present in air.

Am “all ears” about this element now, and it’s formulations and uses. Cool to have realized that it’s not just the name of an old medication.

Hi, Johnny

I work in health care so I am familiar with Betadine, hospitals still use it, though likely at stronger percentages. Were I you, due to the daily use, I might switch out the betadine for Lugol's solution, this way you get everything you want and nothing you don't AND you can also ingest it. If you wanted to start low, you just place 1 drop of Lugols 2% in a glass, add 8 ounces of water and then drink only 1/4th or so of it; this would take the dose down to roughly 600 micrograms *perfect for beginning **and possibly later titrating up if needed. You can either throw the rest away, as iodine evaporates once exposed to air/water, or if you have an airtight lid you might put it in the fridge and drink from it the next day, before throwing the rest out. Iodine, even Lugol's (J.CROW brand) is quite inexpensive.

Question (just for data collection): re: the daily application of betadine, did you opt on this because you have treatable skin?

[Casey Claar]

Posted by RunningDeer (here)
Great thread, Casey Claar. As mentioned here: I have a different perspective when it comes to supplements, but J.CROW'S® Lugol's Solution of Iodine 2% is one that I do take. Not daily, but when I do it's 2 drops. I eat foods that include iodine such as eggs and sea food.

Thank you, Paula

Can I ask? ...when did you begin taking the J.CROW Lugol's Solution of Iodine 2% (and how long has it been now)? You say you do not take it daily, do you take it weekly? Do you salt load when you take it? Do you track your selenium to ensure there is enough in the diet (100-400mcg) for the iodine to do its work?

Also, I would be very interested to hear your perspective when it comes to supplements. There is indeed a great deal to know. Quesion(s): Does your perspective include the elements our bodies cannot internally make on their own, such as iodine and C? This is a tad personal, but if you do not mind sharing, were you a natural birth and were you breast fed? Having a full spectrum of birth microbes can make one's perspectives and needs very different from those without that advantage.

Thank you for the videos highlighting Dr. Bright and Dr. Berry

I enjoy them both!

[Casey Claar]

NATURAL VS. SYNTHETIC SUPPLEMENTS
[Vitamins]

I was going to add this in my comment to Paula, as she has insightfully brought up the subject of supplementation itself. But I have decided to copy/paste from the PDF above the portion with exact data on each supplement. So! a separate post of its own it is.


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Vitamin A :: The first professional application of natural vitamin A was probably the use of liver by ancient Greek and Egyptian physicians for people with night blindness [18]. Vitamin A exists in foods primarily in the form of retinyl esters, and not retinoic acid [8,18]: it is not a single isolated chemical as synthetic vitamin A is. “The term retinoids refers to both retinol and its natural metabolites as well as to a large number of synthetic analogues that have structural similarities to retinol but may subserve only some (or none) of the functions of natural vitamin A” [18]. Some of the commonly used forms found in synthetic supplements are not naturally found in food [18]. Some currently utilized synthetic retinoids are suspected of having potential for causing cirrhosis [47]. It has been reported that consumption of more than 10,000 I.U. per day of synthetic vitamin A increased the rate of birth defects, while consumption of natural vitamin A from foods (including betacarotene, a precursor) did not [48]. Retinyl acetate is the major synthetic form of vitamin A and is a vinyl or coal tar at one or more stages of processing (depending) upon the manufacturer) [49]. An animal study found that synthetic vitamin A in the form of retinyl acetate significantly reduced vitamin E utilization [30]; this has not been shown to occur with natural vitamin A [i.e. 18]. An animal study concluded that a natural food complex vitamin A was probably less toxic than a synthetic USP form and was 1.54 times more absorbed into the blood [12].

Vitamin B1 :: Thiamin The free vitamin B1 (called thiamin) is a base. When it is synthesized it becomes a solid salt such as thiamin hydrochloride or thiamin mononitrate [19]. Synthetically thiamin is usually marketed as thiamin hydrochloride or thiamin mononitrate [27] and is a made from Grewe diamine (a coal tar derivative [50]) processed with ammonia and other chemicals [49]. No thiamin hydrochloride (often listed as thiamin HCL) or thiamin mononitrate is naturally found in food or the body (thiamin pyrophosphate is the predominant form in the body [51]) [27]. Yeast and legumes are excellent food sources of natural thiamin [51]. “Thiamin is rapidly destroyed above pH 8...the addition of sodium bicarbonate to green beans and peas to retain their color or to dried beans to soften their skins inactivates thiamin” [51]. High heat, x-rays, and UV irradiation also destroy thiamin [51,52]. Thiamin mononitrate tends to be used for food fortification since it is more stable under storage and processing conditions [27]. An animal study found that a natural food complex vitamin B1 was absorbed 1.38 times more into the blood and was retained 1.27 times more in the liver than an isolated USP thiamin hydrochloride [12].

Vitamin B2 :: Riboflavin The free vitamin B2 (called riboflavin) is a weak base. When synthesized it becomes an orange amorphous solid [53]. Some synthetic riboflavin analogues have very weak vitaminic activity [53]. Some natural variations, especially in coenzyme forms, occur in plant (including fungal) species [29]. Processing losses are usually not substantial but do occur as the result of leaching the light-sensitive flavins into water [53]; in addition, one study found that the pasteurization of bovine milk seems to reduce the bound form of riboflavin from 13.6% to 2% [54]. An animal study found that a natural food complex vitamin B2 was absorbed into the blood and was retained 1.92 times more in the liver than an isolated USP riboflavin [12].

Vitamin ‘B3’ :: Niacinamide “Niacin is a generic term...the two coenzymes that are the metabolically active forms of niacin (are)...nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and NAD phosphate (NADP)...Only small amounts of free forms of niacin occur in nature. Most of the niacin in food is present as a component of NAD and NADP ... nicotinamide is more soluble in water, alcohol, and ether than nicotinic acid...many analogues of niacin have been synthesized, some of which have antivitamin activity ” [20]. Niacinamide (also called nicotinamide) is considered to have less potential side-effects than niacin [20]; it also does not seem to cause gastrointestinal upset or hepatotoxicity that the synthetic time-released niacin can cause [55]. Beef, legumes, cereal grains, yeast, and fish are significant natural food sources of vitamin B3 [55]. Processing losses for this vitamin are mainly due to water leaching [56]. Synthetic niacin is usually made in a process involving formaldehyde and ammonia [49]. An animal study found that natural food complex niacinamide is 3.94 times more absorbed in the blood than USP niacinamide and 1.7 times more retained in the liver than isolated USP niacinamide [12].

Vitamin ‘B5’ :: Pantothenate Pantothenate was once known as vitamin B5 [57]. USP “Pantothenic acid consists of pantoic acid in amide linkage to beta-alanine”, but the vitamin sometimes referred to as B-5 is not found that way in nature [22]. In food it is found as pantothenate; foods do not naturally contain pantothenic acid [22]. “Synthetic D-pantothenate, the active enantiomer is available as a calcium or sodium salt. However, multivitamin preparations commonly contain its more stable alcohol derivative, panthenol” [58]. Producing synthetic pantothenic acid involves the use of formaldehyde [49]. Organ meats, yeast, egg yolks, and broccoli are rich dietary sources of natural pantothenate [58]. Cooking meat and the processing of vegetables lead to significant losses of pantothenate (15-50% and 37-78% respectively) [58].

Vitamin B6 :: “An understanding of the various forms and quantities of these forms in foods is important in the evaluation of the bioavailability and metabolism of vitamin B-6”... one of the forms that vitamin B-6 exists is in the form of “5’0-(beta-D-glycopyransosyl) pyridoxine. To date only plant foods have been found to contain this interesting form of vitamin B-6” [21]. Yeast and rice bran contain more natural vitamin B6 than other foods [6]. The most common form in vitamin pills is USP pyridoxine hydrochloride which is not naturally found in food [59]. At least one synthetic vitamin B-6 analogue has been found to inhibit natural vitamin B6 action [34]. Synthetic B6 usually requires formaldehyde in its production [49]. An animal study found that natural food complex vitamin B6 was absorbed 2.54 times more into the blood and was retained 1.56 times more in the liver than an isolated USP form [12].

Vitamin ‘B9’ :: Folate The vitamin once known as vitamin M (and also vitamin B9 [57]) exists in foods as folate (also known as pteroylglutamate) [23]. Initially, natural food complex folate was given for people with a pregnancy-related anemia in the form of autolyzed yeast; later a synthetic USP isolate was developed [23]. Pteroylglutamic acid, the common pharmacological (USP) form known as folic acid, is not found significantly as such in the body and appears to be absorbed differently than folate [23]. Folic acid is not found in foods, but folate is [23]. Herbert reports a study found “that consumption of more than 266mg of synthetic folic acid (PGA) results in absorption of unreduced PGA , which may interfere with folate metabolism for a period of years” [23]. Fortification with synthetic folic acid has been found to increase consumption for those who already have higher dietary intakes of folate more than those with lower intakes [60]. It is believed that fortification with synthetic folic acid may put a portion of the population at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency [61], yet all grain products advertised as enriched must (according to the US FDA) be fortified with folic acid [62]. “Foods with the highest folate content per dry weight include yeast, liver and organ meats, fresh green vegetables and some fruits” [23]. Food processing is a concern since “50-95% of folate in food may be destroyed by protracted cooking or other processing such as canning, and all folate is lost from refined foods such as sugars, hard liquor, and hard candies” [23]. An animal study found that a natural food complex folate was absorbed only 1.07 times more into the blood, yet was retained 2.13 times more in the liver than isolated USP folic acid [12].

Vitamin B12 :: Initially natural food complex vitamin B12 was given for people with pernicious anemia in the form of raw liver, but due to cost considerations a synthetic USP isolate was developed [63]. Cyanocobalamin (the common pharmacological/USP form of vitamin B12) is not found significantly as such in the body; it is usually present in reduced metabolically active co-enzyme forms (without the cyanide) often conjugated in peptide linkage [5,64]. According to Herbert (and others) vitamin B-12 when ingested in its human-active form is non-toxic, yet Herbert and Das have warned that “the efficacy and safety of the vitamin B12 analogues created by nutrient-nutrient interaction in vitamin-mineral supplements is unknown” [5]. Some synthetic vitamin B12 analogues seem to be antagonistic to vitamin B12 activity in the body [33,35]. Synthetic B-12 is made through a fermentation process with the addition of cyanide [49]. An animal study found that a natural food complex vitamin B12 was absorbed 2.56 times more into the blood and was retained 1.59 times more in the liver than isolated USP cyanocobalamin [12].

Vitamin C :: Ascorbic acid (AA) is not a synonym for vitamin C, though it certainly has vitamin C (antiscorbutic) properties (dehydroascorbic acid is the other biologically active form) [10,65]. Foods generally contain both biologically active forms of vitamin C [10,65,66], yet most synthetic vitamin C only contains isolated ascorbic acid [7,67]. Consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables per day will result in an intake of least 210mg per day of natural vitamin C (the RDA is 60mg, though 200mg has been proposed) [66].

Jacob has written, “The bioavailability of vitamin C in food and ‘natural form’ supplements is not significantly different from that of pure synthetic AA” [10]. For proof he cites two papers. The first citation is a paper by Mangels (et al) [67]. It is a study that concludes since serum ascorbic acid levels were at similar levels after various vitamin C containing foods and synthetic ascorbic acid were consumed, that the bioavailability is similar. The study itself appears to be an excellent one, but its conclusions ignore that fact that it may be possible that DHAA or other food constituents associated with natural vitamin C may have positive effects other than raising serum ascorbate levels. The second citation is a study done by Johnson and Luo [68]. This particular study probably should not have been cited as it never compared vitamin C as complexed in food versus synthetic ascorbic acid. It is an excellent paper which compared synthetic ascorbic acid to Ester-C (a commercial blend of synthetic ascorbic acid and select metabolites) and to synthetic ascorbic acid mixed with some bioflavonoids (the authors note a discrepancy between their results and those of similar studies by Vinson and Bose where food complexed vitamin C demonstrated improved absorption compared to synthetic ascorbic acid [14,15]. They suggest that the differences may be a function of bioflavonoid concentration--their experiments used only had 1/14th - 1/80th of the amount used by Vinson and Bose [14,15]). The data in this study showed that absorption was minimally better with the product with added bioflavonoids, though the authors concluded the differences were not significant [68].

Interestingly Levine (et al) has written, that “There are no data for true bioavailability of vitamin C administered with foods or with compounds in foods” [66]. Though this can be debated, this same chapter also states, “Diets with high vitamin C content from fruits and vegetables are associated with lower cancer risk, especially for cancers of the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, colon, and lung. In contrast, consumption of vitamin C as a supplement in experimental trials had no effect on development of colorectal adenoma and stomach cancer” [66]. Other studies seem to give a reasonable hint about the comparison of vitamin C in foods compared to isolated ascorbic acid [41,69]--they suggest that foods are superior. A human study found that a vitamin C complexed in food was absorbed 1.74 times more into red blood cells than isolated USP ascorbic acid [13], while another found it to be 1.35 times more absorbed into the plasma [14]. Also, it appears that vitamin C in citrus decomposes more slowly than plain synthetic ascorbic acid; whether this is due to bioflavonoids or other substances found in citrus is unknown [42]

A human study found that a food complex containing 500mg of vitamin C was 2.16 times more effective in reducing sorbitol in diabetics than was isolated ascorbic acid [43]. One study by Vinson and Howard showed an average decrease of 46.8% in protein glycation after four weeks using 1000mg per day of vitamin C complexed in food [44], while a study by Davie, Gould, and Yudkin only had a 33% reduction in three months using 1000mg of isolated ascorbic acid per day [70]. An animal study found that after one month of feeding, vitamin C complexed with food (it was not a simple mixture) induced a significant reduction of 77%, 66%, and 40% in plasma total cholesterol, LDL + VLDL, and triglycerides respectively and that USP ascorbic acid or bioflavonoids alone were ineffective (though isolated USP ascorbic acid did raise HDL); this same study also found that the natural food complex vitamin C strongly inhibited atherosclerosis [15]. Another animal study found that vitamin C complexed in food was 41% more effective than isolated ascorbic acid in decreasing galactiol when cataracts were present [45]. These studies suggest that there may be multiple benefits associated with natural vitamin C that are not always apparent when only serum ascorbic acid levels are measured.

Vitamin D :: “Vitamin D is inherently biologically inactive...1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D” is “the biologically active form of vitamin D”. Vitamin D is not an isolate, it “is a combination of substances” [25]; USP vitamin D forms are normally isolates. Foods contain complexed, not isolated, vitamin D. “The first vitamin isolated was a photoproduct from the irradiation of the fungal sterol ergosterol. This vitamin was known as D1...vitamin D obtained from irradiation of ergosterol had little antirachitic activity” [36]--in other words, the first synthetic vitamin D did not act the same as natural vitamin D.

“At the time of its identification, it was assumed that the vitamin D made in the skin during exposure to sunlight was vitamin D2”, but it was later learned that human skin produced something called vitamin D3 [36]. It was first believed that provitamin D3 was directly converted to vitamin D3, but that was incorrect. The skin actually contains a substance commonly called provitamin D3; after exposure to sunlight pre-vitamin D3 is produced and it begins to isomerize into vitamin D2 in a process which is temperature dependent, with isomerized vitamin D3 being jettisoned from the plasma membrane into extracellular space. Vitamin D2 was used to fortify milk in the US and Canada for about forty years until it was learned that D3 was the substance which had better antirachitic activity, so D3 has been used for the past twenty years [36]. But vitamin D has many benefits which are unrelated to rickets: B and T lymphocytes have been shown to have receptors for vitamin D similar to those found in the intestines, vitamin D seems to affect phagocytosis, and may even have some antiproliferation effect for tumor cells [36]. It has not been proven that any single USP isolated form of vitamin D has all the benefits as natural occurring forms of vitamin D. (Also, since the vitamin D was not particularly stable, manufacturers used to put in 1.5 to 2 times as much of synthetic vitamin D as they claimed. This led to neonatal problems and hypercalcemia. [36].) New vitamin D analogues are still being developed: some which may have greater affects on calcium utilization [71], some even may be helpful for breast cancer [72]--but these really may be pharmacological applications since these analogues are not food. In view of the historical errors in the supplementation with forms of vitamin D, it is reasonable to conclude that additional benefits of natural source vitamin D may be discovered, further distinguishing it from synthetic isolates.

Vitamin E :: “Synthetic and naturally derived alpha-tocopherol, and their ester forms, are commonly used in vitamin E supplements. These various forms give rise to isomer differences, ester differences and formulation differences that can affect their absorption and subsequent utilization” [30].Natural vitamin E “as found in foods is [d]-alpha tocopherol, whereas chemical synthesis produces a mixture of eight epimers” [9].

An article in the Journal of the American Dietetics Association had a large headline which stated, “The natural and synthetic forms of vitamin E deliver equal health benefits to human beings” [73]. It was not a review article. Although it states, “Contrary to findings of studies conducted with animal subjects, human beings appear to be able to absorb the natural and synthetic forms as well”, this conclusion was based upon one human study by Devaraj (et al) [74]. In it, subjects who received large amounts of natural or synthetic vitamin E had equal benefits in inhibiting the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Although this study has value, it did not prove the premise of the article. Vitamin E has more beneficial effects on the body than simply inhibiting oxidation of LDL-C [75]. Three issues later that same journal posted a smaller piece which stated, “The placenta, the fetal liver, or both are able to discriminate between natural (RRR-) and synthetic (all-rac) alpha-tocopherol; RRR-alpha-tocopherol is transported preferentially over all-rac-alpha-tocopherol ... Maternal plasma and lipoproteins and cord plasma obtained at the time of delivery (after 5 to 9 days of supplementation) had higher concentrations of natural than synthetic tocopherol regardless of the vitamin E dose received”, yet strangely it did not declare in large headlines that natural vitamin E was superior to synthetic vitamin E [76]. The Devaraj study is consistent with the results of a human study done by Traber (et al) which found that there was no difference in the absorption and secretion in chylomicrons of various tocopherols, but that there was a preferential enrichment of very low density lipoprotein with RRR-alpha-tocopherol [77]. These studies help demonstrate that although synthetic vitamins have some of the benefits of natural vitamins, they really do not replace all the benefits of natural ones.

It has been written that, “Vitamin E is the exception to the paradigm that synthetic and natural vitamins are the equivalent because their molecular structures are identical” [78] (vitamin E, as this paper is hypothesizing, is not the only exception). “Synthetic vitamin E is produced by commercially coupling trimethylhydroquinone (TMHQ) with isophytol. This chemical reaction produces a difficult-to-separate mixture” [78]. In foods, natural vitamin E is always found with lipids and other food substances [9]. A human study by Burton (et al) concluded that isolated “natural vitamin E has roughly twice the availability than synthetic vitamin E” [17] (synthetic vitamin E forms are analogues). A human study by Acuff (et al) found that natural vitamin E was absorbed 3.42 time better than synthetic in cord blood during pregnancy [16]. A human urinary excretion study by Traber (et al) concluded that natural vitamin E was 2.7 times better absorbed than synthetic vitamin E; this study suggests that it seems the body may want to rid itself of the synthetic as quickly as possible [46]. An animal liver study found that a natural vitamin E complexed in foods was 2.6 times more retained than isolated USP d-alpha tocopheryl acid succinate (which is the so-called ‘natural form’ once it is isolated from its food complex) [12]. Another animal study suggests that natural vitamin E has less tumorigenicity than synthetic vitamin E [39].

Vitamin ‘H’ Biotin :: Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin once known as vitamin H. “Various biotin derivatives, analogues, and antagonists are known...Most of the biotin of natural products is protein bound” [79]. Crystalline USP biotin is not protein bound. Foods contain the “free, available form of biotin” which is usually protein bound [79]. Egg yolk, liver, and some vegetables are relatively rich in biotin [79]. Synthetic biotin is made from fumaric acid (trans-1,2-ethylene [50]) [49].

Vitamin K :: Many compounds have vitamin K activity, but at least one (K3) may be dangerous [31]. Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is how it exists in plants and “there are no reports of toxic effects of phylloquinone at 500 times its RDA” [31]. It is now recognized that menadione (the substance initially known as vitamin K3) “should not be employed any longer as a therapeutic form of vitamin K” (it can cause hemolytic anemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and kernicterus in infants) [31]. Dark green vegetables appear to be the primary food source of vitamin K [80]. There is another form of vitamin K that is found in the diet which is inadvertently formed during hydrogenation of oils called dihydro-vitamin K1; its relative bioavailability is still unknown [81]. However, since the consumption of hydrogenated oils appears to be dangerous [82], it does not seem that this synthetic form is as good to consume as the form naturally found in unprocessed food (phylloquinone). Some, however, feel that this artificial type of vitamin K may be beneficial for human health [81].

Food and Food Processing

“In the historic struggle for food, humans ate primarily whole foods or so-called natural foods, which underwent little processing...The nutrient content of food usually decreases when it is processed” [38]. Changes in the production and processing of food has resulted in multiple thousands of deaths in the U.S. [82-84].

Food processing techniques can reduce the amount of every known essential vitamin[56]. The refining of rice reduced B-complex vitamins and initially led to deaths in Asia due to beriberi [4,19]. Even though synthetic USP vitamins are added to white rice, it does not contain the same nutrients as unpolished brown rice (nor does white flour contain the same nutrients as whole flour) [4,85]. The earlier refining of corn meal which reduced natural vitamin B-3 and amino acid levels was so devastating it produced around U.S. 7,000 deaths per year for several decades [84]. The refining of whole grains (including wheat, rice, and corn) has resulted in a dramatic reduction of their natural food complex nutrients[4,85]. The milling of wheat to white flour reduces the natural food complex vitamin and mineral content by 40-60% [85]. Various food processing techniques (including pasteurization of milk) reduce the available vitamin B6 in foods by 10-50% [85,86]. The recently introduced artificial fat olestra (also known as Olean) robs the body of oil soluble vitamins (vitamins A,D,E, and K) and carotenoid antioxidants (betacarotene, lutein, lycopene) [87-89]; the proposed “solution” is to add synthetic USP versions of the vitamins to olestra products [87-89]. Irradiation of meat and other foods “changes the characteristics of food” [27] and has been found to reduce levels of vitamins A, B1, B6, E, K, and other nutrient levels [6,27,90]. Unknown nutrients may also be affected from food processing. No one yet knows how the combinations of these more recent food processing techniques will affect human health [91], but it is not likely that they will promote optimal nutrition.

The primary reason that isolated USP vitamins were developed was cost [63]. A secondary reason probably was standardization (it is harder to standardize food), including stability [7,23,27]. Neither reason justifies placing USP isolates on the same health level as natural vitamins as found in foods. Humans would not naturally consume most of the materials used to make and process synthetic vitamins. Actually Herbert raised an interesting point about synthetic vitamins when he wrote, “The misrepresentation that vitamin C, beta carotene, and vitamin E are solely antioxidant ignores that they are in fact redox agents, sometimes antioxidant and sometimes pro-oxidant, and that in supplement quantities, they have totally non-vitamin chemical activity, some of which may be harmful” [92]; this combined with Herbert’s earlier comments on synthetic vitamin B12 [5] and synthetic folic acid [23] suggests that perhaps he has safety and efficacy concerns about synthetic vitamins. As cited earlier, there are reasons to have concerns about the safety and efficacy of many synthetic vitamins.

It should be noted that the concept that substances in foods can be more effective than their USP counterparts is not limited to vitamins. For example, there are “reports of patients with Parkinson’s disease who benefit from meals of broad beans (vicia faba) and that response to vicia faba may even be better than conventional L-dopa medication in some cases. The beans are natural food which contain L-dopa in a physiochemical form different from that of tablet formulations and therefore may have some use in the management of Parkinson motor fluctuations” [93]. Natural beta-carotene was found to significantly decrease serum conjugated diene levels for children exposed to high levels of irradiation, though it is not known if synthetic beta-carotene would provide similar benefits (natural beta-carotene is composed of both all-trans and 9-cis isomers while synthetic is all-trans isomers) [94]. Dietary patterns have been shown to be more effective preventing some of the most common fatal diseases (such as cancer and cardiovascular disease) than consuming synthetic vitamins [i.e.41,95-98]. Actually, many believe that the antioxidant effects of synthetic vitamins cannot match those of natural vitamins [41-45,99-101].

Conclusion

Studies suggest that the bioavailability of natural food complex vitamins is better than that of most isolated USP vitamins [e.g. 12-17,40-46], that they may have better effects on maintaining aspects of human health beyond traditional vitamin deficiency syndromes [15,37,44,45,69,76], and at least some seem to be preferentially retained by the human body [12,46]. It is not always clear if these advantages are due to the physiochemical form of the vitamin, with the other food constituents that are naturally found with them, or some combination [42,95]. Regardless, it seems logical to conclude that for purposes of maintaining normal health, natural vitamins are superior to synthetic ones.

Labeling someone, who after studying the physiological forms and clinical applications of vitamins, concludes that natural ones are superior to synthetics, as a “quack” is irresponsible. It is this type of false science that leads many in the general public to distrust many “health experts” and requires that true researchers sometimes rely on publications which have not been fully “peer-reviewed” . It may even lead to publishing bias (not publishing information which supports the view that natural vitamins are superior to synthetic ones). It also seems logical that it would tend to discourage research (especially if government funded) into advantages of improving our food supply (if synthetics are just as good why bother?). This appears to be dangerous for human health.

Synthetic USP isolates are not the same as natural vitamins complexed in food. Humans would not naturally want to eat many of the substances that are used in the manufacturing of synthetic vitamins. Humans are supposed to eat food [102] and receive their vitamins from foods [4]. Most people can improve their health by eating health-building whole foods such as fruits and vegetables and whole grains (and consuming less refined carbohydrates) [4,103]. This alone can help increase the consumption of natural vitamins. Vitamin nutrition should come from food or from supplements which are as close to food as possible. Since no one knows everything there is to know about nutrition, it seems logical from both a historical and modern perspective to consume vitamins in the forms found in natural food complexes and not to try to build health based on chemical isolates. It also makes no sense to label those who believe in legitimate science as quacks.


***

All citations included as reference links in the PDF

[RunningDeer]

Posted by Casey Claar (here)

Posted by RunningDeer (here)
Great thread, Casey Claar. As mentioned here: I have a different perspective when it comes to supplements, but J.CROW'S® Lugol's Solution of Iodine 2% is one that I do take. Not daily, but when I do it's 2 drops. I eat foods that include iodine such as eggs and sea food.

Thank you, Paula

Can I ask? ...when did you begin taking the J.CROW Lugol's Solution of Iodine 2% (and how long has it been now)? You say you do not take it daily, do you take it weekly? Do you salt load when you take it? Do you track your selenium to ensure there is enough in the diet (100-400mcg) for the iodine to do its work?

Also, I would be very interested to hear your perspective when it comes to supplements. There is indeed a great deal to know. Quesion(s): Does your perspective include the elements our bodies cannot internally make on their own, such as iodine and C? This is a tad personal, but if you do not mind sharing, were you a natural birth and were you breast fed? Having a full spectrum of birth microbes can make one's perspectives and needs very different from those without that advantage.

Thank you for the videos highlighting Dr. Bright and Dr. Berry

I enjoy them both!

Yes, I agree, Casey Claar it’s a tad too personal.

I’ve shared across many threads, and one thing I’ve learned is that I’m not someone to take advice from. I continue to supplement sparingly and avoid taking them just in case. I believe it’s based on actual needs rather than more is better. Overdoing can place stress on the body, disrupt natural pathways, and create imbalances.

Our bodies’ needs change over time, and we need to adapt in ways that best serve who we are in the present. I’m a strong advocate of self-experimentation. That would be my advice to anyone. Be willing to discover what works for you, and be equally willing to let go of what no longer does.

There are so many factors to consider when caring for our minds and bodies: sleep habits, food and drink, deep personal work, relaxation, time with family and friends, and a balanced approach to movement and exercise. That might include cardio, strength training, yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, breath work, or whatever practices best support your individual needs.

Ultimately, I believe it’s about staying curious, paying attention to what your body, mind and intuition are telling you, and being willing to adjust as your needs evolve.

[Casey Claar]

Posted by RunningDeer (here)

Posted by Casey Claar (here)

Posted by RunningDeer (here)
Great thread, Casey Claar. As mentioned here: I have a different perspective when it comes to supplements, but J.CROW'S® Lugol's Solution of Iodine 2% is one that I do take. Not daily, but when I do it's 2 drops. I eat foods that include iodine such as eggs and sea food.

Thank you, Paula

Can I ask? ...when did you begin taking the J.CROW Lugol's Solution of Iodine 2% (and how long has it been now)? You say you do not take it daily, do you take it weekly? Do you salt load when you take it? Do you track your selenium to ensure there is enough in the diet (100-400mcg) for the iodine to do its work?

Also, I would be very interested to hear your perspective when it comes to supplements. There is indeed a great deal to know. Quesion(s): Does your perspective include the elements our bodies cannot internally make on their own, such as iodine and C? This is a tad personal, but if you do not mind sharing, were you a natural birth and were you breast fed? Having a full spectrum of birth microbes can make one's perspectives and needs very different from those without that advantage.

Thank you for the videos highlighting Dr. Bright and Dr. Berry

I enjoy them both!

Yes, I agree, Casey Claar it’s a tad too personal.

I’ve shared across many threads, and one thing I’ve learned is that I’m not someone to take advice from. I continue to supplements sparingly and avoid taking them just in case. I believe it’s based on actual needs rather than more is better. Overdoing can place stress on the body, disrupt natural pathways, and create imbalances.

Our bodies’ needs change over time, and we need to adapt in ways that best serve who we are in the present. I’m a strong advocate of self-experimentation. That would be my advice to anyone. Be willing to discover what works for you, and be equally willing to let go of what no longer does.

There are so many factors to consider when caring for our minds and bodies: sleep habits, food and drink, deep personal work, relaxation, time with family and friends, and a balanced approach to movement and exercise. That might include cardio, strength training, yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, breath work, or whatever practices best support your individual needs.

Ultimately, I believe it’s about staying curious, paying attention to what your body, mind and intuition are telling you, and being willing to adjust as your needs evolve.

Exceptional ......(in all modesty here) It is like hearing myself speak thank you, Paula.

Re: the tad personal question. I, myself, am a natural birth, but to my recently discovered astonishment was not breast fed. Having this information on ourselves can be extremely helpful ( some of us are more advantaged than others in this respect ). It can help us see at least a part of the reason we may tend more a particular way than another. And why others do. I have a newfound interest in BIRTH MICROBES ( and glyconutrients ), what they can do, and what being without even some of them can potentially mean *notably as we age forward. The human body is truly astounding. Truly astounding. A rabbit hole most definitely worthy of jumping into!