Most physicians and surgeons view iodine from the narrow perspective of its use as an antiseptic that disinfects drinking water and prevents surgical wound infections, and its presence in thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). They consider iodine�s sole function in the body is to be organically bound to the phenyl ring of tyrosine in thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland needs only a trace amount of iodine, 70mcg/day, to synthesize the requisite amounts of T4 and T3 used to regulate metabolism and ensure normal growth and development.

Reprinted with Permission from www.aapsonline.org and www.jpands.org

Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons Volume 11 Number 4 Winter 2006