Experts Say…
“The molecular effects of iodine as well as ongoing epidemiological evidence points to its probable role in prevention of cancers through its antioxidant, antiinflammatory, prodifferentiating, and proapoptotic effects.”
Tina Kaczor, ND, Editor in Chief, Natural Medicine Journal
My Approach to Dosage
I initially used a liquid form of iodine from a naturopath and gave Ruby a few drops in each meal inline with the suggested child’s dose. I continued this on and off for a while but soon moved to natural sources such as sardines and kelp as I felt more aligned with utilising natural dietary sources for nutritional supplementation. This was largely supported by the literature that predominantly stated natural dietary sources were more balanced and bioavailable for the body.
Special Note - More is Not Better
As you’ll see in the articles and research below, more is not better when it comes to iodine intake. There is definitely a ‘Goldlilocks’ type window that is ‘just right’. An over-active thyroid is as detrimental as an under-active one.
Be aware of the various sources of iodine that may be present in your dog’s diet, especially if you feed them dry food. This doesn’t necessarily negate the need for natural iodine sources but it is important to be aware of.
If you prepare your dog’s food yourself, it is vital that there is an appropriate iodine source and dietary natural sources are considered the most beneficial.
I offer this information to assist you to gather your thoughts and approach as quickly as you can. It is not medical advice but I've learned a lot and want to be the person that I wish I could have called. Be sure to discuss with your holistic vet.
Good luck and don't give up. Love, Donna x
Some Reading
Some Good Foods High In Iodine
Kelp / Seaweed / Dulse | Sardines | Eggs | Cod | Mushrooms | Carrots | Chicken | Watercress | Beef
(Source: Haldimann et al 2004)
Recommended
Mega Miracle Greens
Dietary iodine, such as that naturally occurring in seaweeds, is considered the most bioavailable and suitable for supplementation for us and our dogs.
Our Mega Miracle Greens, as well as moringa, barley grass and hemp, includes a small amount of Tasmanian or Atlantic kelp to ensure iodine levels are included in a healthy diet. These are useful but not intense dose levels so as to not cause damaging excesses.
Some Research
Tumor-Promoting Effects of Both Iodine Deficiency and Iodine Excess in the Rat Thyroid – Toxicologic Pathology 1992. This study looks at the impact of both an iodine deficiency and excess with regard to cancer growth, specifically thyroid cancer. It aimed to establish the ideal level of dietary iodine for optimal health. It’s very detailed and a bit confronting with what they do to the rats, but essentially finds that both an iodine excess and deficiency promotes cancer growth in the rats studied. They found the optimal dose for the rats correlated to the same ratio based on body weight required for humans (effectively 200 to1). They do not consider if this would be the same correlation for dogs.
Molecular iodine/doxorubicin neoadjuvant treatment impair invasive capacity and attenuate side effect in canine mammary cancer – BMC Veterinary Research, 14:81, March 2018. This study from the National University of Mexico was a double-blind, random controlled program that looked at the impact of complementing a standard chemotherapy and surgery protocol with molecular iodine (I2) on 27 dogs with breast cancer (median age 9.2 years). They note previous studies had shown that I2 supplementation inhibits tumor growth, activates the anti-tumor immune system and exerts antioxidant actions that prevent the severity of side effects generated by antineoplastic drug toxicity.
This study found that survival rates improved with I2 supplementation, especially when supplemented both before and after surgery. It’s a very interesting and exciting finding.
Sodium iodide I 131 treatment of dogs with nonresectable thyroid tumors: 39 Cases (1990-2003) – Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association,229(4):542-8, 2006. This study looked at the impact of iodide treatment on dogs with thyroid tumours considered non-resectable (not able to be surgically treated) and the potential for surgery after iodide treatment. “Results suggested that 131I therapy may result in prolonged survival times in dogs with nonresectable thyroid tumors”.
Changes in Dietary Iodine Explains Increasing Incidence of Breast Cancer with Distant Involvement in Young Women – Journal of Cancer, 8(2): 174-177, January 2017. Clearly this study focuses on human women but it further supports the potential for iodine deficiency correlating with increased breast cancer incidence. The authors concluded that “dietary iodine insufficiency represents a plausible explanation for the increasing incidence of breast cancer in young women with distant metastasis”. It further stated that, based on their findings, “iodine testing and management may be considered as a potentially important aspect for clinical practice.”
Review of Factors Related to the Thyroid Cancer Epidemic – International Journal of Endocrinology, May 2017. This study reviews various potential risk factors for the apparent rise in thyroid cancer, including but not limited to iodine intake. It’s important to note that they review contradictory findings related to iodine intake including the potential for increased thyroid cancer risk due to high iodine intake. They also note the potential risk factors of radiation exposure, obesity and diabetes and exogenous estrogen.
The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.
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