What is an Iodine?
Iodine is a chemical element with the symbol I and atomic number 53. The heaviest of the stable halogens, it exists at standard conditions as a semi-lustrous, non-metallic solid that melts to form a deep violet liquid at 114 °C (237 °F), and boils to a violet gas at 184 °C (363 °F).
The element was discovered by the French chemist Bernard Courtois in 1811 and was named two years later by Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac, after the Ancient Greek Ιώδης ‘violet-colored’.
Iodine Suppliers In South Africa
Is iodine good in South Africa?
Iodine is an essential micronutrient, but iodine deficiency remains common worldwide, including in many African countries.
In South Africa, endemic goiter was first noted in the 1920s. Several subsequent surveys have indicated its widespread persistence, despite the limited availability of iodized salt.
What diseases can iodine cure?
Iodine is taken by mouth to prevent and treat iodine deficiency and its consequences, including goiter and some thyroid disorders.
A specific kind of iodine called potassium iodide is also US FDA-approved to prevent thyroid damage after a radioactive accident.
Is iodine an antibiotic?
Iodine has been recognized as an effective broad-spectrum bactericide and is also effective against yeasts, molds, fungi, viruses, and protozoans.
How does iodine work on infection?
As a small molecule, iodine rapidly penetrates into microorganisms and oxidizes key proteins, nucleotides, and fatty acids, eventually leading to cell death (23, 24).
How does iodine benefit the immune system?
In addition to being an essential element in the production of thyroid hormones, iodine also has many biological functions.
A potential benefit of iodine if consumed adequately includes increasing and improving immune function. iodine can support the innate immune system in fighting bacterial and viral infections.