What Is Prolamine Iodine?

Prolamine iodine is a product created by the Standard Process company. This product provides 2,000 percent of the daily value (DV) established by the U.S. government, according to Standard Process. This supplement comes in the form of an oral tablet taken once daily or as directed by a physician, according to instructions on its label. It is widely available and can be bought from distributors nationwide. Most people who take the supplement use it to boost serum iodine levels and it is often considered for supplementation by those suffering from hypothyroidism and hormonal conditions.

Iodine is a naturally occurring substance that the body actually needs very little of over a lifetime. However, iodine is an essential micronutrient that the body is unable to store, making regular consumption of this substance vital for proper metabolic functioning. The thyroid gland stores about 80 percent of the iodine found in the body, where it is used in the creation of two thyroid hormones. These hormones affect metabolism, growth and development within the body and are very important to general health and well-being. Iodine is found naturally in many foods such as oysters, fish, eggs, beef and many vegetables.

Iodine performs many functions within the human body. Growth and development occurs as a result of the thyroid hormones created with dietary iodine. Thus, dietary iodine consumption is especially important in children. The metabolic rate is also greatly affected by iodine levels. Those with hypothyroidism, typically seen as a slow metabolism resulting in a variety of symptoms including dry skin, fatigue and weight gain, may see positive results from the addition of prolamine iodine in to their regular daily diet. Prolamine iodine is a highly regarded iodine supplement and has been produced since 1952.

The National Research Council has established 150 micrograms per day of iodine as the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Pregnant and lactating women need slightly more iodine, and limits for this demographic have been set at 175 and 200 micrograms per day, respectively.

While practitioners of natural medicine may recommend much higher levels of daily iodine intake than those suggested by government entities, it is important to note that there can be side effects of high iodine consumption. In children, overexposure to iodine can result in an enlarged thyroid, known as goiter. This condition results in a lack of thyroid hormone, resulting in abnormal growth and development. There is some evidence that too much iodine in the diet may increase the risk of thyroid cancer, as well as various disorders of the skin, respiratory system and reproductive organs, according to ATSDR.

If you think you may be suffering from symptoms caused by low iodine levels, consider having a physician conduct tests. Tests on thyroid function and iodine levels in the body can help determine the cause of your symptoms, along with the appropriate treatment course. If preferred, seek a naturopath or alternative health care practitioner who is knowledgeable in the area of thyroid disorders, metabolism and supplemental and natural treatment options to discuss whether supplementation with prolamine iodine may be right for you.