Acne Triggered by Iodine
Filed Under Dr. Zoltan Rona (MD) |
Q: In one of your previous articles, I was very interested to read about the effectiveness of iodine for helping to prevent breast cancer. I would like to take supplements high in iodine, but they cause my skin to break out. Eating seaweed or using “green products” generally has the same effect. I’m wondering why my skin might be so sensitive to iodine and if there is anything I can do about it. Thanks for your help.
A: Some people are very sensitive to iodine. Iodine is an antiseptic that will kill many different bacteria, including the friendly bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract. It is rare for anyone to get acne when taking less than 1,000 mcg (1 mg) of iodine daily unless one also has a low level of friendly bacteria in the gut.
I you decide to proceed with taking iodine, I recommend that you take a broad-spectrum probiotic (friendly flora) product for at least a month before attempting any iodine supplementation. (Probiotic supplements, available at health food stores, should contain at least Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacteria and friendly strains of E. coli.) While continuing to use the probiotic, start supplementing with 100 mcg of iodine daily. Increase the dosage gradually to a maximum of 1,000 mcg per day. If this approach still causes acne, double or triple the recommended dose of the probiotic (usually going from three capsules to six or nine capsules daily).
You could also add a high potency saw palmetto extract (360 mg daily). This herbal extract prevents dihydrotestosterone, the breakdown product of testosterone, from triggering acne. If iodine is still a problem for your skin, see a health practitioner to assess whether you have other metabolic problems.
Dr. Rona
Comments
1 Comment so far
Thank you!! Finally I have a missing link in my desire to understand why iodine makes acne prone people more likely to have acne irruptions. I am interested in more information on what iodine actually does in the body to cause the acne irritation. Is it really a candida overgrowth issue underlying the low friendly bacteria? I am very very fond of a nutritional food supplement that has given me my health back and made me feel like a teenager in energy level and well being at the age of 41. I feel better than I ever have and I do not want to stop using my supplement with just the rda for iodine and some kelp in a fiber supplement that cleanses the blood and lymph as well as the digestive system. These products are wonderful in all areas yet my acne is still with me. Will taking probiotics be enough or should I go on a special diet to make my body better able to handle iodine? I just knew iodine as a good thing for our bodies was getting all the blame unfairly. If you know more please tell me. Colleen