Posted by Larry Hoover on March 1, 2008, at 11:02:45
In reply to Lithium and Iodine supplementation, posted by TonyZ on March 1, 2008, at 10:47:15
> Anyone taking lithium and concerned about developing a goiter. According to some articles I've read about 20% can develop this condition in iodine deficient/deplete diets. Anyone out there who is taking lithium and some type of iodine supplement to protect the thyroid from absorbing the lithium instead. This can be a bit tricky as too much iodine can be toxic. I'm very concerned with this as doc has put me on lithium recently? Appreciate any advice
If you use iodized table salt (stay clear of sea salt, as it has little iodide), then you should be fine. If you're on a salt restricted diet, then a kelp supplement will cover the iodide requirement.
Iodide toxicity is really quite rare, and is really an idiosyncratic (individual) sensitivity, rather than a general toxic effect. Some people can't excrete iodide efficiently, due to the way their kidneys (don't) work.
Lithium goiter is most often benign, in any case. Although lithium reduces thyroid hormone release, the goiter (if it occurs) is a compensatory effect. In most cases, thyroid hormone output remains normal.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:815537
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080221/msgs/815538.html