Iodide Excess and Thyroid Function

Excerpt

Although the critical role of iodine in the regulation of thyroid gland function has been recognized for many years, other aspects of its use remain controversial. The appropriate amount of iodine needed for supplementation of food and water supplies, the role of iodine in the treatment of persons in the area of a nuclear reactor accident or patients with Graves' disease, and the incidence of iodide-induced thyrotoxicosis in the general population have all been debated. Thus, the recently published review, "Iodide-Induced Thyrotoxicosis" by Fradkin and Wolff (1), is timely.

Iodide-induced thyrotoxicosis is a form of hyperthyroidism that generally effects an