Atomic iodine is a highly reactive form of iodine consisting of individual iodine atoms. It plays a vital role in various chemical reactions, including atmospheric chemistry and the destruction of pollutants. Its importance lies in its ability to participate in numerous reactions and contribute to environmental and industrial processes.
What is atomic iodine?
Atomic iodine is considered one of the safest and most effective supplements in today’s market. The atomic structure of this type of iodine holds its importance for safe consumption and topical use. All these functions make it a highly important supplement.
What are the uses of atomic iodine?
In the early 19th century, atomic iodine was used as an effective remedy to cure fever and malaria. Since then, it’s been widely used as a preventive measure against harmful organisms.
In addition, it has been used to treat gastrointestinal diseases, high blood pressure, goiter, and other respiratory illnesses. Atomic iodine also plays a vital role in stimulating the production of thyroxine and burning extra fats.
Note: Most of the effects of iodine are because of its role in stimulating the production of thyroid hormones.
What’s the difference between atomic and nascent iodine?
Nascent iodine contains an electromagnetic charge and is a form of iodine that you can consume safely [2]. In addition, it has an incomplete number of electrons than atomic iodine.
It means that when it is dissolved, it releases a lot of energy. All these features make nascent iodine highly recognizable by the tissues and can be used easily. Nascent iodine is also structurally quite different from atomic iodine. In its denser solid state, it is used as an antiseptic. Moreover, it is used as potassium iodide or as iodine trichloride to solubilize it in liquid form.
Besides many other dietary sources of iodine, it has been administered as an emergency treatment for hyperthyroidism. It lowers the chances of thyroid cancer by blocking the uptake of radioactive iodine in the gland.
Health Benefits of Atomic Iodine
Despite the numerous differences, nascent iodine and atomic iodine are considered similar substances providing multiple health benefits to your body. Some of these benefits have already been discussed in the preliminary paragraphs. Here’s a summary of all of these.
Iodine is a mineral we must consume from our diet as human tissues don’t produce it. Its essential role is to regulate the function of the thyroid gland, which is the production of thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate body metabolism [3].
Some additional noteworthy benefits of atomic iodine include:
Brain Development during pregnancy
Doctors recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women consume iodine in higher amounts. Research shows that it plays a significant role in infants’ cognitive and neural development [4].
Prevention from goiters
Taking sufficient amounts of iodine also prevents goiter. Goiter is the first sign of thyroid insufficiency, and iodine deficiency is the leading cause of this problem. [5].
If you think you are not taking enough iodine, you should consult your doctor. The doctor will recommend iodine supplementation to help you maintain your health.
FAQs
What is atomic iodine, and how is it different from other forms of iodine?
Atomic iodine refers to individual iodine atoms rather than molecules or compounds. It is highly reactive due to its unpaired electron, distinguishing it from other forms of iodine.
How does atomic iodine contribute to environmental processes?
Atomic iodine plays a vital role in atmospheric chemistry by participating in reactions that regulate ozone levels. It helps break down pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, thereby reducing air pollution.
Why is atomic iodine important in industrial applications?
Atomic iodine’s reactivity makes it valuable in various industrial processes. It can be used as a catalyst in chemical reactions, such as polymerization or oxidation, and can aid in the production of specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials.
Are there any health benefits associated with atomic iodine?
Atomic iodine itself is not directly used for health benefits. However, iodine in its various forms, including atomic iodine, is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and support healthy growth and development in humans.
Conclusion
Atomic iodine is a crucial component in various chemical reactions, making it essential for environmental and industrial processes. Its high reactivity allows it to play a vital role in atmospheric chemistry and the elimination of pollutants, underscoring its significant importance in these domains.
References
National Institutes of Health. “Office of Dietary Supplements – Iodine.” Nih.gov, 8 Oct. 2022, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-Consumer/.
Choudhry, Hani, and Md. Nasrullah. “Iodine Consumption and Cognitive Performance: Confirmation of Adequate Consumption.” Food Science & Nutrition, vol. 6, no. 6, 8 Oct. 2022, pp. 1341–1351, 10.1002/fsn3.694.
Chung, Hye Rim. “Iodine and Thyroid Function.” Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism, vol. 19, no. 1, 8 Oct. 2022, p. 8, 10.6065/apem.2014.19.1.8.
Levie, Deborah, et al. “Thyroid Function in Early Pregnancy, Child IQ, and Autistic Traits: A Meta-Analysis of Individual Participant Data.” The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, vol. 103, no. 8, 8 Oct. 2022, pp. 2967–2979, 10.1210/jc.2018-00224.
Practitioners, The Royal Australian College of general. “Goitre.” Australian Family Physician, 8 Oct. 2022, www.racgp.org.au/afp/2012/august/goitre.
