As a topical antiseptic, iodine is capable of killing pathogens that include gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, yeasts, viruses and protozoa.
Iodine Is an Effective Antiviral and Antiseptic
It's been known for some time that iodine can kill viruses. The most recent severe influenza pandemic was caused by the H1N1 virus in 1918.Thyroid hormones play an important role in a wide range of bodily functions, including metabolism, bone health, immune response, and development of the central nervous system (CNS). Iodine helps convert thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
Listerine was also weakly effective in inactivating human immunodeficiency viruses. Bacteria in samples collected from human dental plaque and saliva were completely killed within 30 seconds when exposed to Listerine.
Filtration is not effective in removing viruses; Disinfection with iodine or chlorine has a high effectiveness in killing viruses; Disinfection has a high effectiveness in killing viruses when used with iodine, chlorine, or chlorine dioxide.
Iodine is by far the best antibiotic, antiviral and antiseptic of all time.
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Science also tells us, for example, that vinegar will kill off the flu virus. As part of research aimed at preparing us for a flu pandemic, UK researchers found that malt vinegar, much like bleach and washing up liquid, can rapidly inactivate the flu virus.Because of this, radioactive iodine (RAI, also called I-131) can be used to treat thyroid cancer. The RAI collects mainly in thyroid cells, where the radiation can destroy the thyroid gland and any other thyroid cells (including cancer cells) that take up iodine, with little effect on the rest of your body.
Tincture of iodine is often found in emergency survival kits, used both to disinfect wounds and to sanitize surface water for drinking. Iodine solution is used to sanitize the surface of fruit and vegetables for bacteria and viruses. The common concentration for sanitization is 25 ppm idophor for 1 minute.
Know the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing. Cleaning removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects.
There are three acceptable types of sanitizer solutions for use in a food establishment.
- Chlorine (Bleach)* Concentration: 50 to 100 ppm. Chlorine based sanitizers are the most commonly used sanitizers.
- Quaternary Ammonia (QUAT, QAC) Concentration: Per manufacturer's instruction.
- Iodine. Concentration: 12.5 to 25 ppm.
Iodine solution is used to sanitize the surface of fruit and vegetables for bacteria and viruses. The common concentration for sanitization is 25 ppm idophor for 1 minute. However, the effectiveness depends on whether the solution penetrates into rifts, and whether dirt is effectively removed at first.
Here are the best disinfecting cleaners:
- Best for kitchen counters: Purell Professional Surface Disinfectant Spray.
- Best for laundry: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive.
- Best for nonwashable goods: Lysol Disinfectant Spray.
- Best disinfecting wipes: Clorox Disinfecting Wipes.
The major types of sanitizers are heat, radiation, and chemicals. Chemicals are more practical than heat and radiation for food production facilities.
Povidone-iodine (PVP-I), also known as iodopovidone, is an antiseptic used for skin disinfection before and after surgery. It may be used both to disinfect the hands of healthcare providers and the skin of the person they are caring for. It may also be used for minor wounds.
Tincture of iodine is a disinfectant. It has iodine and potassium iodide dissolved in ethanol and water.
Combination povidone-iodine and alcohol formulations more effective, more convenient versus formulations containing either iodine or alcohol alone: a review of the literature. However, a synergistic effect results from the combination of ethyl or isopropyl alcohol and povidone-iodine.
Iodine has been shown to be more effect than chlorine-based treatments in inactivating Giardia cysts. Liquid 2% Tincture of Iodine Add 5 drops per quart when the water is clear. Add 10 drops per quart when the water is cloudy. Polar Pure Iodine Crystals Fill the Polar Pure bottle with water and shake.
Free iodine, slowly liberated from the povidone-iodine (PVP-I) complex in solution, kills eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells through iodination of lipids and oxidation of cytoplasmic and membrane compounds. This agent exhibits a broad range of microbicidal activity against bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses.
Iodine can be absorbed through intact skin in time dependent manner.
Free iodine, slowly liberated from the povidone-iodine (PVP-I) complex in solution, kills eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells through iodination of lipids and oxidation of cytoplasmic and membrane compounds. This agent exhibits a broad range of microbicidal activity against bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses.
Iodine poisoning usually results from taking too many iodine supplements. It's very hard to get iodine poisoning from food alone. Remember, adults can tolerate up to 1,100 mcg a day. Taking a one-time dose of too much iodine usually won't cause iodine poisoning.
11 uses of iodine
- Promoting thyroid health. Iodine plays a vital role in thyroid health.
- Reducing risk for some goiters.
- Managing overactive thyroid gland.
- Treating thyroid cancer.
- Neurodevelopment during pregnancy.
- Improving cognitive function.
- Improving birth weight.
- May help treat fibrocystic breast disease.
More than 1,100 micrograms of iodine a day for adults can be dangerous. It could cause thyroid problems and other issues. Iodine supplements can also cause: Upset stomach.
Iodine is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in high doses. Do not take more than 1100 mcg of iodine per day if you are over 18 years old; do not take more than 900 mcg of iodine per day if you are 14 to 18 years old. Higher intake has been shown to cause thyroid problems in the newborn in some cases.
Consuming
too much iodine can also lead to a condition called
iodine-induced hyperthyroidism. This usually happens when people take
iodine supplements to improve their thyroid function.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: fast heart rate.
What are the symptoms?
- diarrhea.
- burning sensation in your mouth.
- nausea.
- vomiting.
Povidone iodine is an effective antiseptic that does not impede wound healing. Povidone iodine is bactericidal against Gram-positive and -negative organisms. No acquired bacterial resistance or cross-resistance has been reported for iodine. Povidone iodine aids healing in a range of acute and chronic wounds.
Do not use topical iodine on deep, puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns. Do not cover the wound to which you have applied topical iodine with a tight dressing or bandage since this may increase the chance of side effects.
The same with alcohol. Yes, it will kill some bacteria, but it also kills and irritates healthy skin and the wound bed. I suggest you do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or Betadine solution in the open wound.” Afterward, the open wound should be covered and kept moist.”
Sea vegetables and animals — particularly seaweeds (wakame and kelp), scallops, shrimp and cod — have the highest concentrations of iodine, but iodine also comes from land-based food sources, such as plants that grow in iodine-rich soil or from dairy products and eggs as long as the cows and chickens had enough iodine
The foods highest in iodine include seaweed, dairy, tuna, shrimp and eggs. Additionally, most table salt has been iodized, providing an easy way to add iodine to your meals.
