[Taken from www.iodine4health.com]

Iodine belongs to a class of elements called "halogens".

In addition to Iodine, the common halogens are fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), and bromine (Br). Halogens form a single column of the periodic chart and all require exactly one additional electron to fill their outer electron shells.

The halogens are diatomic molecules in their natural form; e.g., molecular iodine (I2), fluorine (F2), chlorine (Cl2), and bromine (Br2).

Halogens are often found in salts.  A salt is a compound that forms positive and negative ions when dissolved in water. The halogens have a tendency to form single negative ions when dissolved. The negative ion is called a halide ion; e.g., iodide (I-), fluoride (Fl-), chloride (Cl-), and bromide (Br-).

Halogens share many characteristics.  For example, they are highly reactive and can be harmful or lethal in sufficient quantities.  Fluorine is said to be the most reactive element in existence.

Similarly, chlorine and iodine are both used as disinfectants for such things as drinking water, swimming pools, wounds, and medical equipment. They kill bacteria and other potentially harmful microorganisms.

Halogens can combine with a variety of elements.  Many synthetic organic compounds contain halogen atoms.

Chlorine is by far the most abundant of the halogens, and the only one needed in relatively large amounts (as chloride ions) by humans.

Iodine is needed in trace amounts for the production of thyroid hormones and for other purposes presently being discovered.

On the other hand, it appears that neither fluorine nor bromine is essential for humans.

In the body, the various halogens often seem to compete or affect each other.  For example, Abraham and Brownstein have discussed how iodine is effective in detoxing fluorine and bromine. 

Similarly, perchlorate (a chlorine compound) blocks the NIS receptor for iodide.

Please refer to www.iodine4health.com for additional information regarding the halogens and their relationship to human health. 

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Last Updated:  04/03/2008