The key difference between nascent iodine and Lugol’s iodine is that nascent iodine allows the body to efficiently absorb iodine, whereas Lugol’s iodine shows low efficiency in iodine absorption since iodine in it is bound to the mineral salt potassium.
Nascent iodine and Lugol’s iodine are medications containing iodine as a component. Nascent iodine is a liquid that is used as an oral supplement of iodine, while Lugol’s iodine is a solution of potassium iodide and iodine in water.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Nascent Iodine
3. What is Lugol’s Iodine
4. Side by Side Comparison – Nascent Iodine vs Lugol’s Iodine in Tabular Form
5. Summary
What is Nascent Iodine?
Nascent iodine is a liquid that is used as an oral supplement of iodine. It is also known as atomic iodine or Atomidine (the general trademark). The misname of this liquid is detoxified iodine. It is considered that this liquid form contains a monoatomic state of iodine. However, there is no evidence to prove that this form of iodine is superior or distinct from the tincture of iodine.
Manufacturers use various methods to produce Nascent iodine. Some manufacturers also tend to mix nascent iodine with other supplements, including some herbs in the bottle. This way, the positively charged ions can bond with the free form of iodine in this liquid, e.g. sodium cation, potassium cation, etc. The binding of these cations can cause the formation of sodium iodide and potassium iodide. This nullifies the nascent state of the nascent iodine. However, for research purposes, nascent iodine is formed via chemical methods such as electrolysis, using laser, etc. however, this type of nascent iodine is short-lived since its half-life is very short. Moreover, this type of nascent iodine is not a consumable form.
What is Lugol’s Iodine?
Lugol’s iodine is a solution of potassium iodide and iodine in water. It is also known as aqueous iodine and strong iodine solution. This solution is useful as a medication and as a disinfectant. Routes of administration for this solution include topical application and oral administration. The chemical formula of Lugol’s solution is I3K, while its molar mass is 419.8 g/mol.
Figure 01: Lugol’s Iodine Solution in a Bottle
When taking this medicine orally, it is important in treating thyrotoxicosis until carrying out surgery. Therefore, we can protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine and can also treat iodine deficiency. Moreover, if we apply it to the cervix, it can help screening for cervical cancer. In addition, we can use Lugol’s iodine as a disinfectant where we can apply it on small wounds, including needlestick injuries.
There can be side effects of Lugol’s iodine, including allergic reactions, headache, vomiting, and inflammation of the whites of the eyes. Further, there can be long term effects as well, which include trouble sleeping and depression. Typically, we should not use this solution during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Difference Between Nascent Iodine and Lugol’s Iodine
Nascent iodine is a liquid that is used as an oral supplement of iodine, while Lugol’s iodine is a solution of potassium iodide and iodine in water. The key difference between nascent iodine and Lugol’s iodine is that nascent iodine allows the body to efficiently absorb iodine, whereas Lugol’s iodine shows low efficiency in iodine absorption since iodine in it is bound to the mineral salt potassium.
Below is a summary of the difference between nascent iodine and Lugol’s iodine in tabular form for side by side comparison.
Summary – Nascent Iodine vs Lugol’s Iodine
Nascent iodine is a liquid that is used as an oral supplement of iodine. Lugol’s iodine is a solution of potassium iodide and iodine in water. The key difference between nascent iodine and Lugol’s iodine is that nascent iodine allows the body to efficiently absorb iodine, whereas Lugol’s iodine shows low efficiency in iodine absorption by our body because the iodine is bound to mineral salt potassium.
Reference:
1. “Nascent Iodine vs Lugol’s: Potassium Iodine.” Cedar Bear Naturales.
Image Courtesy:
1. “2% Lugol’s Iodine Solution Drops Thyroid Support Supplement 2oz” By Marc bouk – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia