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ELIVIDE Wellness Journal

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What Is Iodine? The Halogen Inside Each Of Your Cells

by Matt Jarosy

What Is Iodine? The Halogen Inside Each Of Your Cells

In conjuction with the release of our latest supplement, we wanted to talk a little bit more about Iodine. Our new organic seaweed blend contains 346ug of wholefood iodine which equates to 230% of the RNI (reference nutrient intake), but why do we need it? and what really is iodine? Bernard courtois was the man who first discovered iodine which is a halogen if you're looking at the periodic table. He was originally making gunpowder from potassium and sodium but accidentally added too much sulphuric acid to seaweed ash and observed a distinct purple colour. This was the birth of iodine ('iodes' in greek means violet-coloured).  There are naturally occurring non-radioactive and radioactive iodine forms. Radioactive iodine has uses in medicine to diagnose and treat certain conditions whereas natural forms come in many sources like seaweed.  In human health iodine is often misunderstood. It is a micronutrient that is found in each of your cells but is a relatively rare earth element ranking 62. It is typically concentrated in sea organisms such as seaweed which means the further inland you go, the further you get away from iodine and the more prevalent iodine deficiency becomes. This is highlighted by what was known as 'the goilter belt' (areas within Great Lakes, Appalachian, and Northwestern U.S. regions etc) which had high prevalences of iodine deficiency. Goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland; when a gland doesn’t get what it needs, it typically increases its surface area in an attempt to find more of its missing micronutrient, in this case iodine. In order to combat the epidemic of goiter happening worldwide governments began adding iodine to salt products (iodized salt) and although this did have an impact on the prevalence of goiter, it did not address the wider issues. Between 1970s - 2000 studies by NHANES still showed a 50% drop in iodine levels across the US (similar figures in many parts of europe) with the percentage of pregnant women with low iodine concentrations increasing 690% over this time period. The question is, why was this? This was likely due to a couple of different reasons including reduced dietary intake and exposure to other halides such as bromide and flouride. Specific functions of iodine Iodine is an essential ingredient for thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) which are key hormones in the regulation of your metabolic rate. Every single cell in your body depends on adequate levels of thyroid hormone.  Deficiencies or overdoses of iodine are risk factors in hypothyroidism and autoimmune diseases like Graves and Hashimotos. Iodine is not found in large quantities in the body although there’s around 15-20mg in the thyroid of an average adult. The thyroid gland concentrates it there using a system known as the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) of which the mammary glands have the same mechanism for concentrating iodine. But it's not just the thyroid gland, iodine might just be one of, if not the most important micronutrient for breast health. There is a wealth of research showing the connection between iodine deficiency and breast cancer. As mentioned, the breasts also have a sodium/iodide transport system, concentrating iodine there. The concentration of iodine in mammary glands and its secretion here highlights the importance of iodine. Low levels conclusively cause changes to the structure and function of the breasts. It’s worth noting that in animal studies, iodide is ineffective at reversing pre-cancerous lesions of breast tissue whereas iodine is much more effective.  Iodine also helps prevent lipoperoxidation (the oxidation of lipids) which has been found to be elevated in breast tumours and can help balance estrogen by maintaining the estrogen/estriol ratio. When there is an imbalance in estrogen ratios (estrone, estriol and estrogen), women can suffer from things like fibrocystic breasts, a condition where breasts have cysts which are usually painful to touch. In cancer, iodine has the ability to induce apoptosis, the process of timed cell death which is essential for the regulation of cancer in the body. It does this through a few mechanisms like the iodination of lipids. It really does pack a punch in the anti-oxidant department.  Why we might need more iodine now One of the issues around halogens is that they like to compete in the body. Other halides, particularly bromide and fluoride can bind to iodine receptors in the body, blocking absorption. Bromide has no place in the body. It is a toxic compound which is used as a flame retardant in many furnishings and in baked goods as a dough conditioner. Fluoride is also added to many water supplies to help strengthen teeth but it comes at a cost. Furthermore, perchlorate, another halogen which contains one atom of chlorine and four atoms of oxygen, further displaces iodine. Perchlorate has contaminated many water supplies due to poor disposal. It is used in a variety of products like air bags, leather tanning, fireworks and in rocket fuel. The introduction of these compounds, on top of low dietary intake is a recipe for deficiencies. This is one of the reasons why some scientists believe the RNI is inadequate.

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Organic Ingredients benefits

by Matt Jarosy

Why Choose Organic? How We Select Ingredients

Why Choose Organic Ingredients? At ELIVIDE, purity begins with the source. While not every product in our range is fully certified organic, many of our formulations contain select organic ingredients — sourced from trusted suppliers and certified by the Soil Association where applicable. The Soil Association symbol remains one of the most recognised and respected marks of organic certification worldwide, guaranteeing ingredients that meet high standards for sustainability and safety. What Organic Certification Means Organic certification goes far beyond marketing. The Soil Association Organic Standard ensures that crops are grown and processed without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Instead of chemical inputs, organic farming focuses on natural systems that enrich the soil and sustain life. Rather than relying on artificial fertilisers, organic farmers improve soil fertility through compost, green manures, and crop rotation. Weeds and pests are managed by mechanical weeding, beneficial insects, and crop diversity — not through synthetic chemical sprays. This regenerative approach nurtures living soil, biodiversity, and long-term resilience. Health and Pesticide Exposure One of the key reasons we choose organic ingredients is to reduce exposure to pesticide residues commonly found on conventionally grown crops. Decades of research have raised concerns about how repeated, low-level exposure to agricultural chemicals can affect human health. A 2004 review co-authored by the U.S. National Cancer Institute concluded that “epidemiological evidence clearly suggests that, at current exposures, pesticides adversely affect human health.” Further, a 2013 report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) examined over 600 studies and found strong associations between pesticide exposure and childhood leukemia, asthma, Parkinson’s disease, and certain cancers. Many pesticides are also recognised as endocrine disruptors — compounds that can interfere with hormone regulation and metabolism. While single exposures may be minor, the cumulative effect over years can impact the body’s natural balance. By using organically grown ingredients wherever possible, we significantly reduce this potential burden. Environmental Benefits of Organic Farming Choosing organic is also a choice for the planet. Organic agriculture prioritises ecological harmony, treating soil as a living system rather than an inert medium. Healthy soil captures carbon, holds water, and supports thriving microbial life — all crucial for sustainable food production. Studies consistently show that organic farms support up to 50% more wildlife abundance compared to conventional systems. Pollinators such as bees and butterflies thrive in pesticide-free environments, while natural predators keep pest populations balanced. This interconnected web of life helps restore biodiversity and protect ecosystems from chemical runoff and pollution. Why Organic Ingredients Matter in Supplements Organic plant materials don’t just reduce exposure to unwanted chemicals — they also retain a higher density of antioxidants, phytonutrients, and enzymes compared to conventionally farmed equivalents. These natural cofactors work synergistically with vitamins and minerals, supporting better nutrient absorption and biological compatibility. When sourcing for our supplements, we prioritise organic ingredients that provide wholefood complexity rather than synthetic isolates. This ensures each formulation aligns with human biology and delivers nutrients in their natural matrix — just as they occur in food. Our Approach to Organic Sourcing ELIVIDE’s goal is to combine purity, science, and sustainability. While not every ingredient can be certified organic due to availability or stability, we always prioritise organic sourcing where quality, potency, and environmental impact align. For example, our Eclipse Wholefood Vitamin C includes organic acerola, camu camu, and amla berry — three of nature’s richest vitamin C sources. Each fruit is grown using organic methods, free from synthetic pesticides or genetic modification. This ensures that every capsule delivers a pure, plant-based nutrient complex that supports immunity, collagen formation, and antioxidant protection naturally. All our formulations are additive-free, encapsulated in plant-based pullulan capsules, and produced using renewable energy in the UK. This reflects our broader mission: to create supplements that support not only personal wellbeing but also the ecosystems that sustain us. Organic for a Healthier Future Supporting organic farming practices extends benefits far beyond personal health. It encourages biodiversity, reduces pollution, and builds more resilient food systems for the future. Even when used selectively within a formulation, organic ingredients uphold principles of transparency, traceability, and environmental respect. By choosing supplements crafted with organic wholefood ingredients, you support a system that values soil, farmers, and long-term ecological balance. Every organic ingredient represents a step toward a cleaner, more sustainable way of nourishing both body and planet. In Summary While not every ELIVIDE product is fully certified organic, our commitment to purity and sustainability guides every sourcing decision we make. We use certified organic ingredients wherever possible — and always prioritise clean, additive-free, and ethically produced raw materials. Organic ingredients aren’t just a label; they represent a philosophy of integrity. At ELIVIDE, that philosophy underpins everything we do — creating supplements that work in harmony with your body and with nature itself.

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