The Jesse Chappus Show 695: Why 97% of People Are Iodine Deficient | Dr. David Brownstein
Mar 10, 2026
Dr. David Brownstein, a board-certified family physician and iodine authority, shares clinical stories and protocols. He debunks iodine myths and traces population declines. He explains forms, dosing, testing, and safety, plus interactions with halides, thyroid conditions, cancer cases, pediatric care, pregnancy, and adjunct nutrients.
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Iodine Deficiency Is Inversely Correlated With Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
- Iodine deficiency has increased while autoimmune thyroid disease rose, showing an inverse correlation that contradicts the claim "iodine causes Hashimoto's."
- Dr. David Brownstein cites NHANES data and historical trends showing iodine levels fell ~50% over 50 years while autoimmune thyroid rates skyrocketed.
Start Adults At 25 mg Daily And Adjust With Testing
- Start most adults at ~25 mg elemental iodine daily and monitor levels; children start lower (12.5 mg) scaled by weight.
- Dr. David Brownstein observed his clinic's average thyroid hormone dose fell from ~120 mg to ~30–60 mg after adding iodine.
Follow The Rule Of Thirds When Adding Iodine To Thyroid Patients
- When adding iodine to patients already on thyroid hormone, apply the rule of thirds: one third stop needing hormone, one third need half dose, one third unchanged.
- Monitor clinically and retest thyroid function as you reduce medication.
