1. Abstract

1.- ABSTRACT

Of all the elements known so far to be essential for human health, iodine is the most misunderstood and the most feared. Yet iodine is the safest of all the essential trace elements, being the only one that can be administered safely for long periods of time to large number of patients in daily amounts as high as 100,000 times the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance). However this safety record only applies to inorganic nonradioactive forms of iodine. Based on a review of the literature, both forms, iodine and iodide, are needed for optimal function of every organ and cell of the human body.

Iodine is one of the most versatile elements reflecting the number of functionalities associated with its atomic structure including a heavy nucleus and a large electronic orbital system.

This versatility is reflected in the number of applications of substantial industrial and practical significance of iodine.

These range from X-ray contrast agents essential in the diagnosis of various pathologies – and nutrition for humans, animals and plants to pollution control where iodine allows to abate mercury emissions out of coal fired power plants or water and stain repellent coatings for textiles and paper.

While finding widespread applications iodine is characterized by a narrow supply structure two countries Chile and Japan accounting for close to 90% of the world output. Selenium is a required component of at least 11 enzymes. Without selenium, these enzymes would be nonfunctional. Life itself is not possible without selenium.