Nascent iodine (dietary supplement) when taken orally, as a gland purifier and cleanser, especially affecting the thyroid, thymus, adrenals, and other ductless glands, and stimulating "the circulation through lungs, heart, liver and kidneys." (3535-1) This reaction upon the glands would create “perfect coordination between the glandular forces of the body” (1933-1) and "build strength to the whole anatomical condition of the body." (1475-1) Another reading stated that "most glands function as machinery would under oil. The iodine being the oil for the gland, see?" (294-130). (the numbers that follow each quote from the readings refer to the reading filing code in the A.R.E. files)
Iodine demonstrated that these animals could survive after eating a 14000 mg/kg dose). Excess iodine can be more cytotoxic in the presence of selenium deficiency. Iodine supplementation in selenium-deficient populations is, in theory, problematic, partly for this reason. The toxicity derives from its oxidizing properties, through which it denaturates proteins (including enzymes). Elemental iodine is also a skin irritant, and direct contact with skin can cause damage and solid iodine crystals should be handled with care. Solutions with high elemental iodine concentration, such as tincture of iodine and Lugol's solution, are capable of causing tissue damage if used in prolonged cleaning