Nascent Iodine: Glycerin vs. Alcohol
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about the best form of nascent iodine – should it be glycerin based or alcohol based? Consuming pure iodine directly is neither practical nor safe, so it must be stabilized in a medium, which can either be alcohol or vegetable glycerin.
What’s the Difference?
The alcohol in nascent iodine products is simply ethanol, which is the same type of alcohol found in drinks. However, alcohol is an intoxicant and might not be suitable for everyone—especially children, recovering alcoholics, or pets. Additionally, much of the alcohol available today is derived from genetically modified corn.
On the other hand, glycerin—sometimes called glycerine, glycerol, or glycerite—is often derived from animals. However, safer, vegetable-based glycerin can come from palm, non-GMO soy, non-GMO corn, or other safe sources. It’s gentle, effective, and doesn’t pose the same risks as alcohol consumption. When choosing vegetable glycerin for nascent iodine, it should be certified organic or USP grade/kosher certified.
A Brief History of Glycerin
Glycerin was first created in the late 1700s from the saponification of fats and oils. It’s a colorless, odorless, syrupy liquid with a sweet taste. Despite its oily texture, it’s not an oil or sugar but a triatomic alcohol. Known for its excellent moisturizing properties, glycerin began to be used in medicine around 1844 for skin diseases and as a meat preservative in the 1840s. By the 1850s, it was recognized as one of the best solvents and extraction mediums.
At a Glance: The Benefits of Vegetable Glycerin
Glycerin is an amazing substance. It doesn’t evaporate, absorbs moisture, doesn’t spoil, and has an antiseptic effect on organic materials. Its moisturizing capability makes it non-irritating to the skin, soothing burns and acting as an excellent wound dressing. Internally, glycerin is gentle enough to deliver ulcer medications comfortably.
Is Alcohol Toxic to the Body?
Alcohol offers no nutritional benefits and studies have shown its harmful effects. It concentrates in cell membranes, altering their function, which is why it intoxicates. Research has linked alcohol consumption to cancer cases, weakened immune response to viral infections, and toxic, DNA-damaging breakdown products like acetaldehyde. Furthermore, alcohol has been found to be more harmful than tobacco and some illegal drugs.
Vegetable Glycerin and Nascent Iodine
Vegetable glycerin is highly effective at holding and stabilizing iodine. One key advantage of glycerin-based nascent iodine is that it maximizes the absorption of iodine, which carries an electromagnetic charge. A proprietary “sonic boom” process breaks the diatomic bond of iodine, resulting in monatomic, nascent iodine that the body easily absorbs. Unlike diatomic iodine/iodide products such as Lugol’s, nascent iodine provides numerous benefits and has been regarded as safe and effective since the 1920s.
Benefits of Using Glycerin Instead of Alcohol for Nascent Iodine Production
Better Absorption: Unlike alcohol, which can dry out tissues, glycerin is a humectant that hydrates and promotes better absorption of iodine. It even triggers salivation, aiding in the absorption process.
Better Preservative: Glycerin preserves the integrity of substances it encapsulates without altering their structure, unlike alcohol, which denatures and inactivates beneficial components.
Better Solvent: While alcohol is a cheap solvent, glycerin is natural, non-toxic, and extracts more constituents. Its iodine-friendly nature makes it the superior choice for nascent iodine production.
Better Micro-Encapsulating Properties: Glycerin offers gentle encapsulation that preserves ingredients fully, reducing negative reactions and degradation.
Better for Children: Alcohol is unsuitable for children, who may lack necessary enzymes for its metabolism. Glycerin, however, is safe and gentle.
Tastes Great, Doesn’t Burn: Vegetable glycerin is mildly sweet and doesn’t produce the harsh burning sensation of alcohol-based iodine, improving taste and absorption.
Doesn’t Upset Blood Sugar: Glycerin converts to sugar slowly, avoiding spikes in blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for individuals managing diabetes or weight loss.
More Stable, Longer Shelf Life: Unlike alcohol-based iodine, which can degrade, glycerin maintains stability and preserves the product over time.
No Cross Contamination: Glycerin-based iodine can be taken directly without the risk of contamination from chlorine or fluoride present in water, unlike alcohol-based iodine which is typically mixed in water.
More Safe: Stringent production standards ensure glycerin’s safety as a preservative. In contrast, alcohol is toxic and can be problematic for liver health and unsuitable for children and pets.
Safe for Pets: Pets also suffer from iodine deficiencies. Vegetable glycerin-based nascent iodine is safe for them, while alcohol-based products are not.
Does Not Dehydrate: Glycerin’s moisturizing properties make it ideal for maintaining hydration in skin and mucous tissues, distinguishing it from dehydrating alcohol.
The Bottom Line: There’s No Advantage to Alcohol
Alcohol doesn’t taste good, it’s harmful to the liver, and it’s not suitable for children or pets. Glycerin, on the other hand, is non-toxic, tastes better, and is a more effective solvent and preservative. In all respects, glycerin is a superior medium for nascent iodine.
Vegetable Glycerin Based Iodine is the Best
If you’re seeking a nascent iodine supplement, vegetable glycerin-based nascent iodine offers the most benefits. Compared to alcohol, glycerin ensures a health-promoting form of iodine that excels in safety, efficacy, and user experience.