What specific risk does high iodine exposure pose to individuals diagnosed with Graves’ disease?

Answer

High iodine exposure is especially problematic and may reduce the efficacy of their antithyroid medications.

Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition resulting in hyperthyroidism, meaning the body already produces an overabundance of thyroid hormone. The goal of treatment is to reduce this excess hormone production. Introducing high levels of iodine via concentrated kelp supplements directly counteracts this treatment goal because more iodine drives further thyroid hormone production. Furthermore, this excess iodine is specifically noted to potentially diminish the effectiveness of the antithyroid medications prescribed to manage the overactivity, thus undermining the entire established course of treatment.

What specific risk does high iodine exposure pose to individuals diagnosed with Graves’ disease?
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