Phenobarbital alone or in combination with bromide can also lead to the development of hypertriglyceridemia in dogs, a known risk factor for pancreatitis (67). Despite this, the impact of bromide in contributing to hypertriglyceridemia is currently unknown and evidence to support a clear causal relationship between bromide treatment and pancreatitis also seems to still be lacking. Reductions in phenobarbital dosage were possible in 35% (23) and 70% (58) of dogs, after the addition of bromide. In a study by Trepanier et al. (27) addition of bromide made possible to discontinue barbiturate treatment (phenobarbital or primidone) in 19% of the dogs. However, for many individuals, dietary iodine alone may not be sufficient. Approximately 2 billion people worldwide suffer from some form of iodine deficiency.

Medicinal and veterinary uses

In large amounts, bromide can be toxic to humans and can cause a range of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and coma. To prevent bromide toxicity, it is important to follow safety protocols when working with bromide-containing chemicals and to avoid ingesting or inhaling large amounts of bromide. It is important to mention that the suggested bromide therapeutic serum concentrations should not be seen as an absolute truth.

Which Food Contains Bromide?

  • Bromide can also be found in certain foods, such as seafood, grains, and nuts, as well as in some water sources.
  • The revised IDHL (immediately dangerous to life or health consideration) is 3 ppm based on acute inhalation toxicity data in humans.
  • Finally, if you think that you have bromide toxicity, many experts recommend doing a “salt loading bromide flush;” ample information about this can be found online.
  • Changes in chloride intake can occur with changes in dietary salt (sodium chloride) content.

Salt, which provides a large amount of the chloride, can also help the body eliminate bromine. It aims to rebalance iodine levels and support overall health, particularly in cases of iodine deficiency and thyroid-related issues. The purpose of an iodine detox, also known as iodine loading, is to help remove toxic elements like bromide, fluoride, and chlorine from the body. In some cases, nutritional supplements may be recommended to support detoxification and balance iodine levels. Keeping a journal of symptoms can help you track progress and identify any adverse reactions that may require adjustments in your detox protocol. Hydration helps in flushing out toxins and supports overall bodily functions.

Listen to Your Body

A “mini” loading dose of 225–250 mg/kg was also suggested to provide rapid adjustments on bromide serum concentrations in patients where this might be required (44). A study by Gindiciosi et al. (14) described a loading protocol that consisted of the oral administration 600 mg/kg of KBr split into multiple doses and given over a 48-h period in association with a maintenance dose of 30 mg/kg/day. This protocol was effective in achieving bromide therapeutic concentrations in most patients.

bromide detox

If you decide to start iodine detox, make sure to do it gradually, and consult a qualified doctor to aid you through your journey. Some individuals find relief from detox symptoms through complementary therapies such as massage, acupuncture, or sauna sessions. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements. One of the most critical periods for iodine intake is during pregnancy, as iodine is crucial for fetal brain development.

Natural occurrence

From the air we breathe to the food we consume, harmful substances are ubiquitous. While organ-specific cleanses are popular, it’s bromide detox crucial to recognize the power of certain nutrients that can aid in detoxification on a daily basis. Iodine stands out as a particularly effective mineral for this purpose, offering a range of health benefits, including the detoxification of vaccine ingredients like heavy metals. Here’s how iodine can help detoxify your body and enhance overall health. Bromism is the syndrome which results from the long-term consumption of bromine, usually through bromine-based sedatives such as potassium bromide and lithium bromide.

What Happens if Bromine Is Consumed?

For this reason, in canine patients, bromide steady-state concentrations are expected to take 2–3 months to achieve (44). Despite this, therapeutic serum concentrations can still be achieved before reaching steady-state concentrations, what can justify the administration of initial loading doses in selected patients (35). Managing epilepsy effectively in veterinary patients remains a challenging aspect of veterinary neurology since poorly controlled seizures can severely impact both the patient’s and the owner’s quality of life. Additionally, a 20–30% of epileptic dogs are refractory to treatment (23, 27, 93, 94), a phenomenon also observed in human medicine (95). If used as an add-on treatment, in association with phenobarbital or primidone, bromide serum concentrations between 700 and 2,000 mg/L (26) and 880–2,470 mg/kg (23) proved to be effective in improving seizure control. In a retrospective study, Boothe et al. (41) reported adverse effects in 8 out of 17 feline patients receiving bromide.

Megaoesophagus has been anecdotally reported (68), although whether there is a causal relation with bromide treatment remains unclear. Neurological and behavioral signs were the most reported adverse effects among different veterinary species (63). The information presented in this review aims to enhance the understanding of primary practitioners and veterinary neurologists regarding the current insights into the use of bromide in epileptic patients.

  • Mysterious red moles appeared on researchers’ bodies after working for extended periods of time with brominated compounds.
  • In canine patients, potassium bromide dosage as add-on therapy (e.g., in association with phenobarbital) is 20–40 mg/kg/day (11, 26, 28, 44, 51).
  • Reckless use of this medication with excessively high doses and lack of adequate follow-up were also one of the suspected reasons behind the development of unacceptable mental dullness and apathy in people (21).

In contrast to the United States, where bromide has yet to be approved for use, it has been approved for distribution in other countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia. Bromine is an alternative disinfectant in spas, swimming pools, and cooling tower water. However, it is not used in municipal drinking water due to its cost and concerns regarding the formation of DBP (disinfection byproducts). Bromide concentration can be determined by a spectrophotometric, gold chloride method (80).

What are the Health Risks for Bromide?

Additionally, iodine is involved in supporting the immune system, promoting healthy skin, and aiding in cognitive function. Optimal iodine supplementation has also been linked to improved antioxidant status, particularly in pregnant women and those managing chronic health conditions (Vidal et al., 2014). Skin exposure to bromine may occur due to contact with gaseous or liquid bromine.