Over the last few months, we've been getting more calls in which customers are asking us where we get the potassium iodide and iodine crystal that goes into our manufacture of our Lugol's Iodine. Because kelp has been a major dietary source of iodine for eons, there is the general perception that all iodine comes from the sea.
This is not, however, the case when it comes to pharmaceutical-grade iodine ingredients and products. Iodine products are now derived from "caliche" and oil-based "brines". No one is manufacturing pharmaceutical-grade iodine compounds from sea-based raw materials for the simple reason that it isn't cost effective.
Heightened concern about where iodine is coming from is being fueled by the contamination of the Pacific, as a result of the Fukushima disaster. [If you don't realize how severe this ongoing crisis is, we recommend listening to a 92 minute primer by nuclear scientist, Dr. Leuren Moret (Dec., 2013).]
As to a specific source, both our potassium iodine and iodine crystal products are manufactured by G. Amphray Laboratories, based in Mumbia, India. (Previously, we had been purchasing iodine crystal from Malinckrodt Baker, Inc., based in Phillipsburg, NJ).
Any further questions on this subject can be addressed to : "[email protected]."

Cathryn Caton, N.D.
Alpha Omega Labs
Guayaquil, Ecuador
January 17, 2014