In human
physiology, iodine is primarily noted for its role in thyroid function and less
so for its many extrathyroidal functions, particularly those based on its
antioxidant properties. As I
- it protects against free radicals and
peroxides. This is seen
in vitro in
decreased depolymerization of hyaluronic acid and increased antioxidant status
in human serum, and
in vivo in
increased antioxidant enzyme activities and decreases of malondialdehyde and
peroxides. It could be shown or deduced that balneotherapeutic applications of
iodine/iodide have a positive effect on cardiocirculatory diseases, respiratory
disorders, some eye diseases (dry eye, cataract, age-related macular
degeneration), and other degenerative diseases connected with increased
oxidative stress that are also treated by balneotherapy.