THYROID FUNCTION

Bromine

Br — Element #35

also known as Bromide, Potassium bromide, Sodium bromide

Bromine (as bromide ion) is present in all mammalian tissues and is now considered a potentially essential ultratrace element based on a 2014 discovery that bromide is required for the biosynthesis of collagen IV, a critical component of basement membranes. Animal models deprived of dietary bromide show impaired tissue development. Whether a definitive human dietary requirement exists is still under investigation.

Bromide functions as an obligatory cofactor for the enzyme peroxidasin in sulfilimine cross-link formation in collagen IV
Collagen IV is essential for basement membrane assembly in tissues throughout the body, including kidney, lung, and retina
Animal studies show bromide deprivation causes developmental defects in tissues dependent on basement membrane integrity
Evidence of a specific human deficiency syndrome or therapeutic benefit of supplementation has not been established

Active in Br⁻ (bromide ion).

No established RDA or UL; dietary bromide from whole foods is considered safe at normal intake levels

Historical use of potassium bromide as a sedative/anticonvulsant (bromism) at gram-level doses causes neurotoxicity: psychosis, ataxia, and skin rash

Bromide can compete with iodide for thyroid uptake at high doses, potentially impairing thyroid function

Bromide-containing medications are no longer approved for human use in the U.S. due to toxicity concerns; veterinary potassium bromide is still used for seizure control in dogs

Evidence is very early; bromine supplementation is not supported by current nutritional guidelines

NCBI — Bromine is an Essential Trace Element (McCall 2014) · NCBI — Bromide Biology and Toxicology Review

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