Infowars.com, radio host Alex Jones' virtual mecca for conspiracy theorists, preppers, and otherwise non-sheeple alike, is full of bullshit. But the most spectacular of this particular brand of insanity lies in its online store. Where you can buy a chance to save yourself from the New World Order—in bulk.
Most of Alex Jones' "cures" to what ail us (namely fluoride in our water, the constant threat of a nuclear strike, logical conclusions, etc.) are just some variation of iodine supplement. Specifically, they lay claim to the very fancy-sounding nascent iodine.
But what is nascent iodine? And how does it manage to fight (objectively harmless) fluoridated water, clean our lungs, and do whatever the hell "X-2 Shield" is supposed to do? According to Consumer Labs, it doesn't [emphasis added]:
"Nascent iodine" was used by the American mysticist, Edgar Cayce, to describe [a single atom of iodide unbound to any other atom]—apparently created by adding electromagnetic or another form of energy. However, when this free form of iodide is exposed to a positively charged ion, such as sodium or potassium, as it would be in a liquid supplement, it will bind with these to form sodium iodide or potassium iodide.
Therefore, if you are buying a supplement promoted as "nascent iodine", it is most likely sodium iodide or potassium iodide. There do not appear to be any published, placebo-controlled studies on "nascent iodine" for thyroid support or any other use.
In other words, the minute any of this stuff is mixed into a supplement, it becomes effectively indistinguishable from the iodized salt on your table—just doled out at absurd, potentially dangerous doses. Because according to the National Institute of Health, "Potassium iodide should only be used in a radiation emergency, not in advance of an emergency to prevent sickness" and "adults should avoid prolonged use of doses higher than 1,100 mcg per day."
Which is unfortunate, considering that Survival Shield X-2 gives you a solid dose of about 2,000 mcg per day. And the only real benefit offered? According to the Infowars site, "Proper iodine levels may provide support for normal response to environmental and dietary toxins." So sufficient iodine levels, which the vast majority of Americans already receive thanks to iodized salt, maybe help you respond normally to "toxins" in your diet. A normal response which would, of course, be illness. And all for the low, one time cost of $60 (currently on sale for $30!).
Of course, there is more than just "nascent iodine" involved. In Lung Cleanse, for instance, you'll find peppermint, plantains, and orange peels, which, other than being delicious, have no scientific backing for combating "our toxic air."
In addition to the iodine offerings, the Infowars store hocks various vitamin supplements at wildly inflated prices and with sensational names, like the vitamin B supplement "Secret 12."
Many of which are available for a fraction of the cost at any drug store in the country, and will have just the same generally negligible effect.
Then again, that's what They want you to think. So might as well take ten.
Image by Michael Hession