What is Bromine?
Bromine is a trace element and halogen (chemical element symbol: Br, atomic number 35) that exists naturally in the environment. It is found in the Earth's crust, seawater, and various foods. In 2014, groundbreaking research identified bromine as potentially the 28th element essential for human life, though this designation is still being confirmed by the scientific community.
Forms of Bromine:
Elemental Bromine: A reddish-brown volatile liquid at room temperature (highly toxic)
Bromide Ion: The safe, biologically active form found in foods and the body
Organic Bromine Compounds: Various brominated molecules in nature
For nutritional and health purposes, we focus on bromide (the ion form), which is the safe, biologically utilized form found in foods and supplements.
Primary Functions & Benefits
Essential Functions (Emerging Research):
Collagen IV Formation: Critical cofactor for assembling collagen IV scaffolds in connective tissues, basement membranes, and tissue development
Structural Support: Enables proper bonding of collagen molecules for tissue architecture
Cellular Function: May play roles in neurological signaling and cellular communication
Potential Health Benefits:
Supports healthy connective tissue development
May contribute to proper thyroid regulation (in appropriate amounts)
Historically used for anti-seizure properties (medicinal doses)
May support sleep quality and REM sleep
Possible role in immune system function (eosinophil peroxidase activity)
May influence neurotransmitter signaling
Important Note: Most research on bromine's benefits is preliminary. Unlike established essential nutrients, optimal intake ranges are not yet clearly defined.
Recommended Daily Amounts
Current Guidelines:
No official RDA has been established because bromine's essentiality is still being confirmed.
Estimated Safe/Adequate Intake:
Adults: Around 8 mg/day appears adequate based on typical dietary intake
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI): 1 mg/kg body weight (approximately 50-70 mg for most adults)
Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI): 1 mg/kg body weight per day
Typical Dietary Intake:
United States: 2-8 mg/day from normal food consumption
Netherlands Studies: 7.6-7.8 mg/person per day average
Note: Most people obtain sufficient bromine through regular diet. Supplementation is rarely necessary and not typically recommended.
Food Sources
High Bromine Content Foods:
Nuts: Brazil nuts (87 mcg/g), English walnuts (76 mcg/g), almonds (20 mcg/g), pistachios (16 mcg/g)
Seafood: Fish (4.6-8.0 mg/kg), shellfish, seaweed, kelp, sea salt
Grains: Wheat, cereals, bread products (10-19 mg/kg)
Moderate Bromine Content:
Legumes: Beans, lentils (0.70-5.0 mg/kg)
Dairy Products: Milk and cheese (1.7-5.5 mg/kg)
Meat: Meat products (2.1-4.0 mg/kg)
Vegetables: Green vegetables (0.9-5.8 mg/kg), root vegetables (0.36-3.2 mg/kg)
Oils and Fats: (5-22 mg/kg)
Lower Bromine Content:
Fruits: Most fruits (0.07-4.9 mg/kg)
Potatoes: Potato products (0.55-16 mg/kg)
Beverages: Drinking water (0.09-0.30 mg/kg)
Note: Bromine content varies based on soil conditions, agricultural practices, and processing methods.
Supplementation Guidelines
Availability:
Bromine is NOT commonly available as a standalone dietary supplement in most countries and is generally not recommended for supplementation.
Historical Medical Uses:
Potassium Bromide: Historically used as sedative and anti-epileptic (3-5 grams therapeutic dose)
Sodium Bromide: Used for seizure control
Lithium Bromide: Former sedative use
These medicinal forms are largely discontinued in the United States due to toxicity risks and availability of safer alternatives.
Timing & Administration (Historical/Medical):
When bromide was used medically:
Taken with meals to reduce gastrointestinal irritation
No specific time of day preference
Long elimination half-life (9-12 days) allows for accumulation
Synergistic Nutrients
Take WITH Bromine (Protective Interactions):
Iodine: Adequate iodine intake protects against bromide toxicity as they compete for receptors
Chloride/Salt: Regular salt intake helps flush excess bromide from the body
Water: Adequate hydration supports bromide excretion
Nutrients That Work Together:
Maintaining adequate iodine status is critical when bromine exposure is elevated
Chloride competes with and can replace bromide in tissues
Interactions & What NOT to Combine
Critical Interactions:
Iodine Deficiency: Makes bromide toxicity more severe; bromine displaces iodine from receptors
Low Chloride Diet: Increases bromide retention and toxicity risk
Dehydration: Reduces bromide excretion
Medications/Substances to Avoid:
Multiple bromine sources: Avoid combining brominated medications, brominated vegetable oils, and high bromide foods
Thyroid medications: Bromine can interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis
Environmental Exposures to Limit:
Brominated flame retardants (furniture, carpets, electronics)
Brominated pool/spa treatments
Brominated pesticides
Brominated vegetable oils (BVO) in soft drinks (Mountain Dew, some Gatorade, Fresca, Orange Crush)
Who Should Consider Monitoring Bromine Intake
May Need Adequate Intake:
Individuals on long term hemodialysis (bromine is removed during dialysis)
People on total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
Those with documented bromine deficiency (very rare)
Individuals with collagen formation disorders (theoretical, not established)
General Population:
Most people obtain sufficient bromine through normal dietary intake and do not need supplementation or special attention to bromine consumption.
Who Should AVOID High Bromine Exposure
Contraindications:
Iodine deficient individuals: Bromine worsens hypothyroid symptoms
Thyroid disorder patients: Can interfere with thyroid hormone production
Pregnant/breastfeeding women: Avoid excess exposure (safe dietary intake is acceptable)
People with kidney disease: Impaired bromide excretion
Individuals with neurological conditions: May worsen symptoms
Use Caution:
Those consuming brominated soft drinks regularly
People with high occupational exposure (flame retardants, pesticides)
Individuals using multiple bromine containing products
Anyone with a history of bromism
Deficiency Symptoms
True dietary bromine deficiency has NOT been clearly documented in humans. Research is still emerging regarding whether humans actually require dietary bromine.
Theoretical/Animal Research Findings:
Growth retardation (observed in some animals)
Reduced fertility and life expectancy (animal studies)
Insomnia and poor sleep quality (hypothesized)
Impaired collagen formation (theoretical based on mechanism)
Reduced immune function (based on eosinophil peroxidase findings)
At Risk Populations:
Patients on chronic hemodialysis (documented low levels)
Individuals on long term TPN without trace mineral supplementation
Important: Because optimal bromine levels are not established, "deficiency" is difficult to diagnose.
Toxicity Symptoms (Bromism)
Bromism is the condition resulting from excessive bromine/bromide exposure. Historically common when bromide was widely used medicinally, it is now rare.
Early/Mild Toxicity Symptoms:
Fatigue and lethargy
Headache
Irritability and mood changes
Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Skin problems (acne, rash, dryness)
Nausea and gastrointestinal distress
Metallic taste in mouth
Moderate Toxicity:
Confusion and brain fog
Anxiety and depression
Emotional instability
Sleep disturbances
Muscle weakness
Tremors
Ataxia (loss of coordination)
Severe Toxicity (Chronic Bromism):
Psychosis and hallucinations (visual and auditory)
Severe confusion and delirium
Paranoia
Seizures
Stupor or coma
Respiratory depression
Severe skin lesions
Toxic Blood Levels:
Normal Range: 0.3-1.2 mg/dL (whole blood)
Elevated/Concerning: Above 1.2 mg/dL
Toxic: Serum levels above 50 mg/dL (6.3 mEq/L)
Severely Toxic: Above 100-200 mg/dL
Acute Inhalation Toxicity (Bromine Gas):
Severe respiratory irritation
Coughing, choking, shortness of breath
Pulmonary edema
Eye and mucous membrane burns
Death (at high concentrations)
Timing Recommendations
For Dietary Intake:
No specific timing required: Bromine from food is consumed naturally throughout the day
With meals: If taking any bromide containing medication (rare), take with food
For Detoxification (If Toxicity):
Increase salt and water intake throughout the day: Helps flush bromide
Continuous hydration: Supports kidney excretion
Take With or Without Food
Dietary Sources:
Bromine naturally occurs IN food, so this is not applicable for normal dietary intake
If Taking Bromide Medication (Historical):
Take WITH food: Reduces gastrointestinal irritation
Take earlier in day or mid meal: For best tolerance
Avoid lying down immediately after: Prevents esophageal irritation
Special Considerations
Pregnancy:
Avoid excessive bromine exposure
Normal dietary intake from whole foods is safe
Avoid brominated soft drinks and processed foods with brominated additives
Ensure adequate iodine intake
Thyroid Health:
Bromine competes with iodine for thyroid receptors
High bromide can worsen hypothyroidism, especially with iodine deficiency
Maintain adequate iodine status (150 mcg/day for adults)
Environmental Exposure:
Brominated Flame Retardants: Found in furniture, carpets, mattresses, electronics
Pool/Spa Chemicals: Bromine based sanitizers
Pesticide Residues: On conventionally grown produce
Brominated Vegetable Oils: In certain soft drinks and citrus beverages
Treatment of Bromism:
Stop all bromine exposure immediately
Increase salt (sodium chloride) and water intake: Chloride competes with and displaces bromide
Medical intervention: Severe cases may require IV fluids, diuretics (furosemide), or hemodialysis
Recovery time: Can take weeks to months (bromide half-life is 9-12 days without treatment)
Laboratory Testing
How Bromine is Measured:
Serum bromide levels: Most common test
Whole blood bromide: Comprehensive assessment
Urinary bromide: Can monitor industrial exposures
Urine dried spot: Available through specialized labs
When to Test:
Unexplained neurological or psychiatric symptoms
Suspected occupational or environmental exposure
Before starting iodine supplementation (to assess bromide load)
Patients on dialysis or TPN
Summary & Key Takeaways
Bromine is an emerging essential trace element, identified in 2014 as critical for collagen formation in all animals. However, its nutritional status in humans is still being confirmed. Most people obtain adequate bromine (2-8 mg/day) through a normal diet including nuts, seafood, grains, and vegetables.
Supplementation is NOT recommended because:
Deficiency is extremely rare and not well established
Toxicity risk is significant with excess intake
Adequate amounts are easily obtained from food
Key Concerns: Excessive environmental exposure (flame retardants, brominated drinks, pesticides) combined with iodine deficiency can lead to bromism, a serious toxic condition affecting the nervous system, thyroid, and overall health.
Bottom Line: Focus on obtaining bromine naturally from whole foods, maintain adequate iodine intake, minimize exposure to brominated chemicals and additives, wash produce thoroughly, and avoid brominated soft drinks. If you suspect toxicity or work in high exposure industries, consult a healthcare provider for testing and guidance.