I do think that those of us who cook from scratch can be at risk. Unless you use a lot of seaweed in your recipes.

As for the 'fading' of the iodine on the skin, there are mixed reviews as to whether that has any truth to it or not.

I supplement as ortho said though, by just basting some 5% somewhere on my skin. It ALWAYS is gone in about an hour or two... I don't think I'm all that short on it... so it kind of leaves me on the "don't use that technique to tell what your levels are" side. I'd be happy if it was proven otherwise though as it really would make my decision to boost my baste a lot easier. I usually put it on an ankle or the tender part of the children's arms just because it gets covered with sleeves or pants.

I do know that some people mix it with water and 'mist' themselves everyday. I just give us each a quick baste a couple of times a week. I'm considering upping my dose though.