No I never meant that iodine would help someone with a non functioning or absent (surgically) gland. But before taking a glandular supplement, I think iodine may help. Also, I am not sure that kelp works. There are different forms of iodine and not all are equally absorbed. I have tried kelp also, and it hasn't made a difference. I am trying a low dose (12.5mg) of Iodoral to see if it will. If the problem is an iodine deficiency or inability to absorb it from food, this might help. Interestingly, celiac, or gluten problems can cause one to be low in iodine also.