Overview
Combined iodine/iodide solution used historically for thyroid support.
- Whole foods (leafy greens, legumes, nuts, seeds, seafood, animal proteins)
- Fortified foods such as cereals, breads, plant milks, and table salt
- Mineral supplements as chelates, citrates, glycinates, or inorganic salts
- Chelated form (glycinate, bisglycinate, citrate, malate)
- Inorganic salt (oxide, sulfate, chloride)
- Liquid ionic solution
- Topical or transdermal preparation
Forms & variants of Iodine
Different chemical forms of Iodine behave differently. Browse each form's mechanism, bioavailability, and best-use context.
Mechanism of action
Provides both molecular iodine and iodide; absorbed in stomach and small intestine.
- · Provides both molecular iodine
- · absorbed in stomach
- · small intestine
Effects on the body
Organ system effects
Evidence-based benefits
Acutely blocks thyroid hormone release in Graves' storm
Strong evidencePotential side effects
- · Metallic taste
- · Iodism
- · Avoid in autoimmune thyroid disease without supervision
Drug interactions
Supplement interactions
- A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
- Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.
No specific avoidances listed.
Dosing & bioavailability
Where to buy
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Scientific evidence8Show studiesHide studies
Iodide for Graves' before surgery
Plummer HS.
Use of iodide preparation before thyroidectomy.
Reduced thyroid vascularity and operative complications.
PubMed: Lugol's Iodine — Acutely blocks thyroid hormone release in Graves' storm
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PubMed: Lugol's Iodine — randomized controlled trial
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PubMed: Lugol's Iodine — meta-analysis
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PubMed: Lugol's Iodine — pharmacokinetics
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PubMed: Lugol's Iodine — safety adverse events
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PubMed: Lugol's Iodine — dose response
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Google Scholar: Lugol's Iodine — clinical evidence
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