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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Mineral

Lugol's Iodine

Combined iodine/iodide solution used historically for thyroid support.

Thyroid SupportGeneral Wellness

Overview

Combined iodine/iodide solution used historically for thyroid support.

Natural sources
    Common forms

      Forms & variants of Iodine

      Different chemical forms of Iodine behave differently. Browse each form's mechanism, bioavailability, and best-use context.

      Parent
      Iodine

      Halogen essential for thyroid hormone synthesis.

      Potassium Iodide
      Potassium Iodide

      Standard inorganic iodine — thyroid hormone precursor and radioprotectant.

      Mechanism of action

      Provides both molecular iodine and iodide; absorbed in stomach and small intestine.

      Pathways

        Effects on the body

        Organ system effects

        Evidence-based benefits

        Acutely blocks thyroid hormone release in Graves' storm

        Strong evidence

        Potential side effects

        Common
        • · Metallic taste
        Rare
        • · Iodism
        Serious
        • · Avoid in autoimmune thyroid disease without supervision

        Drug interactions

        No notable interactions reported.

        Supplement interactions

        Pairs well with

        None listed.

        Avoid combining with

        No specific avoidances listed.

        Dosing & bioavailability

        Typical dose
        1–2 drops 5% (≈6 mg I)

        Where to buy

        Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

        Mineral
        Lugol's Iodine
        Amazon
        Wide selection · fast shipping
        Mineral
        Lugol's Iodine
        iHerb
        Global delivery · curated brands
        Mineral
        Lugol's Iodine
        Thorne
        Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

        Scientific evidence (8)

        CohortJAMA · 1923

        Iodide for Graves' before surgery

        Plummer HS.

        Use of iodide preparation before thyroidectomy.

        Key findings

        Reduced thyroid vascularity and operative complications.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Lugol's Iodine — Acutely blocks thyroid hormone release in Graves' storm

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Lugol's Iodine Acutely blocks thyroid hormone release in Graves' storm" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Lugol's Iodine and "Acutely blocks thyroid hormone release in Graves' storm". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Lugol's Iodine — randomized controlled trial

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Lugol's Iodine randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Lugol's Iodine and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Lugol's Iodine — meta-analysis

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Lugol's Iodine meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Lugol's Iodine and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Lugol's Iodine — pharmacokinetics

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Lugol's Iodine pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Lugol's Iodine and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Lugol's Iodine — safety adverse events

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Lugol's Iodine safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Lugol's Iodine and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Lugol's Iodine — dose response

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Lugol's Iodine dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Lugol's Iodine and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

        Google Scholar: Lugol's Iodine — clinical evidence

        Live Scholar search

        Cross-database citation index for Lugol's Iodine as it relates to "clinical evidence".

        Key findings

        Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

        Open study
        Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.