Supplement Scholar
Mineral

Lugol's Iodine

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Lugol's Iodine. Combined iodine/iodide solution used historically for thyroid support.

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

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Acutely blocks thyroid hormone release in Graves' storm (strong).

How much to take. Typical dose: 1–2 drops 5% (≈6 mg I).

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Avoid in autoimmune thyroid disease without supervision.

Stacking. Pairs well with A high-quality multivitamin, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA).

Common forms. Available as Chelated form (glycinate, bisglycinate, citrate, malate), Inorganic salt (oxide, sulfate, chloride), Liquid ionic solution, Topical or transdermal preparation.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Lugol's Iodine. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Lugol's Iodine. Combined iodine/iodide solution used historically for thyroid support.

Molecular structureI3K · 419.8117 g/mol

What it is

Combined iodine/iodide solution used historically for thyroid support.

Food sources

Whole foods (leafy greens, legumes, nuts, seeds, seafood, animal proteins)Fortified foods such as cereals, breads, plant milks, and table saltMineral supplements as chelates, citrates, glycinates, or inorganic salts

Goals

Thyroid SupportGeneral Wellness

How it works

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

Pathways

  • Provides both molecular iodine
  • absorbed in stomach
  • small intestine

Effects

  • +Acutely blocks thyroid hormone release in Graves' storm supports

What the research supports

Acutely blocks thyroid hormone release in Graves' stormstrong

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
1–2 drops 5% (≈6 mg I)
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the chelated form (glycinate, bisglycinate, citrate, malate) form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Metallic taste

Serious

  • Avoid in autoimmune thyroid disease without supervision

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Lugol's Iodine use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.

Common forms

  • Chelated form (glycinate, bisglycinate, citrate, malate)
  • Inorganic salt (oxide, sulfate, chloride)
  • Liquid ionic solution
  • Topical or transdermal preparation

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Lugol's Iodine — Acutely blocks thyroid hormone release in Graves' storm ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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.

PubMed: Lugol's Iodine — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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.

PubMed: Lugol's Iodine — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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

Discussion

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