Overview
Iodine is the substrate for T4/T3; selenium activates these via deiodinases. Imbalance worsens Hashimoto's.
- 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
Mechanism of action
Iodine = thyroid hormone substrate; selenium = activator and GPx cofactor in thyroid.
- · Thyroid hormone synthesis and activation
Effects on the body
Organ system effects
Both required; deficiency or excess of either is harmful.
Evidence-based benefits
Combined adequacy supports thyroid function
Strong evidencePotential side effects
- · Selenium-Iodine Synergy (note) is generally well-tolerated at evidence-based doses
- · Mild GI discomfort (nausea, loose stools, or bloating) possible at higher intakes
- · Headache or transient fatigue reported by a small fraction of users
- · Allergic or hypersensitivity reaction (rash, itching, swelling)
- · Sleep disturbance if taken late in the day
- · Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing
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
Povidone-iodine antiseptic activity
Lachapelle JM, et al.
Review of PVP-I antimicrobial efficacy.
Broad spectrum; reduces SSI when used preoperatively.
PubMed: Selenium-Iodine Synergy (note) — Combined adequacy supports thyroid function
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PubMed: Selenium-Iodine Synergy (note) — randomized controlled trial
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Google Scholar: Selenium-Iodine Synergy (note) — clinical evidence
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