Supplement Scholar
Mineral

Iodine

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Iodine. Halogen essential for thyroid hormone synthesis.

How it works. Incorporated into thyroglobulin to form T4 and T3.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Prevents goiter and cretinism in deficient populations (strong).

How much to take. Typical dose: 150 mcg adults; 220 mcg pregnancy.

Side effects and interactions. 2 medication interactions listed. Serious: Hypo- or hyperthyroidism at extreme doses.

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

Forms. 2 forms. Pick one to open its profile.

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

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

Iodine. Halogen essential for thyroid hormone synthesis.

Molecular structureI2 · 253.8089 g/mol

What it is

Halogen essential for thyroid hormone synthesis.

Also called

Potassium iodideKelp

Food sources

Iodized saltSeaweedDairyEggs

Goals

How it works

Incorporated into thyroglobulin to form T4 and T3.

Pathways

  • Thyroid hormone synthesis

Effects

  • +Thyroid hormone synthesis supports

What the research supports

Prevents goiter and cretinism in deficient populationsstrong

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
150 mcg adults; 220 mcg pregnancy
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 potassium iodide form.
Upper limit1,100 mcg
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Side effects & interactions

Serious

  • Hypo- or hyperthyroidism at extreme doses

Medication interactions

Amiodaronemoderate

Already iodine-rich.

Lithiummoderate

Both can cause hypothyroidism.

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.

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Iodine — Prevents goiter and cretinism in deficient populations ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Iodine and "Prevents goiter and cretinism in deficient populations". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

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

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

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

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

Discussion

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