Supplement Scholar
Mineral

Potassium Iodide

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Potassium Iodide. Standard inorganic iodine — thyroid hormone precursor and radioprotectant.

How it works. Iodide is concentrated by thyroid NIS pump and incorporated into thyroglobulin.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Prevents iodine deficiency goiter (strong).

How much to take. Typical dose: 150 mcg (RDA).

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Iodine-induced hyperthyroidism.

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 Potassium Iodide. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Potassium Iodide. Standard inorganic iodine — thyroid hormone precursor and radioprotectant.

Molecular structureIK · 166.0028 g/mol

What it is

Standard inorganic iodine — thyroid hormone precursor and radioprotectant.

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

Hormone OptimizationGeneral Wellness

How it works

Iodide is concentrated by thyroid NIS pump and incorporated into thyroglobulin.

Pathways

  • Thyroid hormone synthesis

Effects

  • ↓iodine deficiency goiter decreases

What the research supports

Prevents iodine deficiency goiterstrong

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 (RDA)
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodOptional
Best formMost evidence is based on the chelated form (glycinate, bisglycinate, citrate, malate) form.
Upper limit1100 mcg/d
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Side effects & interactions

Serious

  • Iodine-induced hyperthyroidism

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Potassium Iodide 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: Potassium Iodide — Prevents iodine deficiency goiter ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Potassium Iodide and "Prevents iodine deficiency goiter". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

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

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

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

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

Discussion

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