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Iodine

Also called: Potassium iodide, kelp

A trace mineral the thyroid uses to make its hormones. Both too little and too much can cause thyroid problems, so more is not better.

Supplements can interact with medications and aren't right for everyone, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with a chronic condition. Ask your provider before you start.

Studied for

  • Preventing iodine deficiency
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding, when needs rise (as directed)
  • Diets low in iodized salt, dairy, and seafood

Found naturally in

  • Iodized salt
  • Seaweed (amounts vary widely)
  • Cod and other seafood
  • Dairy
  • Eggs
What variations of iodine exist?Our top pick, what to skip, and how to read the label

Label red flags

  • Kelp, bladderwrack, or seaweed in a 'thyroid support' formula, where the iodine amount may be unpredictable
  • High-dose iodine products marketed for thyroid or breast health
  • Iodine stacked across a multi, a prenatal, a thyroid formula, and seaweed snacks

Check with a provider

  • Hashimoto's, Graves', or thyroid nodules. Extra iodine can trigger or worsen thyroid autoimmunity and can push thyroid levels too low or too high in susceptible people.
  • Taking thyroid medicine, antithyroid medicine (such as methimazole), amiodarone, or lithium
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Iodine is important, but ask how much your prenatal should contain.
  • Signs of too much: new thyroid symptoms, a metallic taste, acne-like rash, or swelling in the neck

Related conditions

Hashimoto's thyroiditisGraves' disease

Supplements that contain it

2 products in Dr. Lesher's dispensary list iodine on the label.

Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.

Parts of the body it affects

Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.

Illustration of the thyroid gland in the front of the neck

Thyroid

This butterfly-shaped gland in your neck sets the pace of your metabolism. Autoimmune disease is the most common cause of thyroid problems.

Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0

Dr. Lesher, ND

Ready to find the root cause?

Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.

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