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You can buy iodine supplements in a number of different forms, including oral tablets, liquid solutions, powders and more.
This essential trace mineral is sold in different formulation as well including nascent iodine drops, Prolamine iodine pills, Lugol’s Solution, Sea iodine extract, Iodoral (Potassium Iodide) and more.
Depending on your needs, some of these products may be more appropriate for you than others. There is also significant difference between manufacturers in terms of quality, potency and reliability of products.
On Amazon, the most popular brand of supplement is J. Crow Co.’s Lugol’s Solution of Iodine 2%, which is derived from mined crystals and not shellfish or kelp.
Another popular product is Detoxified iodine, which is purported to be purer and more bioavailable in the body. There are also Decolorized Iodine solutions which are primarily intended for topical use.
People buy iodine supplements to promote energy levels, metabolism, thyroid health, cognitive function, healthy skin and hair, immune function, weight loss and more. The liquid solutions are generally more cost-effective and convenient but may increase the risk of taking too much and causing side effects.
Brain Power
Thyroid Function
Weight Loss- Important for thyroid hormones & metabolism
- Supports mental function & immunity
- Essential nutrient with multiple roles in the body
Top Iodine Products* ❯Where to Buy Iodine Supplements
Looking for the best brands of iodine supplements for sale? Life Extension, Pure Encapsulations, Optimox, Now Foods, J.Crow’s, Thorne Research and the Global Healing Center are some of the popular manufacturers of this product.
While you will probably find a limited selection of brands in brick-and-mortar businesses like CVS, Walgreen’s and Walmart, you will find more options online at stores like Amazon, GNC or iHerb.
There are many types of iodine supplements to consider and your local drugstore or grocery will most likely only have one or two of them.
Shopping online for iodine supplements will give you a wider range of products to select from and make it easier to read reviews from real customers of those products.
Nootriment provides a consumer guide for online supplement shopping here. Reading it can help you stay safe and choose the best products available.
Health Benefits of Iodine
Iodine is a non-metallic mineral that is required for human health, development and well-being. While the body only needs a small amount of this trace mineral, many people around the world are believed to be deficient.
The US RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for iodine is 150 micrograms daily for healthy people over 14 years of age. This is the dietary intake that is believed to be sufficient to meet the health needs of the majority of the population.
One of the most important roles of iodine in the body is to help regulate thyroid function and maintain normal levels of thyroid hormones. The thyroid is the master regulator of metabolism in the body.
According to Dr. Jorge Flechas, having adequate iodine in the body is critical for human health. He says that every cell in the body is influenced by hormones that are composed of iodine.
Effects on Thyroid Function
Iodine and the amino acid L-tyrosine are required produce the T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. The “3” and “4” in T3 and T4 represent the number of iodine atoms in each of these hormones. [1]
By regulating the release of thyroid hormones, the thyroid influences body functions including temperature control, appetite signalling, reproduction, immune function, sleep cycles and digestion, among others.
Without sufficient iodine available in the thyroid, low levels of thyroid hormones can occur. [1] This is a condition known as hypothyroidism, characterized by lower energy expenditure and other metabolic changes.
According to Dr. Edward Group III, some of the health benefits of getting adequate iodine intake from your diet include:
- Supporting digestion and nutrient absorption from foods;
- Supporting weight loss and healthy weight management;
- Protecting the thyroid gland from exposure to radioactive isotopes;
- Supporting mood balance by influencing glandular function;
- Acts as a moisturizing expectorant for the respiratory tract ;
- Involved in brain development and cognitive function;
- Supporting the normal function of the endocrine system;
- Maintaining thyroid hormone balance;
Dr. Groups says that iodine is also helpful for avoiding fatigue, increasing energy levels, and supporting detoxification pathways. Iodine is believed to support the detoxification of accumulated halogens (bromine, fluorine, chlorine and astatine).
Iodine Uses
Consumers who buy iodine supplements often take this product to address health problems, such as low thyroid hormone levels.
According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD), iodine supplements have been used for:
- Breast, prostate, colon, thyroid and other types of cancer;
- Atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia and heart disease;
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus;
- Overweight/obesity;
NMCD states that iodine is also used to improve various dermatological conditions including eczema, acne, psoriasis and contact dermatitis. [3]
However, the FDA has not approved iodine as a drug for the prevention or treatment of these conditions. Many of the uses for iodine supplements require more research in human clinical trials to determine efficacy.
Seek professional medical advice if you feel that you have low-iodine symptoms or have a diagnosed condition you feel iodine might be helpful for.
Importance of Selenium with Iodine
Some iodine supplements that are targeted to supporting thyroid health will also contain additional ingredients that promote normal levels of thyroid hormones.
One such supplement is the ZHOU Nutrition Thyroid Support supplement which contains iodine along with Vitamin B-12 (methylcobalamin), magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, molybdenum, l-tyrosine, schizandra, ashwagandha root, bladderwrack, and cayenne pepper.
One important ingredient that is commonly stacked with iodine is selenium, another trace mineral that is involved in the regulation of thyroid hormone activity.
Selenium is required for an enzyme that “deiodinates” one atom of iodine from each molecule of the inactive T4 thyroid hormone to convert it into the biologically-active hormone, T3. [2]
Some sources recommend that individuals increasing their intake of iodine should also ensure adequate intake of selenium. If you do not have enough selenium in your body, it can result in
an overabundance of T4 that is not able to be converted to T3. [1], 2]
Iodine deficiency is very common worldwide, with the World Health Organization estimating that more than 1/3rd of the population is deficient. Some health professionals including Dr. David Brownstein believe the percentage is much higher at approximately 96%.
Many health professionals argue that the US RDA of 155mcg for iodine may need to be raised. They contend that people need more of this mineral in the diet to support optimal levels and detoxification pathways.
In some cases of severe illness, doses as high as 50 milligrams (not micrograms) per day are used. However, these dosages are only recommended under close medical supervision and monitoring by a physician. [3]
On the other hand, selenium deficiency is rare, and most individuals are able to obtain adequate amounts in their diet. The US RDA for selenium is 55 micrograms daily. [2] It is recommended to get your selenium status assessed before significantly increasing your intake in this mineral.
Iodine Side Effects
Iodine is an essential mineral that is found naturally in the human diet. It is rated Likely Safe by the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database when used in amounts that do not exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of 1100 mcg per day.
This supplement is rated Possibly Unsafe when used in high dosages. Taking more than 1100 mcg per day could increase the risk of thyroid dysfunction or heart problems.
However, NMCD notes that dietary intake of iodine is between 5280 mcg to 13,800 mcg per day in Japan without any observed negative effects on health.
When comparing different iodine supplements available for sale, it is generally considered easier to accidentally consume too much of the liquid formations compared to oral capsules and tablets. Consumers may want to choose pill tablets to ensure proper measuring of dosages.
This mineral is well-tolerated by most users but can cause mild adverse effects in some. Negative side effects may include nausea, stomach pain, headache, diarrhea, a metallic taste in the mouth or rhinorrhea (runny nose). NMCD recommends increasing your dosage slowly over time to reduce the development of side effects.
Use of iodine supplements may interact various health conditions and medications. [3] Use extra caution and seek medical advice before taking this product su with ACE Inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs), antithyroid drugs, lithium and/or potassium-sparing diuretics. [3]
Talk to your doctor before buying iodine online if you have been diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis, general thyroid dysfunction or an itchy skin condition called dermatitis herpetiformis. [3]
Article last updated on: July 5th, 2018 by Nootriment