Iodine Side Effects, Risks & Safe Supplemental Dosages

Iodine is a trace chemical element that plays several important roles in human health. As a dietary supplement, it is safe for most people to take and usually does not cause negative side effects.

When levels of this chemical are too low in the body, it can result in depression, irritable mood, impaired mental faculties, infertility, obesity as well as the development of goiters.

As the body cannot synthesize this mineral on its own, iodine must be gained from food sources or from dietary supplements. Iodine supplements are available in oral and topical varieties.

When Iodine side effects are experienced, the most common include headache, diarrhea, nausea and a metallic taste in the mouth.

At appropriate dosages, the majority of users report no adverse effects. However, use of this supplement may be contraindicated for some groups of people and it may cause interactions with certain medications.

Iodine

Essential Mineral

Brain Power

Thyroid Function

Weight Loss

How It Works:

• Important for thyroid hormones & metabolism
• Supports mental function & immunity
• Essential nutrient with multiple roles in the body

Dosage:

Between 50 - 250 mg per day

Safety:

Generally Well Tolerated

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Iodine Supplement Uses

Iodine is an important element that is used in every cell of the body.

Most of the body’s iodine is found in the thyroid gland, where it is used to make the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. These hormones are important for energy metabolism.

Iodine is also involved in memory function, skin health, immunity, development of theeyes and brain, ovarian function and more.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that supplemental iodine is used for enlarged thyroid (goiter), hyperthyroidism, radiation exposure, a fungal skin infection called cutaneous sporotrichosis – and fibrocystic breast disease.

NMCD states that iodine has also been studied for preventing ocular disease, certain types of cancer, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It is also used as an expectorant and for water purification.

Iodine is used topically for various skin conditions – including psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. It is also used as an antiseptic, for helping wounds to heal, preventing mucositis and treating diabetic ulcers.

Most of the common uses for iodine have not been conclusively demonstrated in clinical studies. Researchers continues to develop the scientific understanding of iodine and its biological mechanisms in the body.

Topical Iodine Side Effects

Topical iodine formulations are available as gels, jellies, dressings, creams, ointments, swabs and tinctures.

According to American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), when applied topically, iodine may cause skin stains, sensitization and tissue irritation at application sites.

Topical product usage may also cause crusting, reddening, blistering and/or itching of the skin. Application of a 7% hydroalcoholic iodine solution causes iodine burns in some people.

Swallowing topical iodine supplements can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, nausea, thirst and/or vomiting. It may also cause the person to not be able to urinate efficiently or at all.

Not all side effects of iodine are known. You could have a reaction to an iodine supplement that has not been previously reported. If you feel this may be the case, then you should seek medical advice as soon as you can.

Consumers of iodine supplements are able to report side effects to the US FDA. Do not ingest topical iodine supplements, and contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 if you accidently do.

Oral Iodine Side Effects

There are several types of oral iodine supplements. The most common are potassium iodide (KI), sodium iodide (NaI), Lugol’s solution, nascent iodine and radioactive iodine.

These iodine supplements are taken in pill form, or sublingually (under the tongue) in liquid form.

Oral consumption of iodine is usually not associated with negative effects. However, various side effects can occur in some cases as well as interactions with medications, herbal supplements and health conditions.

One clinical study examined the side effects of potassium iodide when used for cutaneous sporotrichosis. [1] The following results were reported:

• 14% of users experienced abdominal pain;
• 14% of users experienced nausea;
• 11% of users experienced rhinorrhea;
• 7% experienced headache;
• 4% experienced metallic taste;
• 4% experienced diarrhea;

Another study reported that these side effects can normally be kept to a minimum by avoiding rapid dosage increases. [2]

Possible iodide side effects also include developing hypersensitivity to this mineral supplement. Some of the symptoms of iodine hypersensitivity include fever, hemorrhage and lymph node enlargement. [2]

Other possible side effects of iodine hypersensitivity include rapid swelling of subcutaneous tissue (angioedema) – and a rare blood disorder called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. [2]

Other harmful effects associated with hypersensitivity include potassium toxicity (hyperkalemia), vasculitis (inflamed blood vessels), metabolic acidosis and a rare autoimmune disorder called pustular psoriasis. [2]

Symptoms of Long-Term Use

NMCD states that excessive or chronic use of oral iodine supplements can also cause the following side effects:

• Mucous membrane inflammation in the nose (coryza);
• Submaxillary and/or parotid gland swelling;
• Burning in throat and/or mouth;
• Swollen eyelids/eye irritation;
• Soreness in teeth and gums;
• Increased salivation;
• Pulmonary edema;
• Coughing;
• Sneezing;

Other possible iodine side effects include inflamed tonsils, larynx and pharynx. Depression, anorexia and acneiform skin lesions have also been reported.

Iodine Safety Review

According to the Food and Nutrition Board, “Iodine is safe in amounts that do not exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of 1100 mcg daily.”. Higher doses are used safely with medical supervision.

The US RDA for iodine is 155 micrograms (mcg) daily. However, there is debate in the medical community about this recommendation. Some health professionals feel that it should be higher to facilitate “total body iodine sufficiency”, not simply to prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid).

In some parts of the world, the average daily diet provides many times more iodine than the established UL.

For instance, in Japan, people regularly consume between 500 and 13000 mcg/day of iodine. No side effects are associated with these intake levels. [3]

Appropriate use of iodine is considered Likely Safe in children, as well as in women who are pregnant and nursing. You should talk to your doctor about the best dosage of iodine for you.

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