mineral Minerals Oral

Iodine

An essential trace mineral crucial for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth, and neurological development.

Sci.Iodine 0.15 mg iodine fermented iodine glycinate iodide iodide potassium iodine iodine amino acid chelate iodine amino acid oligofructose complex iodine chelate iodine, detoxified iodine glycinate iodine glycinate, fermented iodine, ionized iodine (kelp) 0.3% iodine, natural iodine phosphate ionic iodine ionized potassium iodine kali iodatum k iodide molecular iodine nascent iodine potassium iodate (potassium) iodide {potassium} iodide potassium {iodide} potassium iodide potassium iodide 1% trituration {potassium} iodide usp potassium iodine {pot.} iodide pureodine pureodine(tm) sodium iodide total iodine/iodide total iodine/iodine whole-food iodine yodo yoduro de potasio kelp iodine iodine detoxified iodine glycinate fermented iodine ionized iodine natural
5 forms
Oral

About Iodine

Iodine is an essential trace mineral required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism, growth, development, and neurological function. It is primarily obtained from diet, with key sources including iodized salt, seafood, seaweed, and dairy products. Iodine deficiency is a major global public health concern, leading to goiter, hypothyroidism, and, in severe cases, irreversible intellectual and developmental disabilities (cretinism). The body does not synthesize iodine, making adequate dietary intake critical throughout life, especially during pregnancy and early childhood for proper fetal and infant brain development.

Official resources

Fact sheets from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements related to this ingredient group.

Dietary Supplement Label Database

Ingredient group data in NutriNav is aligned with the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD).

DSLD group id
184

At a glance

Suggested daily

Adults: 150 mcg; Pregnancy: 220 mcg; Lactation: 290 mcg (U.S. RDA).

Max safe daily

Adults: 1,100 mcg (1.1 mg).

Approval status

supplement

Compare All Forms

5 forms

Compare supplement forms of Iodine by absorption quality and what your body actually gets from each:

High Moderate Low
Form Absorption Steps to absorb Notes Action
Kelp (Seaweed)

Rich natural source of iodine and minerals. Supports thyroid...

  • CAS: 92128-82-0 (for kelp extract, approximate); varies by specific compound
  • Label category: natural
 — — — View →
Molecular Iodine (I2)

Powerful antiseptic; essential mineral for thyroid function.

  • UNII: 9679TC07X4
  • CAS: 7553-56-2
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Nascent Iodine

A supplemental form of iodine claimed to be in a highly bioa...

  • UNII: 9679TC07X4
  • CAS: 7553-56-2
  • Label category: synthetic
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Potassium Iodide

Essential mineral for thyroid function. Also used for thyroi...

  • UNII: 1C4QK22F9J
  • CAS: 7681-11-0
  • Label category: synthetic
 — — — View →
Sodium Iodide

Essential mineral for thyroid function and metabolism.

  • UNII: F5WR8N145C
  • CAS: 7681-82-5
  • Label category: synthetic
 — — — View →

Also appears on labels as

Additional names seen on supplement labels for forms of this ingredient (beyond the main aliases above).

Atomic Iodine, Bladderwrack (related species, Fucus vesiculosus), Brown algae, Colloidal Iodine, Diatomic iodine, Elemental iodine, Iodide sodium, Iodine (nascent), Iodine Tincture (processed), Iosat, Iâ‚‚, KI, Kombu, NaI, Sea vegetable, Seaweed, Sodium monoiodide, SSKI (for saturated solution), Tangle, Thyroblock, Thyrosafe, Wakame (related species)

Type: Minerals

Inorganic elements essential for various physiological functions including bone formation, nerve function, and enzyme activity.

Absorption: Minerals often compete for absorption. Chelated forms generally have better bioavailability.

Interactions: High doses of some minerals can interfere with absorption of others. Some minerals can interact with medications.

Watch out for

Possible interactions or cautions — talk to a healthcare provider if unsure.

  • Excessive iodine intake may interfere with thyroid function and medications for hyperthyroidism.

Potential Benefits

Benefits associated with Iodine forms:

Thyroid Health Metabolism Thyroid Hormone Synthesis Prevention of Iodine Deficiency Disorders Fetal and Infant Neurodevelopment Topical Antiseptic

And 13 more benefits...

Potential Side Effects

Side effects associated with Iodine forms:

Thyroid Dysfunction How serious: Moderate Allergic Reactions How serious: Mild Gastrointestinal Distress How serious: low Iodine-Induced Hyperthyroidism How serious: high Hypothyroidism How serious: medium Metallic Taste, Nausea, GI Upset How serious: low

And 11 more side effects...

What does the research say?

Iodine is critical for thyroid hormone production, which is essential for metabolic regulation and development. Studies show that iodine deficiency can lead to significant health issues, including goiter and cognitive impairments.