Swanson Ultra Triple Iodine Complex 12.5 mg
Brand: Swanson Ultra · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this product contains 12.5 mg of iodine per serving, which is a very high dose. To put this in perspective, the recommended daily allowance for adults is only 150 mcg. We advise caution because exceeding safe upper limits can lead to serious health issues. Data not available for specific ingredient interactions for this exact product.
How it works
Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth, and development. However, at extremely high doses like 12.5 mg, the mechanism shifts from supporting normal function to potentially overwhelming the thyroid gland, which can cause both overactive and underactive thyroid conditions. Data not available for specific studies on this product's formulation.
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements. For the ingredient calcium, high levels can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, and abnormal heart rhythms [NIH ODS]. For iodine specifically, chronic high intake can lead to goiter, thyroiditis, and hyperthyroidism. Data not available for specific adverse event counts for this exact product.
Our recommendation
We do not recommend this product for general use. The 12.5 mg dose (12,500 mcg) exceeds the tolerable upper intake level for iodine by more than 80 times. Unless you are under strict medical supervision for a specific condition like preparing for radioactive iodine therapy, you should avoid this dose. Consult your physician before taking any supplement at this concentration [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Swanson Ultra |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 60.0 Veggie Capsule(s) |
| Market Status | Off Market |
How to Read This Label
Supplement labels contain several key sections regulated by the FDA:
- Serving Size — The recommended amount per dose. Always check this — some products require multiple capsules per serving.
- Amount Per Serving — Shows the quantity of each nutrient in the product, typically in IU (International Units), mg (milligrams), or mcg (micrograms).
- % Daily Value (%DV) — Indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 5% DV or less is low; 20% DV or more is high.
- Other Ingredients — Lists inactive ingredients like fillers, binders, and capsule materials (e.g., gelatin, cellulose, magnesium stearate).
- Suggested Use — The manufacturer's recommended directions for taking the supplement, including timing and dosage.
Source: FDA Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide