Iodine Supplement Guide
Evidence-based information on Iodine benefits, dosage, safety, and food sources — sourced from NIH, FDA, and PubMed.
Our assessment
The evidence shows that iodine is essential for your thyroid function, but it requires careful dosing. Our assessment is that while iodine is a critical mineral, taking too much can be just as harmful as not getting enough. Data on specific health benefits beyond thyroid support is limited in the provided information.
How it works
Think of iodine as the fuel for your thyroid gland. Your body uses it to produce thyroid hormones, which regulate your metabolism, growth, and development NIH ODS ↗. Without enough iodine, your thyroid cannot function properly.
Safety profile
Safety is a key concern with iodine. The FDA has received 7,960 total adverse event reports for this supplement FDA FAERS ↗. Getting high levels of iodine can cause the same symptoms as a deficiency, including goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland). High intakes can also lead to thyroid gland inflammation and even thyroid cancer. A very large dose (several grams) can cause burning of the mouth, throat, and stomach; fever; stomach pain; nausea; and vomiting NIH ODS ↗. Iodine supplements can also interact with antithyroid medications such as methimazole (Tapazole) NIH ODS ↗.
Our recommendation
Our recommendation is to be cautious. Do not take iodine supplements unless you have a confirmed deficiency or are under a doctor's care. Because the line between too little and too much is narrow, and the risks of high intake are serious, you should not self-supplement. Data on a specific recommended daily amount for general health is not available in the provided information.
AI-assisted analysis based on NIH ODS, FDA, and PubMed data. Citations are linked to original sources.
Recommended Dosage
| Life Stage | Recommended Amount |
|---|---|
| Birth to 6 months | 110 mcg |
| Infants 7–12 months | 130 mcg |
| Children 1–8 years | 90 mcg |
| Children 9–13 years | 120 mcg |
| Teens 14–18 years | 150 mcg |
| Adults | 150 mcg |
| Pregnant teens and women | 220 mcg |
| Breastfeeding teens and women | 290 mcg |
Source: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized dosage recommendations.
Drug Interactions
Yes. Iodine supplements can interact or interfere with medicines that you take. Here are several examples: Iodine supplements might interact with antithyroid medications such as methimazole (Tapazole), used to treat hyperthyroidism . Taking high doses of iodine with antithyroid medications could cause your body to produce too little thyroid hormone. Taking potassium iodide with medicines for high blood pressure known as ACE inhibitors could raise the amount of potassium in your blood to an unsafe level. ACE inhibitors include benazepril (Lotensin), lisinopril (Prinivil and Zestril), and fosinopril (Monopril). The amount of potassium in your blood can also get too high if you take potassium iodide with potassium-sparing diuretics , such as spironolactone (Aldactone) and amiloride (Midamor). Tell your doctor, pharmacist , and other health care providers about any dietary supplements and prescription or over-the-counter medicines you take. They can tell you if these dietary supplements might interact with your medicines. They can also explain whether the medicines you take might interfere with how your body absorbs or uses iodine or other nutrients .
Check All InteractionsClinical Evidence
Iodine has been studied in 3+ clinical studies:
Impact of Dietary Supplement Usage on Nutrient Adequacy and the Risk of Nutrient Excess Among Korean...Kim S · 2026
Emerging Patterns in Dietary Supplement Use Among US Adults, 1999-2023.Lam CS · 2026
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Excessive Dietary Supplement Use Among Japanese Adults: Cross-S...Sugimoto M · 2026
Health Goals This Supplement Supports
Frequently Asked Questions
How much Iodine should I take daily?
Refer to the Recommended Dosage table above. Individual needs vary by age, gender, and health status. Always follow the dosage on your supplement label and consult your healthcare provider.
What are the side effects of Iodine?
Yes, if you get too much. Getting high levels of iodine can cause some of the same symptoms as iodine deficiency, including goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland). High iodine intakes can also cause thyroid gland inflammation and thyroid cancer. Getting a very large dose of iodine (several grams, for example) can cause burning of the mouth, throat, and stomach; fever; stomach pain; nausea ; vomiting;
Does Iodine interact with medications?
Yes. Iodine supplements can interact or interfere with medicines that you take. Here are several examples: Iodine supplements might interact with antithyroid medications such as methimazole (Tapazole), used to treat hyperthyroidism . Taking high doses of iodine with antithyroid medications could cau