Iodine is an essential micronutrient used exclusively for synthesising thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). These hormones regulate basal metabolic rate, heart rate, body temperature, protein synthesis, and brain development. Iodine deficiency is the leading preventable cause of intellectual disability worldwide. While iodised salt has largely eliminated gross deficiency in developed nations, subclinical deficiency is re-emerging with reduced salt use and dairy consumption.

Key Benefits

Thyroid hormone synthesis
Metabolic rate regulation
Brain development (pregnancy)
Fibrocystic breast disease relief
Immune function
Radiation protection (high-dose KI only)

Best Form

Potassium iodide (most common); Lugol's iodine for therapeutic use; iodine from food (seaweed, dairy) is preferable to high-dose supplements

Dosage

150 mcg/day (RDA); 250 mcg in pregnancy

⚠ Safety Notes

Excess iodine is as dangerous as deficiency for the thyroid. Do not self-supplement above 1,000 mcg/day without thyroid function testing. High-dose iodine (>1 mg/day) can trigger or worsen autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's, Graves').

This page is for educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement.