Iodine Supplements: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, & Risks

Iodine is an essential nutrient necessary for the healthy development of the brain and nervous system. Taking Iodine supplements helps improve coordination, alertness, and all five senses, including taste, touch, smell, and hearing. In the U.S., the American Thyroid Association recommends an intake of 150 µg of iodine to women three months before conception, while pregnant, and while lactating.

That would help with the fetal growth and their neurological development. Since humans cannot produce iodine and it is only available in certain foods, one should ensure they are getting the proper amounts in their system.

Read on to understand iodine supplements' benefits, side effects, dosage, and risks.

What Is Iodine?

It is an essential mineral that supports a couple of crucial processes in the body. It can be found in some foods such as dairy products like milk and seafood like shellfish and seaweed. 

However, getting the right amount from food might be impossible, so getting a liquid iodine supplement is critical. The range of iodine supplements ranges from iodine tablets to iodine drops, and there is a selection of ideal multivitamins containing iodine. There's also the availability of dietary iodine supplements that contain seaweed.

What Does Iodine Do?

Iodine assists the thyroid gland in making the thyroxine hormone. Thyroxine is essential in bone and nerve growth and influences the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Too much or too little of iodine can cause serious issues. For instance, too little iodine could lead to hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). Some of the symptoms include:

• Hair loss

• Hard time concentrating

• Fatigue

• Goiter

Iodine Supplementation

The majority of iron supplements are available either in potassium or sodium iodide. The supplementation is crucial as it lowers the long-term risk of thyrotoxicosis. Iodine supplementation through salt is relatively safe, but newer and safer options include supplements like multivitamins and other over-the-counter iodine supplements.

Iodine Supplements Benefits

Supports Thyroid Function

Iodine plays a crucial role in supporting your thyroid health. The thyroid gland, which is located at the neck, assists in regulating hormone production. These are the hormones essential in metabolism, heart health, and others. The thyroid takes small bits of iodine to make the thyroid hormones. Given the availability of iodine in Western diets, thyroid health isn't heavily affected.

Eases Pain Associated With Fibrocystic Breast Changes

Fibrocystic breast disease makes the breasts lumpy and painful in females within the reproductive age. Therefore, adding iodine supplements could help in easing the pain. Since iodine has antioxidant properties, it protects the brain cells from any damage, thus promoting the development of normal breast tissue and protecting against the formulation of abnormal cells.

Helps With Pregnancy Development

Iodine is an essential thing in any diet, especially when you're pregnant. It helps in ensuring that the baby's brain develops like it should. Research shows that iodine deficiency during pregnancy could lead to maternal and fetal hypothyroidism and might also result in impaired neurological development in the fetus. 

Trying out this organic iodine + vegan vitamin D3 combo pack might be the right addition to take you through the pregnancy journey. It is not only a natural source thanks to its plant-based ingredients, but it is also gluten-free. 

Therefore, if you're struggling with common allergens during pregnancy, you can add this to your diet, ensuring you and the baby get the right amount of iodine in your body.

Promotes Skin Health

Did you know that iodine is good not only for your body but also for your skin? Enough iodine keeps your skin hydrated by regulating perspiration and moistening the skin. Being a natural disinfectant means that iodine can be used on scars and cuts, thus increasing healing.

Additionally, adding iodine supplements to your diet helps detoxify and flush out toxins. Using a liquid iodine supplement means that there will be enough in your body to rejuvenate the skin from its inner layers, thus providing a smooth complexion, strong nails, and healthy hair.

Helps With Proper Immune Function

Iodine is a critical factor in boosting your immunity. It is inherently an antiseptic that can quickly kill all single-celled organisms. Therefore, taking iodine supplements protects against abnormal bacterial growth, such as H. pylori overgrowth. It can also neutralize all the chemical and biological toxins in the body, thus increasing your immunity.

Improves Bone Health

Our skeletons deserve more attention and are just like any other organ. This is especially necessary in the modern city lifestyle in which lack of sunlight could lead to vitamin D deficiency in most people. For centuries, researchers have stated the benefits of iodine in preventing osteoporosis and improving calcium absorption. Hypothyroidism, for instance, might cause brittle bones.

Supports Cognitive Function & the Nervous System

Some different parts of the brain are affected by the lack of iodine. Those parts include the hippocampus, the protective myelin surrounding the nerves, and the neurotransmitters. Therefore, iodine is necessary for brain health, and maintaining a supportive nervous system supports both your nervous system and the brain.

How To Take Iodine Drops

Supplements such as nascent iodine are easy to administer, but you have to pay attention to their concentration and your health needs. Here is a general guideline on how to go about it:

Look at the Dosage

Read the label to know how many micrograms or milligrams of iodine are in each drop. If in doubt, find out how much is enough from the seller or healthcare provider.

Timing

Iodine supplements should be taken once a day. However, depending on your healthcare provider's instructions, you might get other instructions. For most supplements, taking them in the morning is always the best option to avoid disruptions at night. 

The best thing about iodine liquid supplements is that organic iodine + vegan vitamin D3 combo packs can easily be added to liquids, making them easy to take at any time.

Iodine Supplements Dosage

The daily amount of iodine you should take varies depending on age and diet. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements, this is the average amount of iodine each person needs based on age.

Iodine Supplements Risks and Side Effects

The key is to get enough iodine for your thyroid function. However, in some cases, getting more of it can lead to a few health issues, including:

Iodine Toxicity

Having lots of iodine in your body can cause iodine poisoning. The symptoms all vary based on how much iodine you've taken. That could range from a mental taste in your mouth to having a stomach upset, diarrhea, fever, throwing up, and a weak pulse.

Hyperthyroidism

Excess amounts of iodine in the body could lead to an overactive thyroid. That could result in irregular heartbeat, weight loss, and frequent bowel movements. It is also common for people to get easily agitated and feel anxious.

Conclusion

Iodine is a crucial nutrient that supports thyroid function, brain development, and overall health. While it is naturally present in some foods, supplementation may be necessary to maintain optimal levels, especially for pregnant and lactating women. The benefits of iodine include improved cognitive function, immune support, skin health, and bone strength.

However, excessive iodine intake can lead to side effects such as hyperthyroidism or toxicity. Proper dosage, as recommended by health authorities, is essential to avoid complications. Therefore, by understanding iodine’s benefits, risks, and correct usage, individuals can make informed choices to support their health and well-being effectively. 

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FAQs

Can Iodine Supplements Assist in Controlling Thyroid Function in People With Hypothyroidism?

In this case, talking to your healthcare provider before trying out any iodine supplements is best. Little iodine in your body can, in some cases, lead to hypothyroidism, but the disease has other causes.

Do Iodine Supplements Interact With Medications or Other Dietary Supplements?

Yes, there's a possibility that iodine supplements will interfere with other medications. For example, iodine supplements might interact with anti-thyroid drugs, so taking high doses of the iodine supplements with the medication might result in your body producing little thyroid hormone.

Should I Take Iodine Supplements for Hypothyroidism?

Whether to take iodine supplements or not is all dependent on what caused your hypothyroidism. While iodine is essential for thyroid functioning, supplementing it isn't always beneficial. Therefore, talk to a healthcare professional for proper advice.

How Long Does It Take for the Iodine Supplements To Start Working?

You are bound to notice a couple of improvements within a month of supplementing with iodine. Staying consistent means that you will see the results within three months and sometimes earlier.

How Well Does Your Body Digest or Absorb Iodine?

Iodine has a high absorption rate and becomes even better if you take a liquid iodine supplement. Your body will most likely absorb 96.4% of all the iodine you consume. Your body excretes this essential nutrient after 24 hours, and it only builds up in your thyroid gland.