Iodine

Also known as: iodide, potassium iodide, sodium iodide, radioactive iodine, iodine-125, iodine-131, povidone-iodine

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Essential mineral. Prevents deficiency, but supplement overuse risks exceeding safe upper limits.

What it does

Iodine is an essential mineral your body cannot make on its own. It is critical for producing thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth, and development. The provided research highlights...
Evidence quality

Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
Clinical dose

No established dose from provided studies
Found in

Garden of Life Vitamin Code Men's Multi, Augustinus Bader The Hair Revitalizing Complex, SlimFast High Protein Shakes and 17 more

What the Science Says

Iodine is an essential mineral your body cannot make on its own. It is critical for producing thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth, and development. The provided research highlights that iodine is included in fortified foods to address deficiency in populations, and that excessive supplementation can push intake above safe upper limits.

What It Doesn't Do

Won't boost your metabolism if you're already iodine-sufficient. No evidence from these studies it improves energy, weight loss, or cognitive performance in healthy adults. More iodine is not better — excess intake is a real risk with multi-supplement use.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Iodine in fortified foods helps prevent micronutrient deficiency in populations with low dietary intake.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: No established dose from provided studies

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 41931601

Taking multiple iodine-containing supplements increases the risk of exceeding safe upper intake levels.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: No established dose from provided studies

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 42159054

Absorption & Bioavailability

Good — iodine from food and supplements is well absorbed in the gut, but the provided studies do not directly measure bioavailability of supplemental iodine.

Red Flags to Watch For

Exceeding the tolerable upper intake level for iodine is a documented risk among Korean adults taking multiple dietary supplements — more pills means more risk
Povidone-iodine (topical/medical form) is not the same as dietary iodine supplements — do not confuse medical-grade iodine products with nutritional supplements
Radioactive iodine (I-125, I-131) used in cancer treatment is a medical procedure, not a supplement — marketing that conflates these is misleading
People with thyroid conditions (hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's) may be harmed by excess iodine — consult a doctor before supplementing

Products Containing Iodine

See how Iodine is used in these analyzed products:

Supplement

Mostly Legit

Eversmithorganics

Supplement

Overhyped

View all product reviews →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Iodine do?

Essential mineral. Prevents deficiency, but supplement overuse risks exceeding safe upper limits.

What is the effective dose of Iodine?

No established dose from provided studies

Is Iodine safe?

Exceeding the tolerable upper intake level for iodine is a documented risk among Korean adults taking multiple dietary supplements — more pills means more risk

What doesn't Iodine do?

Won't boost your metabolism if you're already iodine-sufficient.

Research Sources

PubMed
NIH DSLD

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25