What iodine to take and how much - all about how to take iodine supplements correctly

For a long time, doctors were afraid of iodine and recommended taking no more than 150 mcg of the mineral per day. But times have changed. Since then, a large amount of research has been carried out proving that we are living in an era of global iodine deficiency, the symptoms of which are not easy to recognize. This is how hypothyroidism and other thyroid diseases develop, for which iodine is critical.

The purpose of this article is to review the latest scientific recommendations on how to take iodine supplements, namely what iodine to take, how much iodine to take, whether cofactors are needed, and much more.

What iodine to take

There are several things to consider when choosing an iodine supplement. First, does the supplement contain iodine and iodide. These are different forms of the mineral and the body needs both. Different parts of the body require different iodine. For example, the breast looks for iodine, and the thyroid gland needs iodide. It was previously believed that the body could convert iodine to iodide and vice versa, but this does not actually work.

Secondly, to know exactly how much iodine to take, the dosage must be in milligrams (mg), not micrograms (mcg). Microgram dosages of iodine will provide little health benefit. These products also tend to be more expensive compared to Lugol's products.

Recommended forms of iodine

1. Lugol's solution - iodine / potassium iodide - 2% and 5% solutions. The 2% variant contains 2.5 mg/drop. 5% solution - 6.25 mg/drop.
2. Iodoral - Lugol's solution in tablet form - iodine / potassium iodide - 12.5 mg and 50 mg.
3. Yodijim – 12.5 mg per iodine/iodide tablet
4. Tri-iodine - 12.5 mg per iodine/iodide tablet.

Not recommended forms

If you are looking for an answer to the question of which iodine to take, you need to know which drugs you should definitely avoid. Pay attention to the list below - these are the options that doctors do not recommend taking for one reason or another.

1. Nascent iodine , also known as magnascent, detoxified or atomidine - based on Edgar Cayce's "activated" iodine. Iodine is reduced to 1% concentration in 100% ethyl alcohol and converted electromagnetically to the atomic state. 1 drop = 150 mcg (mcg) or 0.150 mg of iodine. This form will not saturate the body's tissues. It also has no proven ability to detoxify halogens such as bromine, fluorine, chlorine and mercury. This form of iodine is not recommended for either the iodine loading protocol or for tissue saturation or removal of excess halogens.
2. Yozol - 1830 mcg/drop iodine only. This form of iodine has the same disadvantages as nascent iodine.
3. Prolamine (Standard Process) - This product contains 3 mg iodine and 20 mg mg calcium. The dosage of iodine in this product is too low to adequately cleanse the body of halogens or saturate tissues.
4. Manufacturers Pure Encapsulations, Solray, Source Naturals, Progressive Labs and NOW now all offer microgram-dose iodide-only supplements.
5. Kelp – Kelp supplements are not recommended to combat low iodine status. The algae have been found to be toxic to arsenic and halides. It is also impossible to know the iodine content. Most likely, the drug will not supply enough iodine to aid in tissue saturation and detoxification.

Can be used but not suitable for iodine loading protocol

1. Iodine Plus - contains 12.5 mg of iodine/iodide and 15 mcg of selenium, as well as 15 mg of B2 (riboflavin). The iodine loading protocol includes 200 - 400 mcg of selenium, and in some cases ATP cofactors are required, which is a combination of 100 mg B2 (riboflavin) and 500 mg B3 (niacin). Thus, “iodine plus” is a less effective and more expensive drug.

Natural Factors - a high-quality replacement for Iodomarin

Liquid food supplement with water-soluble iodine in high concentration: 800 mcg.

Also included are:

• glycerol;
• ethanol;
• water.

According to doctors, this drug is a better alternative to Iodomarin, which is common in Russia. Buyers say that it is easy to drink: 1 glass of the supplement should be dissolved in a glass of water and drunk once a day.

As a result of the course, the thyroid gland begins to work actively, producing hormones necessary for the body.

Due to this, it is possible to reduce body weight: this occurs due to the acceleration of metabolism and improved lymph flow.

But the ethyl alcohol contained in dietary supplements is assessed negatively by some buyers, although its presence in a portion is not noticeable, and alcohol is a good conductor of the active substance from the digestive system into the bloodstream.

How much iodine to take

Before we talk about how much iodine to take to eliminate a deficiency or for an iodine loading protocol, let's understand the basics of dosing.

How many milligrams of iodine are in a drop of Lugol's solution?

Iodoral 50 mg = iodine 20 mg, iodide 30 mg Iodoral 12.5 mg = iodine 5 mg, iodide 7.5 mg Lugol's solution 5% = iodine 2.5 mg, iodide 3.75 mg = 6.25 mg total per drop Lugol's solution 2% = iodine 1.0 mg, iodide 1.5 mg = 2.5 mg total per drop

Dosages of iodine in drops (Lugol's solution)

How much iodine do you need per day

There are many recommendations for the required daily intake of iodine. The most common recommendation is to take 150 mcg of iodine per day . This amount was named by the US Food and Drug Administration in the last century. However, the situation has changed. New studies have appeared that prove that this amount of iodine is critically small in order to treat any diseases with it. These data are confirmed by the sad statistics of thyroid diseases (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism). Many people don't even know they have hypothyroidism. Since in most cases it is asymptomatic for a long time.

Therefore, each person, depending on the specific case, needs different amounts of iodine. This depends on the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and the state of the enzyme system. As well as the level of toxic effects of halogens.

Therefore, if you already have health problems, this is especially true for thyroid diseases. Then your doses should be higher than those that simply need to be taken for prevention.

The latest research on how much iodine to take says a good maintenance dose is 25 mg of iodine per day . However, with increased toxic load (bromine, fluoride, chlorine) as well as mercury, a higher dose of iodine may be required to maintain health. Endocrinologists are now beginning to believe that the minimum required dose may be 50 mg.

Tumor diseases . Cancer is the result of mutated cells. Iodine is absolutely essential for the functioning of the P53 gene, which is known as the “guardian of the genetic code.” Without iodine and selenium, it will not be able to eliminate abnormal cells from the body. Cancer patients should take 50 to 300 mg of iodine per day ().

How much iodine should children take?

The general recommendation for how much iodine to take for children is the formula - 0.08 mg x child's weight. But, in any case, it depends on the state of health.

Up to 3 years – 2.5 mg of iodine or 1 drop of 2% Lugol’s solution. From 3 to 5 years - 6.25 mg of iodoral or 1 drop of 5% Lugol's solution (6.25 mg) From 5 to 9 years - 12.5 mg of iodoral or 2 drops of 5% Lugol's solution (12.5 mg) From 9 up to 16 years - 25 mg of iodoral or 4 drops of 5% Lugol solution (25 mg) 16 years and older - depends on health problems, weight, etc. Dosages vary from 12.5 mg to 300 mg.

11. Eidon Mineral Supplements - a preparation similar to plain water

Liquid iodine on iHerb, which has a convenient dosage regimen: 2 drops of the product in 1 glass of water once a day. The composition is tasteless and odorless, so it is suitable for children and people who are picky about the taste of medicines. One dose has 225 mcg of active ingredient.

Reviews on IHerb vary: some buyers confirm that after taking the drug they began to feel cheerful and active.

Others are sure that the bottle contains ordinary water, since the drug has no taste, color, or smell.

Supporting Nutrients for Iodine Intake

Like all minerals, iodine must be taken along with cofactors. These are the nutrients that will enhance and facilitate the absorption of iodine by the body.

Related articles:

• Treatment of thyroid hyperthyroidism in women
• Lack of vitamins and minerals - 7 most...

• Vitamin C - 2000-5000 mg/day - supports and helps as an antioxidant for detoxification.
• Selenium – 200 – 400 mcg/day – essential for detoxification and production of thyroid hormones.
• Unrefined salt (Celtic) - ½ teaspoon per day - supports the adrenal glands, binds to bromine and removes it.
• Magnesium – 400 mg/day – a critical mineral for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body.
• ATP cofactors - 1 tablet 2 times a day. Especially if you feel tired or have an autoimmune thyroid disease.

TOP 5 supplements with selenium, zinc, copper and iodine to support the thyroid gland

The rating of vitamins was compiled based on the cost of one serving.

No. 5 Thorne Research, Thyrocsin, USA

Thorne Research, Thyrocsin, Thyroid Cofactors, 120 Capsules

★★★★☆

2 454 ₽

Buy at a discount

Price for 1 serving – 36 rubles. 20 kopecks

Brief information:

• package volume – 120 capsules;
• dosage per day – 4 pcs.

The supplement contains 225 mcg of the active ingredient, a large dose of selenium, vitamins B12, E, C, as well as tyrosine, zinc, and copper.

Pros:

• The drug helps normalize the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Minuses:

• sometimes causes nausea.

№4 Natural Factors, WomenSense, ThyroSense, Thyroid Formula, USA

Natural Factors, WomenSense, ThyroSense, Thyroid Formula, 120 Vegetarian Capsules

★★★★☆

1 149 ₽

Buy at a discount

The cost of 1 serving is 21 rubles. 30 kopecks

General information:

• package volume – 120 capsules;
• daily dosage – 2-4 pcs.

Natural Factors has developed a supplement that supports women's health. It contains:

• pantothenic acid;
• iodine;
• tyrosine;
• selenium;
• copper;
• manganese;
• plant components.

Pros:

• the drug normalizes the functioning of the thyroid gland;
• improves performance, memory, concentration.

Minuses:

• the supplement sometimes produces side effects such as nausea, tachycardia, and increased anxiety.

No. 3 Now Foods, Thyroid Energy, USA

Now Foods, Thyroid Energy, 90 Vegetarian Capsules

★★★★☆

870 ₽

Buy at a discount

Price for 1 serving – 18 rubles. 06 kop.

A brief description of:

• package volume – 90 capsules;
• daily dose – 2 pcs.

Vitamins contain all the necessary components for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Contains:

• iodine;
• selenium;
• tyrosine;
• zinc;
• copper;
• vitamins B6, B9, B12.

Pros:

• full composition.

Minuses:

• No.

No. 2 Alphabet classic, Russia

Alphabet classic tab. n60

from 304 ₽

Buy

The cost of 1 serving is 4 rubles. 76 kop.

General characteristics:

• package volume – 60 tablets;
• norm per day – 3 pcs.

Multivitamin complex for adults and children over 14 years old. It contains three types of tablets:

1. Calcium, D3, K.
2. Vitamins A, E, C and selenium.
3. Folic and ascorbic acids, B1 and iron.

You need to take 3 tablets a day, you can drink them at the same time or 1 piece at a time. three times.

Pros:

• the drug is well absorbed;
• quickly produces an effect.

Minuses:

• No.

No. 1 Doppelhertz active from A to zinc tab., 1.5 g, Germany

Doppelhertz active from a to zinc tab. 1.5g n30

from 386 ₽

Buy

Price for 1 serving – 12 rubles. 90 kopecks

Brief information:

• package volume – 30 tablets;
• dosage per day – 1 pc.

The supplement contains a complex of essential vitamins and minerals:

• A, B1, B2, B6, B9, B12, E, C, D;
• iodine, iron, potassium, calcium, copper, chromium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, manganese, molybdenum.

It is safe, has no contraindications, and is suitable for adults and children over 12 years of age.

Pros:

• Dietary supplement strengthens the immune system;
• gives effect within a week after starting use.

Minuses:

• large tablet size.

How long to take iodine

To achieve 90% saturation of the body with iodine (iodine loading protocol) it will take 6 months at 50 mg per day. The iodine dose is increased gradually. However, research is currently being conducted that suggests that when there is a toxic load of halogens (bromine, fluorine, chlorine), iodine should be drunk on a regular basis so that it penetrates the cells and cleanses the body of toxins.

Preventive courses of iodine intake should not exceed 1.5-2 months. Then it is recommended to take a break and repeat the course if necessary.

The best means

Medicines containing iodine help restore the thyroid gland to its normal size. It is usually recommended to take them for six months. However, they can only be prescribed by a specialist - an endocrinologist who will first examine the patient.

In the early stages of pathology development, vitamin complexes and iodine-containing preparations will be effective. The best medications for the thyroid gland are:

1. "Iodomarin".
2. "Iodine-Active".
3. "Iodine balance".
4. "Potassium Iodide".

The microelement is also contained in vitamin complexes: “Vitrum”, “AlfaVit”, “Multi-tabs Classic”, “Unidzheks”. Usually such drugs are taken for at least a month. After which a break is taken, and the course of therapy (if necessary) is repeated.

Answers to frequently asked questions regarding iodine

Below we will consider questions that you may have when taking iodine supplements.

How to Know When to Increase Your Dosage

Many people are afraid to start with a high dose of iodine. This fear is not supported by medical science, but is a manifestation of iodophobia (fear of iodine). If you are afraid to start taking 25 mg or more iodine per day, start with a minimum dosage of 2.5 mg. Monitor your reaction and gradually increase to the required amount. Remember that if you are treating a disease, low doses of iodine simply will not have any effect.

The positive effects of taking iodine can be felt in just one day. Some people take a lower dose and feel no change. It is in this situation that an increase in dosage may be justified.

Ferritin dropped on iodine, what to do?

If you take iodine (Iodoral) at a dosage of 50 mg or more, you may sometimes experience a decrease in iron stores (ferritin levels). This problem can be solved by taking additional iron and vitamin B6 supplements to restore ferritin to normal levels. This is thought to be due to an increase in metabolic rate, which requires more iron. Adequate ferritin levels (60-70) are necessary for the creation and use of thyroid hormones. Therefore, it is extremely important to monitor this indicator while taking iodine supplements.

If you gain weight after starting to take iodine

Unfortunately, this can happen in cases where the body does not have time to cope with the detoxification of bromine and iodine. If detoxification pathways are unable to eliminate the toxins released by iodine, the body will store them in water and fat. This is often due to the initial deficiency states of the body. In particular, with reduced levels of calcium, as well as magnesium, vitamin D and B vitamins. All nutrients work to maintain cellular balance and eliminate toxins.

Is it possible to take iodine for AIT (Hashimoto's disease)

Yes, doctors believe that low iodine levels are one of the main causes of autoimmune thyroid disease. Therefore, taking iodine to correct the condition of autoimmune thyroiditis is often the main purpose. Along with taking selenium and zinc.

Vitamins for children: for harmonious development and good academic performance

In children's bodies, iodine plays a particularly significant role. It is this microelement that is largely responsible for the normal growth and development of the baby.

Pediatricians recommend taking preventive doses of it for children:

• living in a region with iodine deficiency;
• having a family history of thyroid diseases;
• suffering from gastrointestinal diseases that interfere with the absorption of nutrients.

Popular multivitamin complexes in a convenient children's form are presented in the table below.

Table 3: Multivitamin complexes with iodine for children:

Kids enjoy eating bright and sweet vitamins

Summary

In conclusion, we note that you can take iodine preparations in therapeutic dosages only if you have a proven iodine deficiency. There are three ways to diagnose iodine deficiency:

• iodine test (iodine grid),
• analysis of morning urine for iodine content,
• 24 hour stress test with 50 mg iodoral.

Now you know everything about how to take iodine supplements correctly. And you will be caught off guard by the questions about what kind of iodine to take and how much iodine to take. In any case, the iodine loading protocol must be completed under the supervision of a specialist.

If you have any questions, you can ask them in the comments below the article.

Indications for use

Medicine in bottles
Most often, iodine is used as an antimicrobial and antiseptic drug. Local application of iodine is carried out for:

• Purulent otitis
• Chronic tonsillitis
• Atrophic rhinitis
• Infected burns

Iodine is used to reduce the effects of poisoning from mercury and some heavy metals.