Safety Profile
Overall safety rating: Safe with Caution
Iodine Side Effects & Safety
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer
Potential Side Effects
- Metallic taste in mouth
- Stomach upset and nausea
- Excessive iodine can cause hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism (Wolff-Chaikoff effect)
- Acne-like skin eruptions at high doses
- Thyroid storm in susceptible individuals with high-dose supplementation
Drug & Supplement Interactions
- Lithium — both reduce thyroid function; combined use increases hypothyroidism risk
- Anti-thyroid medications (methimazole, PTU) — iodine can interfere with their effects
- ACE inhibitors and potassium-sparing diuretics — potassium iodide adds to potassium load
- Amiodarone — contains large amounts of iodine, interactions with supplemental iodine possible
Maximum Dose
Do not exceed: 1,100mcg/day (NIH UL for adults); higher doses can cause thyroid dysfunction
References
- Bath SC, Steer CD, Golding J, Emmett P, Rayman MP (2013). Effect of inadequate iodine status in UK pregnant women on cognitive outcomes in their children. The Lancet. DOI PubMed
- Zimmermann MB, Jooste PL, Pandav CS (2008). Iodine-deficiency disorders. The Lancet. DOI PubMed
- Leung AM, Braverman LE (2014). Consequences of excess iodine. Nature Reviews Endocrinology. DOI PubMed