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Mineral

Iodine

Iodine is an essential trace mineral the thyroid needs to make its hormones. It comes mainly from seafood, dairy and iodized salt.

FertilityEssential HealthOrgan FunctionWeight Management

Does supplementation help pregnancy outcomes?

A review included 14 trials, with five pooled for child outcomes. Supplementation improved iodine status, but the pooled results did not show better birth size or cognitive, language or motor development during the first two years. 1

Pregnancy PrepMixed

Improved iodine status and improved child development are different outcomes; these trials do not settle every pregnancy scenario. 1

Why is supplementation still recommended in Germany?

DGE recommends 100–150 µg supplemental iodine daily during pregnancy and breastfeeding after medical consultation, alongside a balanced diet using iodized salt. The aim is adequate supply during higher requirements. 2

Effects by health goal

Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.

Weight Management1 effect

MetabolismWeight ManagementSmallCNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

All studies

9 publications are linked to Iodine, newest first.

The role of iodine in thyroid function and iodine impact on the course of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis - review2024Iodine: a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 20232023Iodine and Iodine Deficiency: A Comprehensive Review of a Re-Emerging Issue2022Effects of iodine supplementation during pregnancy on pregnant women and their offspring: A systematic review and meta-analysis of trials over the past three decades.2020Association between Iodine Nutrition Status and Thyroid Disease-Related Hormone in Korean Adults: Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VI (2013–2015)2019Excess iodine intake: sources, assessment, and effects on thyroid function2019Iodine as Essential Nutrient during the First 1000 Days of Life2018Effect of Iodine Nutrition on Pregnancy Outcomes in an Iodine-Sufficient Area in China2017Iodine supplementation of pregnant women in Europe: a review and recommendations2004

Sources