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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.

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Can too much harm the thyroid?

Excess iodine can cause an overactive or underactive thyroid, especially in susceptible people. Autoimmune thyroid disease can increase sensitivity. 1

What is the European upper limit?

DGE cites an EFSA upper limit of 600 µg daily for adults from all sources. It is a safety ceiling, not a target. 2

How do product limits differ from intake targets?

BfR proposes at most 100 µg per supplement daily dose, or 150 µg for products for pregnancy and breastfeeding. These are German product proposals, not total-intake targets. 3

Which medicines interact?

High iodine doses can compound the effects of antithyroid medicines. Potassium iodide can increase potassium with ACE inhibitors or potassium-sparing diuretics. 1

For information, not individual medical advice. Ingredient studies do not establish the effectiveness of these products.

Sources

  1. Iodine: Health Professional Fact Sheet NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
  3. Jod BfR