mineral
Iodine
Essential building block for thyroid hormones.
What It Does
Iodine is required for T3/T4 synthesis.
Both deficiency and excess can disrupt thyroid balance.
Who Needs It Most
| Demographic | Target Intake | Upper Limit |
|---|---|---|
| all, vegan | 150 mcg | 1100 mcg |
| female, pregnant | 220 mcg | 1100 mcg |
| female, breastfeeding | 290 mcg | 1100 mcg |
Signs of Deficiency
- Fatigue
- Cold intolerance
- Goiter
Best Food Sources
Iodized salt
Primary source in many regions
Seaweed
Variable and often high
Dairy
Moderate
Supplement Guide
Best forms: Potassium iodide
What to look for: Moderate dosing and thyroid context
What to avoid: High-dose use with thyroid disorders without monitoring
Timing: Morning with food.
Who Should Avoid It
Thyroid conditions
Excess iodine may worsen hypothyroid or hyperthyroid patterns in susceptible patients.
Source: NIH ODS
The Research
PubMed citations are temporarily unavailable.
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