Iodine is an essential element for strong health. This micronutrient is the critical component of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play a significant role in controlling metabolism, immunity, and physical and mental development.

1. Studies estimate that about 2 billion people worldwide have a certain degree of iodine deficiency, but just 50 million of them have symptoms. In other words, only 1 in 40 people with iodine deficiency have clinical manifestations of the problem!¹

Iodine is naturally found in seaweed, fish, grains, dairy, legumes, and fruit. The problem is that most people don’t eat enough of these foods to meet the recommended daily dose of iodine. An easy and convenient solution is to start taking iodine supplements to ensure you get this critical micronutrient and support your thyroid gland at all times.

But how do you choose a reliable product to take? In this review, we’ll take a look at the five best iodine supplements on the market right now.

 

1. TMI by Systemic Formulas

 

Ingredients per serving:

• Total Iodine/Iodide – 12.5 mg (Iodine – 5 mg, Iodide (Potassium) – 7.5 mg)
• Selenium (Selenomethionine) – 2 mcg
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCl) – 10 mg
• Zinc (Gluconate) – 1.5 mg
• Vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopheryl succinate) – 6.5 IU
• Proprietary blend – 470 mg (Kelp, Irish Moss, Schisandra Chinensis, Bladderwrack, Rice Bran, Dulse, Ashwagandha, Coleus Forskohlii, L-Tryptophan, Catalase, L-Tyrosine, Lobelia)

An excellent iodine supplement is TMI by Systemic Formulas for sustainable thyroid support. It contains both elemental iodine and iodide ions from potassium iodide in a ratio considered optimal for thyroid function. Besides iodine, this supplement has a proprietary blend of natural compounds that support general metabolism and thyroid function. For example, the herbs Ashwagandha and Schisandra Chinensis act as adaptogens that may reduce the impact of stress on the thyroid.^2-3 Zinc helps to regulate the enzymes that take part in the metabolism of iodine and thyroid hormones.⁴

 

2. TMI lq by Systemic Formulas

 

Ingredients per serving:

• Iodine (Potassium Iodide/Iodine) – 3.8 mg
• Proprietary blend: Kelp, Irish Moss, Schisandra Chinensis, Bladderwrack, Rice Bran, Dulse, Ashwagandha, Coleus Forskohlii, L-Tryptophan, Catalase, L-Tyrosine, Lobelia, Pyridoxine HCl, Zinc Gluconate, Vitamin E, Selenomethionine

TMI lq by Systemic Formulas is a liquid version of their TMI blend: the perfect iodine supplement for people who don’t like or don’t want to swallow capsules for any reason. Additionally, liquid iodine supplements are great because they can be dissolved in foods or drinks (smoothies, juices, tap water) and are generally absorbed better in the body. Like the TMI in capsule form, the TMI lq contains a signature botanical blend that makes this product especially effective for thyroid support.

 

3. BodyBio Iodine

 

Ingredients per serving:

• Iodine (as Potassium Iodide) – 210 mcg

BodyBio Iodine is probably the best liquid iodine supplement for those who’re looking for pure iodine without any botanical blends as a bonus. In general, this product would probably be a better option for people prone to allergies, especially to exotic herbs. Just remember to take this supplement along with vitamin C, as it significantly improves the bioavailability of minerals in liquid form.

 

4. Iodoral by Klaire Labs

 

Ingredients per serving:

• Iodine/Iodide – 12.5 mg (Iodine – 5 mg, Iodide as potassium salad – 7.5 mg)

Iodine supplements are beneficial for general health, but they come with two minor downsides: the peculiar taste of iodine and the chance of getting mild stomach irritation. Iodoral is a unique supplement in this matter because it solves both issues at once. The tablets are coated with a thin layer of pharmaceutical glaze to eliminate the taste of iodine and make the tablets easier to swallow. As for gastric irritation, its risk is significantly decreased thanks to the colloidal silica used as a base to deliver the iodine.

 

5. ThyroSyn by DesBio

 

Ingredients per serving:

• Iodine (as kelp) – 50 mcg
• Selenium (as selenomethionine) – 50 mcg
• Bovine thyroid (Thyroxine-free) – 300 mg
• N-acetyl-L-tyrosine – 125 mg
• Ashwagandha powder – 75 mg
• Bovine anterior pituitary gland – 50 mg
• Bovine hypothalamus – 50 mg
• Milk thistle seed extract – 50 mg

Besides being a reliable iodine supplement, Thyrosyn contains targeted bovine glandular extracts that may help support the thyroid and the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis as a whole. This feature defines the main downside of Thyrosyn, too: it’s not suitable for vegetarians or vegans since the glandular extracts are sourced from animals. For everyone else, however, this iodine supplement could provide broad support to all the body’s structures that control thyroid function. Milk thistle seed extract also supports liver and gall bladder health.

 

References:

1. Biban BG, Lichiardopol C. Iodine Deficiency, Still a Global Problem. Curr Health Sci J. 2017;43(2):103-11.
2. Salve J, Pate S, Debnath K, Langade D. Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. Cureus. 2019;11(12):e6466.
3. Panossian A, Hambardzumyan M, Hovhanissyan A, Wikman G. The adaptogens rhodiola and schizandra modify the response to immobilization stress in rabbits by suppressing the increase of phosphorylated stress-activated protein kinase, nitric oxide and cortisol. Drug Target Insights. 2007;2:39-54.
4. Severo JS, Morais JBS, de Freitas TEC, et al. The Role of Zinc in Thyroid Hormones Metabolism. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2019;89(1-2):80-8.