Iodine
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Top-Rated Iodine Products
Evidence Summary
Iodine is an essential micronutrient used both for nutritional fortification to prevent deficiency and as a clinical antiseptic (povidone-iodine). Research highlights its efficacy in preventing neurodevelopmental issues in infants and managing thyroid cancer, though radioactive forms carry specific long-term health considerations.
Evidence by Condition
Fortification of foods and condiments, excluding salt, is a studied intervention for preventing deficiency.
Iodine supplementation may prevent mortality and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.
Radioactive iodine is used for remnant ablation, though it is associated with potential risks of primary breast cancer.
Povidone-iodine is utilized as an umbilical cord antiseptic to prevent sepsis and death in newborns.
Effective Doses
Dose ranges not specified in the provided research.
Key Findings
- Iodine fortification of foods and condiments other than salt can prevent iodine deficiency disorders (PMID: 30746700).
- Iodine supplementation helps prevent mortality and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants (PMID: 30802939).
- Radioactive iodine therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer is effective for remnant ablation but may increase the risk of primary breast cancer (PMID: 33792650, PMID: 34820683).
- Povidone-iodine serves as an effective umbilical cord antiseptic for preventing newborn sepsis (PMID: 41881430).
Limitations
The provided research focuses heavily on clinical applications (radioactive iodine and antiseptics) and large-scale fortification rather than specific oral dosage titration for general supplementation.
Safety & Interactions
Radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer is associated with potential risks of developing primary breast cancer (PMID: 34820683) and other cancer risks (PMID: 34533571).
AI-generated summary from 292 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Dietary Reference Intakes
Source: IOM/NAM Dietary Reference Intakes · Dietary Reference Intakes: Iodine
Drug-Supplement Interactions
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements with medications.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 98% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 74% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 53% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| Qualified Health | 1% | Tier B (FDA Qualified Health Claim) | ✅ Supported |
🏛️ NIH ODS Factsheet
Research by Topic
⚠️ FDA Safety Data
Research Evidence (292)
**Imdad et al., 2026** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Imdad Aamer, Medina Melissa, ... Bhutta Zulfiqar A. Umbilical cord antiseptics for preventing sepsis and death among newborns. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2026-Mar-26;3(3):CD008635. ...
**Das et al., 2019** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Das Jai K, Salam Rehana A, ... Bhutta Zulfiqar A. Food fortification with multiple micronutrients: impact on health outcomes in general population. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019-Dec...
**van et al., 2017** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis van der Wouden Johannes C, van der Sande Renske, ... Koning Sander. Interventions for cutaneous molluscum contagiosum. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017-May-17;5(5):CD004767. doi:10.100...
**Drugeon et al., 2026** | JAMA Netw Open | Meta Analysis Drugeon Bertrand, Mihala Gabor, ... Mimoz Olivier. Chlorhexidine vs Povidone-Iodine and Incidence of Catheter-Related Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2026-Fe...
**James et al., 2021** | JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg | Meta Analysis James Danielle L, Ryan Éanna J, ... Kerin Michael J. Radioiodine Remnant Ablation for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Otolaryngol Head...
PURPOSE: Although it has been proven that radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment is an effective and well-tolerated procedure in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), there is still some concern regarding the risk of developing a second prim...
**Unknown et al., 2022** | Lancet Infect Dis | Meta Analysis . Alcoholic chlorhexidine skin preparation or triclosan-coated sutures to reduce surgical site infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of high-quality randomised controlled trials....
**Shi et al., 2013** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Shi Zongdao, Xie Huixu, ... Furness Susan. Oral hygiene care for critically ill patients to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013-Aug-13(8):CD008367...
**Eekhof et al., 2012** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Eekhof Just A H, Van Wijk Bart, ... van der Wouden Johannes C. Interventions for ingrowing toenails. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012-Apr-18;2012(4):CD001541. doi:10.1002/14651858.C...
**Clive et al., 2016** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Clive Amelia O, Jones Hayley E, ... Maskell Nick. Interventions for the management of malignant pleural effusions: a network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016-May-0...
**Santos et al., 2019** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Santos Joseph Alvin R, Christoforou Anthea, ... Li Mu. Iodine fortification of foods and condiments, other than salt, for preventing iodine deficiency disorders. Cochrane Database S...
**Walsh et al., 2019** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Walsh Verena, Brown Jennifer Valeska Elli, McGuire William. Iodine supplementation for the prevention of mortality and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. Cochran...
**Campbell et al., 2020** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Campbell Pauline, Bain Brenda, ... Brady Marian C. Interventions for improving oral health in people after stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020-Dec-07;12(12):CD003864. doi:10....
**Shim et al., 2021** | JAMA Netw Open | Meta Analysis Shim Sung Ryul, Kitahara Cari M, ... Lee Won Jin. Cancer Risk After Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Hyperthyroidism: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2021-Sep-01;4(9):e2125...
**Riggs et al., 2019** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Riggs Elisha, Kilpatrick Nicky, ... Gomersall Judith C. Interventions with pregnant women, new mothers and other primary caregivers for preventing early childhood caries. Cochrane Da...
**Kumbargere et al., 2020** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Kumbargere Nagraj Sumanth, Eachempati Prashanti, ... Verbeek Jos H. Interventions to reduce contaminated aerosols produced during dental procedures for preventing infectious dis...
**Fraquelli et al., 2022** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Fraquelli Mirella, Nadarevic Tin, ... Casazza Giovanni. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in adults with chronic liver disease. Cochr...
**Clarkson et al., 2007** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Clarkson J E, Worthington H V, Eden O B. Interventions for treating oral mucositis for patients with cancer receiving treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007-Apr-18(2):CD00197...
**Ubbink et al., 2008** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Ubbink Dirk T, Westerbos Stijn Joël, ... Vermeulen Hester. Topical negative pressure for treating chronic wounds. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008-Jul-16(3):CD001898. doi:10.1002/14...
**Hua et al., 2016** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Hua Fang, Xie Huixu, ... Li Chunjie. Oral hygiene care for critically ill patients to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016-Oct-25;10(10):CD008367 B...
**Neufingerl et al., 2021** | Nutrients | Systematic Review Neufingerl Nicole, Eilander Ans. Nutrient Intake and Status in Adults Consuming Plant-Based Diets Compared to Meat-Eaters: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2021-Dec-23;14(1). doi:10.3390/nu14...
**Baxter et al., 2022** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Baxter Jo-Anna B, Carducci Bianca, ... Bhutta Zulfiqar A. Fortification of salt with iron and iodine versus fortification of salt with iodine alone for improving iron and iodine...
**Ma et al., 2010** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Ma Chao, Xie Jiawei, ... Wu Fengyu. Recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) aided radioiodine treatment for residual or metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Re...
**Dumville et al., 2013** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Dumville Jo C, Deshpande Sohan, ... Speak Katharine. Hydrocolloid dressings for healing diabetic foot ulcers. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013-Aug-06;2013(8):CD009099. doi:10.1002...
**Lethaby et al., 2013** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Lethaby Anne, Temple Jenny, Santy-Tomlinson Julie. Pin site care for preventing infections associated with external bone fixators and pins. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013-Dec-03;...
**Klain et al., 2021** | Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging | Meta Analysis Klain Michele, Nappi Carmela, ... Cuocolo Alberto. Ablation rate after radioactive iodine therapy in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer at intermediate or high risk of recur...
**McCann et al., 2010** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis McCann Margaret, Moore Zena Eh. Interventions for preventing infectious complications in haemodialysis patients with central venous catheters. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010-Jan-2...
**Zhang et al., 2016** | Nucl Med Commun | Meta Analysis Zhang Yingjie, Liang Jun, ... Lin Yansong. Risk of second primary breast cancer after radioactive iodine treatment in thyroid cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nucl Med Commun. 201...
BACKGROUND: Iodine is an essential nutrient required for the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones, which are responsible for regulating growth, development and metabolism. Iodine requirements increase substantially during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If ...
**Burton et al., 2020** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Burton Martin J, Clarkson Janet E, ... Worthington Helen V. Use of antimicrobial mouthwashes (gargling) and nasal sprays by healthcare workers to protect them when treating pati...
**Huo et al., 2021** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Huo Yanlei, Xie Jiawei, ... Ma Chao. Recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH)-aided radioiodine treatment for non-toxic multinodular goitre. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021-Dec-28;12(12)...
**Peng et al., 2025** | Thyroid | Systematic Review Peng Carol Chiung-Hui, Spiegel Brianna R, ... Pearce Elizabeth N. Mortality Risks Associated with Antithyroid Drugs, Radioactive Iodine, and Surgery for Hyperthyroidism: A Systematic Review and Netw...
**Sawka et al., 2009** | Thyroid | Meta Analysis Sawka Anna M, Thabane Lehana, ... Goldstein David P. Second primary malignancy risk after radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Thyroid. 2009-May;19(5)...
**Ma et al., 2009** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Ma Chao, Xie Jiawei, ... Zuo Shuyao. Amifostine for salivary glands in high-dose radioactive iodine treated differentiated thyroid cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009-Oct-07;2009(4...
**Dumville et al., 2012** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Dumville Jo C, Deshpande Sohan, ... Speak Katharine. Hydrocolloid dressings for healing diabetic foot ulcers. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012-Feb-15(2):CD009099. doi:10.1002/1465...
**Yang et al., 2012** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Yang Shujuan, Wu Siying, ... Yang Chunxia. Screening for oesophageal cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012-Dec-12;12(12):CD007883. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007883.pub2 BACKGROUND...
**Martin et al., 2024** | J Orthop Sci | Meta Analysis Martin Vidmi Taolam, Zhang Yan, ... Yu Bo. A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing intrawound vancomycin powder and povidone iodine lavage in the prevention of periprosthetic joint infect...
**Eveleigh et al., 2023** | Br J Nutr | Meta Analysis Eveleigh Elizabeth Rose, Coneyworth Lisa, Welham Simon J M. Systematic review and meta-analysis of iodine nutrition in modern vegan and vegetarian diets. Br J Nutr. 2023-Nov-14;130(9):1580-1594. d...
**Head et al., 2025** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Head Karen, Chong Lee Yee, ... Brennan-Jones Christopher G. Topical antiseptics for chronic suppurative otitis media. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2025-Jun-09;6(6):CD013055. doi:10.100...
**Strippoli et al., 2004** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Strippoli G F M, Tong A, ... Craig J C. Antimicrobial agents for preventing peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004-Oct-18(4):CD004679 BACKG...
**Gurusamy et al., 2011** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Gurusamy Kurinchi Selvan, Naik Prashant, Davidson Brian R. Methods of decreasing infection to improve outcomes after liver resections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011-Nov-09(11):...
**Kapoor et al., 2020** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Kapoor Vimal Scott, Evans Jennifer R, Vedula S Swaroop. Interventions for preventing ophthalmia neonatorum. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020-Sep-21;9(9):CD001862. doi:10.1002/146518...
**Businge et al., 2021** | BMJ Open | Meta Analysis Businge Charles Bitamazire, Usenbo Anthony, ... Kengne A P. Insufficient iodine nutrition status and the risk of pre-eclampsia: a systemic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2021-Feb-10;11(2):e0435...
**Blikra et al., 2022** | Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf | Meta Analysis Blikra Marthe Jordbrekk, Henjum Sigrun, Aakre Inger. Iodine from brown algae in human nutrition, with an emphasis on bioaccessibility, bioavailability, chemistry, and effects of pr...
**Zhao et al., 2022** | Comput Math Methods Med | Meta Analysis Zhao Min, Shi Xinyu, ... Zhang Bin. Radioactive Iodine Ablation Can Reduce the Structural Recurrence Rate of Intermediate-Risk Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A Meta-Analysis. Comput M...
**Kim et al., 2024** | Clin Nucl Med | Meta Analysis Kim Keunyoung, Hong Chae Moon, ... Lee Sang-Woo. Efficacy of Empirical 131 I Radioiodine Therapy in Well-Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Patients With Thyroglobulin-Elevated Negative Iodine Scinti...
**Machinski et al., 2025** | J Arthroplasty | Meta Analysis Machinski Elcio, da Cruz Vinícius F, ... Leal Daniel P. Chlorhexidine or Povidone-Iodine Solution Irrigation Versus Saline Irrigation for the Prevention of Postoperative Infections in Primar...
**Malboosbaf et al., 2013** | Endocrine | Meta Analysis Malboosbaf Ramin, Hosseinpanah Farhad, ... Azizi Fereidoun. Relationship between goiter and gender: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Endocrine. 2013-Jun;43(3):539-47. doi:10.1007/s12020-01...
Several reviews and meta-analyses have examined the effects of iodine on mental development. None focused on young children, so they were incomplete in summarizing the effects on this important age group. The current systematic review therefore exami...
**Chen et al., 2020** | World J Surg | Meta Analysis Chen Shi, Chen Jun Wu, ... Xu Chun Cheng. Preoperative Antisepsis with Chlorhexidine Versus Povidone-Iodine for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Wor...
Showing top 50 of 292 sources, sorted by quality score.
Details
Iodine
Overview
Iodine is a essential nutrient tracked in the biomedical knowledge base.
Also known as: i, iodide, potassium iodide, kelp iodine
Role in Health
Detailed overview pending — this entity has sources compiled across multiple verticals.
Related Verticals
See sources-index for all verified sources referencing Iodine.
Safety Considerations
Safety data extraction pending.
Sources
See linked source pages for full provenance.
Related Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is iodine and what is it used for?
Iodine is an essential micronutrient used for nutritional fortification to prevent deficiency and as a clinical antiseptic. It plays a vital role in supporting healthy thyroid function and neurodevelopment.
Can iodine prevent iodine deficiency disorders?
Yes, there is moderate evidence that fortifying foods and condiments, excluding salt, is an effective way to prevent iodine deficiency disorders. This helps ensure populations receive enough of this essential nutrient.
Does iodine supplementation help preterm babies?
There is moderate evidence that iodine supplementation may help prevent mortality and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. This can be a critical intervention for newborn health.
Is radioactive iodine safe for treating thyroid cancer?
While there is strong evidence that radioactive iodine is effective for treating certain types of differentiated thyroid cancer, it carries potential risks. Research indicates that this treatment may be associated with an increased risk of developing primary breast cancer.
What is the recommended daily dose of iodine?
The Dietary Reference Intake (RDA) for adults is 150 mcg per day. However, specific effective doses for supplemental use are not clearly defined in the current research.
Are there any interactions between iodine and thyroid medications?
Yes, there is a moderate interaction between iodine and Levothyroxine. Taking excess iodine can paradoxically inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which may interfere with the effectiveness of your medication.
Can iodine be used to prevent infections in newborns?
There is moderate evidence that povidone-iodine is an effective antiseptic for the umbilical cord. It is used clinically to help prevent sepsis and death in newborns.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.