The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the neck that produces hormones that influence the health of many organs and systems within the body including healthy metabolism, brain function, and energy levels.1 It’s an important gland and any discussion about its function begins with iodine, an essential mineral found in some foods and available as a dietary supplement.
Getting Enough Iodine
The thyroid gland uses iodine to synthesize and support healthy thyroid hormone production which in turn helps support development, growth, and metabolism.2 In addition, the thyroid hormones influenced by iodine help support the liver, kidney, muscle, brain, and central nervous system.3
Unfortunately, iodine deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies affecting approximately 35% to 45% of the world’s population.
Iodine is so important to a healthy thyroid and overall health that in the United States iodized fortified salt first became available in 1924 to help reduce the risk of iodine deficiency.4
The recommended dietary allowances for iodine are:5
| Age/status | Amount |
|---|---|
| Birth to 6 months | 110 mcg |
| 7-12 months | 130 mcg |
| 1-8 years | 90 mcg |
| 9-13 years | 120 mcg |
| 14+ years | 150 mcg |
| Pregnancy | 220 mcg |
| Lactation | 290 mcg |
The body does not make iodine so it must come from dietary supplements and/or food. The best dietary sources of iodine are seaweeds such as kelp, nori, kombu, and wakame; however, dairy products also contain some iodine.5 Because iodine is found in seawater and soil, fish, fruits, and vegetables may contain some iodine, but the content in these foods is highly variable.2 A well-formulated dietary supplement can help fill the gaps when it comes to iodine intake.
Synergistic Thyroid Support
For optimal thyroid function support, iodine works well with other nutrients including vitamin B12, magnesium, zinc, and selenium, as well as herbs like Schisandra, ashwagandha, and bladderwrack. Thyroid supplements that contain these ingredients combined with iodine from Atlantic kelp are an ideal combination to support a healthy thyroid. Thyroid Support features all these ingredients to help support energy, metabolism, and focus.*
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
References
- Armstrong M, Asuka E, Fingeret A. Physiology, thyroid function. StatPearls. 2023;Mar 13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537039/?report=reader#_NBK537039_pubdet_
- Sorrenti S, Baldini E, Pironi D, et al. Iodine: its role in thyroid hormone biosynthesis and beyond. Nutrients. 2021;13(12). https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/12/4469
- Hatch-McChesney A, Lieberman HR. Iodine and iodine deficiency: a comprehensive review of a re-emerging issue. Nutrients. 2022;14(17):3475. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9459956/
- Leung AM, Braverman LE, Pearce EN. History of US iodine fortification and supplementation. Nutrients. 2012;4(11):1740-1746. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3509517/
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Iodine fact sheet for health professionals. 2023;Oct 13. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-HealthProfessional/
