Iodine (potassium iodide): evidence, dose and safety
Iodine is a trace element needed to make thyroid hormones. The main sources are iodised salt, dairy, fish and seaweed. We use potassium iodide.
At a glance
- Strongest evidence
- B Good
- Dose in our plans
- 150 µg a day for adults
- Adult upper limit
- 600 µg a day from food and supplements together
- Safety checks
- 1 situation and 0 medicine or supplement interactions, checked against your answers in every plan
- Reviewed
- Atrum Labs clinical team (MD, PhD), November 2026
Authorised EU health claim
Iodine contributes to the normal production of thyroid hormones and normal thyroid function.
What the research looked at
Each line is one body of research, graded A (strong) to D (weak). How we grade evidence. What each study measured is explained in your personal plan.
| Grade | Who was studied | References |
|---|---|---|
| B | Vegans and people avoiding iodized salt |
|
| B | Pregnant, breastfeeding or planning |
|
How much
- Our plans usually use 150 µg a day for adults. The exact dose depends on your lab results, age and medicines.
- Adult upper limit: 600 µg a day from food and supplements together. Source: EFSA 2006 iodine UL.
- Children's doses are set by age, and some ingredients are for adults only.
Who should not take it, or should check first
- A clinician checks first. Iodine can worsen autoimmune thyroiditis and hyperthyroidism.
Written and reviewed by the Atrum Labs clinical team (physician-scientists, MD, PhD) from our clinical knowledge base, version 0.2.0-draft. This page is general information, not medical advice. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
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