Iodine is found in seaweed (especially kelp), seafood, iodized salt and sea salt, eggs, garlic, turnip greens, watercress. It is commonly used as a topical antiseptic. Vegans and others who don’t eat dairy products or fish may benefit from taking iodine.

Iodine stimulates the thyroid gland to produce the thyroid hormones thyroxin and triiodothyronine, which regulate metabolic rate.  The trace element is also present in more than a hundred enzyme systems such as energy production, nerve function and hair and skin growth. Iodine promotes the conversion of body fat to energy, thereby regulating basal metabolic rate. It also protects against toxic effects from radioactive material. Finally, iodine has the ability to relieve pain and soreness associated with fibrocystic breast disease and can loosen clogged mucous in breathing tubes.

Goiter (characterized by enlarged thyroid gland which may thicken the neck, restrict breathing and cause bulging of the eyes), hypothyroidism (low thyroid), physical and mental sluggishness, poor circulation and low vitality, dry hair and skin, cold hands and feet, obesity, cretinism (characterized by physical and mental retardation in children born to mothers deficient in iodine), hearing loss.

Since the introduction of iodized salt, iodine supplements are not recommended for most people.150-300mcg (micrograms) RDA is 150mcg. Liquid iodine for medicinal uses (as a topical antiseptic for wounds) should NOT be used orally.

Iodine supplementation is usually only necessary upon medical advice. Upper safe level: 500mcg (long term usage); 700mcg (short term usage)

None if taken as recommended. People taking lithium and anti-thyroid drugs such as methimazole and propylthiouracil should not take supplementary iodine without consulting their doctor.

Slightly soluble in water, soluble in many other solvents, for example alcohol.