How to Take Iodine

Iodine is an essential nutrient for proper thyroid function. Without sufficient iodine, you may develop goiter, autoimmune disease of the thyroid or even thyroid cancer. Additionally, women with low thyroid function may not ovulate, leading to irregular cycles and infertility; pregnant women who do not take enough iodine may suffer from high blood pressure, fetal retardation or miscarriage. The easiest and most common way to take iodine is by increasing your intake of iodized salt, but you can supplement to maintain a low-sodium diet.

Step 1

Switch to iodized salt if you are using non-iodized salt or sea salt. This may allow you to incorporate more iodine into your diet without any additional supplements, as two grams of salt will give you the recommended daily amount of iodine. If you already use iodized salt, purchase low-sodium versions of foods; you can then add iodized salt for flavor without making your food too salty.

Step 2

Eat more seafood, particularly shellfish, saltwater fish and seaweed. Freshwater fish may not have high levels of iodine if they come from a low-iodine river or lake.

Step 3

Supplement in moderation. Kelp pills or potassium iodide supplements will increase your iodine intake. If you are a healthy adult, the American Food and Nutrition Board recommends 150 micrograms of iodine per day. The number increases to 220 mcg. if you are pregnant and 290 if you are lactating. However, you should not take more than 1100 mcg. of iodine per day.

Step 4

Crush the supplements and mix them with liquids if you have difficulty swallowing whole pills. This will not interfere with their potency.

Step 5

Avoid taking iodine unless instructed by your doctor if you have a thyroid condition or a type of rash called dermatitis herpetiformis, as iodine may make these conditions worse. Additionally, you should not take iodine if you are taking thyroid medication, amiodarone (Cordarone), lithium, water pills or certain medications for high blood pressure. These medications either affect the thyroid, contain iodine or interact negatively with the potassium in iodine supplements.

Tips and Warnings

Children and adolescents have different recommended amounts of iodine than adults; do not introduce too much salt into a child's diet. If you are taking iodine for a radiation emergency, take it only after exposure.