The 7 best iodine supplements, according to a nutritionist

Best potassium iodine supplement: Transparent Labs Multivitamin

Best potassium iodine supplement

Transparent Labs Multivitamin

Transparent Labs’ multi provides over 100% of the daily value for vitamins A, C, D, K, B12, and B6, plus iodine.

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Key product features

Vegan No

Gluten-free Yes

Servings per container 30

What you should know

Transparent Labs Multivitamin is a moderately priced all-purpose supplement that supplies over 100% of the daily value for multiple nutrients, plus 70% of the daily value for iodine. 

• With its abundant vitamins and minerals, this multivitamin supports a variety of health needs and goals. It’s also unique for its ashwagandha content.
• Transparent Labs’ multivitamin costs $1 per serving, which is middle of the road.
• Anyone who could use extra nutritional support (besides just iodine) may benefit from this product’s comprehensive nutrition.

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Why we like Transparent Labs Multivitamin as best potassium

Research shows that lots of us aren’t meeting our recommended micronutrient targets—and not just for iodine. According to Oregon State University’s Linus Pauling Institute, over 90% of Americans don’t meet the daily requirement for vitamin D, 88% don’t get enough vitamin E, and 52% don’t meet magnesium recommendations. (2) If you’re among the many who could use a boost of nutrients besides iodine, Transparent Labs’ multivitamin has you covered. 

This supplement contains several important nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, D, K, B6, B5, and B12, zinc, magnesium, and selenium. Though research doesn’t indicate that taking a multivitamin will give you superpowers like living longer or preventing cardiovascular disease, adding them to your regimen has potential benefits (and minimal risks). (3) 

Of course, Transparent Labs’ multi wouldn’t be on our list without iodine, too. Each serving contains 70% of the daily value. Though you might think a supplement should supply 100%, that’s not necessarily the case. Overdoing it on iodine can lead to health problems like goiter. (4) Still, it’s best to moderate your intake between food sources and supplements. Your doctor or a registered dietitian can help you determine your iodine needs.

Meanwhile, Transparent Labs’ product offers an extra ingredient you won’t find in every multivitamin: ashwagandha. Some studies have shown that ashwagandha may have beneficial effects on stress and anxiety, but note that it can cause stomach upset or loose stools in some people. (5) However, Transparent Labs’ formula is iron-free to be gentle on the stomach.

This multivitamin’s $1 per serving price is mid-range. However, if you create a monthly subscription, you can save $3 per bottle (plus free shipping). The brand also uses non-GMO ingredients, no artificial flavors or colors, and is gluten-free. However, if you’re not great at swallowing pills, you might be put off by Transparent Labs’ four-capsule serving. 

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Best iodine supplement for pregnancy: Ritual Essential for Women Prenatal Multivitamin

Best iodine supplement for pregnancy

Ritual Essential for Women Prenatal Multivitamin

Moms-to-be can boost their iodine intake via this comprehensive prenatal multivitamin.

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Key product features

Flavor options Two

Capsules per bottle 60

Vegan Yes

What you should know

If you’re pregnant, Ritual’s prenatal multivitamin is a smart choice for supporting your own health and that of your growing little one for its biotin, folate, choline, and omega-3s.

• Ritual’s transparency about sourcing means you know exactly where your nutrients are coming from. On Ritual’s website, details are provided about the sources of iodine, omega-3s, B12, and folate.
• Each serving costs $1.30, so these prenatal multivitamins are a moderate price.
• You can take Ritual’s prenatal multivitamin before conceiving and during pregnancy.

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Why we like Ritual Essential for Women Prenatal Multivitamin as best for pregnancy

Your iodine needs increase substantially when you’re expecting. Iodine is required to create maternal and fetal thyroid hormones, helping regulate the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system. (6) Fortunately, prenatal vitamins like the one from Ritual can help you meet your increased needs. 

This women’s multivitamin contains 52% of the daily value for iodine. It’s a nice boost that gives you enough iodine but doesn’t elevate your intake too high. Since research shows that even a little excess iodine can potentially harm maternal thyroid health, that’s a very good thing. (7)

We’re fans of Ritual’s prenatal multivitamin not just for its comprehensive panel of nutrients for moms-to-be, but its transparency around sourcing them. A quick look on the brand’s website reveals that the iodine in its delayed-release capsules comes from a supplier called Nutrasol in Ogden, Utah. Its omega-3s, meanwhile, come from microalgae sourced in Saskatoon, Canada, and its methylated folate hails from Pisticci, Italy. It’s a level of traceability you won’t find in most other supplements.

Ritual’s prenatal is a clear capsule you’ll swallow whole, and it comes in two flavors—mint and citrus—to leave a good taste in your mouth. If you experience morning sickness, this might make taking the pills a little more pleasant. Other perks: the capsules are third-party tested, vegan, come in a bottle made from recycled plastic, and contain a slew of nutrients besides iodine, including folate, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. 

On the other hand, Ritual’s multi isn’t the right choice for everyone. As a prenatal vitamin, it won’t necessarily meet your nutrition needs after you give birth. That said, breastfeeding women also require extra iodine, so if your diet doesn’t supply enough, you’ll want to keep supplementing with the guidance of your physician and a registered dietitian. (8)  

Read our full Ritual review to learn more about the brand and its products.

What customers are saying

Reviewers of Ritual’s prenatal are largely satisfied with it, rating it 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Many report enjoying the two flavor options, saying that the capsules are both pleasant-tasting and easy to swallow. 

Still, multiple reviews mention that the capsules give them a fishy aftertaste or fishy burps, due to the microalgae that supplies their omega-3 fats. “The only downside for me is the fishy aftertaste/burping,” writes Amazon reviewer Jon.

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Best kelp iodine supplement: Nutricost Kelp Tablets

Best kelp iodine supplement

Nutricost Kelp Tablets

Nutricost’s budget-friendly tablets supply over 200% of the daily value for iodine from kelp.

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Key product features

Vegetarian No

Non-GMO Yes

Tablets per bottle 240

What you should know

Kelp is one of the few vegetarian natural sources of iodine. Nutricost harnesses its potency in a 240-tablet bottle.

• Unlike other supplements on our list that contain multiple micronutrients, Nutricost’s kelp tablets supply only iodine.
• Nutricost’s $0.06 per tablet cost is extremely inexpensive—no other supplement on our list comes close to its low cost.
• If you know you’re already meeting your general nutrition needs, you might not need an entire multivitamin just to get iodine. In that case, these tablets may be your best bet.

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Why we like Nutricost Kelp Tablets as best kelp

Iodized salt may be the best-known dietary source of iodine, but it’s not the only one. Kelp is another food rich in iodine. Research has shown that seaweed can contain anywhere from 128 to over 62,000 micrograms (mcg) of iodine. (9) For reference, the recommended daily amount for adults is 150 mcg. (4) Additionally, some studies have indicated that iodine from seaweed is highly bioavailable, meaning the body absorbs it easily. (10) All in all, there are plenty of good reasons to get iodine from this seaweed source—and Nutricost’s kelp tablets are a great choice.

These kelp iodine tablets are a true standout for their unbeatable cost. At just $0.06 cents per serving, their rock-bottom price is lower by far than any other iodine supplement on our list. Plus, each bottle contains a higher-than-average amount of 240 tablets. Users say the pills aren’t too large to swallow, either, and go down easily. 

Depending on your goals, the fact that Nutricost’s kelp tablets contain only iodine (and no other nutrients) could be a pro or a con. If you’re not looking for any additional vitamins or minerals, this product will likely make sense for you. However, if you’d prefer to get your iodine alongside other nutrients, you may prefer a multivitamin that features iodine. 

Note, too, that Nutricost’s kelp tablets are high in iodine, providing 325 mcg or 217% of the daily value. Consuming excessive iodine can pose some problems for health, including goiter, inflammation of the thyroid gland, and increased risk of thyroid cancer. (4) The established tolerable upper intake limit for iodine is 1,100 mcg daily for people 19 years and older, so Nutricost’s supplement should be well tolerated by most. (4) Regardless, it may be best to talk with your doctor about exactly how much iodine you should be getting in a supplement.

One downside of Nutricost’s kelp tablets is that they include some artificial ingredients, such as dicalcium phosphate and microcrystalline cellulose. Though these additives are generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration, some people may prefer to avoid them. (11, 12)

What customers are saying

Reviewers have mostly positive things to say about Nutricost’s kelp tablets. On Amazon, the product scores an average rating of 4.6 stars out of 5. Most, like Amazon reviewer L. Foster, say they’re both well-priced and an excellent source of iodine. 

Of the few drawbacks mentioned, the tablets’ artificial ingredients seem to be the most concerning for users. “We threw the bottle away after reading of the dyes and artificial ingredients in this product,” writes Amazon reviewer Marya. 

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Best liquid iodine supplement: Future Kind Vegan Iodine

Best liquid iodine supplement

Future Kind Vegan Iodine

Both liquid and vegan, Future Kind’s iodine supplement supplies 100% of the daily value.

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Key product features

Vegan Yes

Servings per bottle 60

Form Liquid

Subscription discount 10%

What you should know

Future Kind Vegan Iodine’s perks include being easy to swallow and quite inexpensive. The product is also environmentally friendly.  

• You can take this liquid iodine supplement by stirring 10 drops into water or juice.
• A per-serving cost of just $0.42 makes these drops a budget-friendly choice compared to most others.
• These iodine drops are ideal for anyone on a vegan diet or those who don’t do well swallowing pills.

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Why we like Future Kind as best liquid

Not all of us do well with swallowing pills. If downing large tablets or capsules isn’t your forté, try Future Kind’s liquid iodine. Simply squeeze 10 drops of the liquid into water or juice and drink to get a full 100% of the daily value for iodine. 

Again, just note that for some people, getting an entire day’s worth of iodine from a supplement may actually be too much. The brand advises pregnant women, anyone under the age of 18, and people with medical conditions to consult their healthcare provider before consuming.

Compared to many iodine supplements and multivitamins, Future Kind’s drops are quite inexpensive. One serving costs just $0.42. Each bottle of Future Kind’s iodine contains 60 servings, and you have the option to order a 60-day, 180-day, or year-long supply via the brand’s website. A subscription service also offers a 10% discount.

Besides being easy to take as a liquid, Future Kind’s iodine supplement also has the advantage of being vegan. Since people on vegan and vegetarian diets are more likely to become deficient in iodine, it’s a perfect match for people on meatless diets. (13) The drops are also free of GMO ingredients, gluten, wheat, yeast, nuts, soy, sugar, salt, and artificial flavors and colors. The only ingredients other than iodine itself are vegetable glycerin and purified water. Third-party testing by Dyad Labs is an additional indicator of purity and quality. Plus, Future Kind’s supplements are made at a GMP certified facility, where good manufacturing practices are monitored. 

Eco-conscious buyers will appreciate Future Kind’s efforts for the environment. Their packaging is eco-friendly, their shipping is carbon-neutral, and they even contribute financially to animal sanctuaries. The company is B-corp certified, meaning it meets high standards for sustainability. With all these planetary perks, you can rest assured your purchase is a positive one for the environment.

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Best iodine supplement for weight loss: Legion Phoenix Stim-Free Fat Burner

Best iodine supplement for weight loss

Legion Phoenix Stim-Free Fat Burner

Legion Phoenix’s capsules contain a comprehensive mix of iodine and other supplements that may help with weight loss.

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Key product features

Subscription Yes

Servings per bottle 30

Vegan Yes

What you should know

Legion Phoenix’s Stim-Free supplement may support weight loss efforts by supporting thyroid function and appetite control. However, it’s the most expensive product on our list. 

• Iodine is just one of many ingredients here, and each serving supplies just 16% of the Daily Value.
• At $1.67 per serving, Legion Phoenix’s Stim-Free capsules are somewhat higher than the average cost for iodine supplements.
• This option gives a one-two punch by providing plenty of iodine for your thyroid, plus ingredients with evidence-based links to weight reduction.

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Why we like Legion Phoenix Stim-Free Fat Burner as best for weight loss

Legion Phoenix’s Stim-Free Fat Burner supplement provides a moderate amount of iodine at 16% of the daily value—enough to boost your levels, but likely not enough to put you over the iodine edge.

Though there’s not much research on whether iodine supplements can directly support weight loss, iodine may have meaningful effects on body weight. It’s an essential nutrient for a healthy thyroid, which plays a key role in regulating the metabolic processes involved when you gain or lose weight. According to research from 2021, for example, both elevated and decreased thyroid hormones were linked to obesity in children. (14) 

We like Legion Phoenix’s product not only for its lower iodine content, which may be ideal for people who get plenty of iodine from their diet, but also for its plethora of other ingredients that support good health and may boost metabolism. In each three-capsule serving, you’ll get black ginger, grains of paradise, fucoxanthin, caralluma fimbriata, L-dopa, 5-HTP, and forskolin. Each of these ingredients has demonstrated links to weight loss, according to 26 peer-reviewed studies available on Legion’s website. 

And, unlike many fat-burning supplements, this one is free of caffeine and other stimulants (hence the “stim-free” in its name). On the other hand, if you prefer a weight loss supplement with a caffeine boost, the brand offers that, too. Simply select “with caffeine” before your online checkout. 

Cost-wise, Legion Phoenix’s product is on the higher side, but not astronomically so. And since, in addition to iodine and several weight loss boosters, the capsules also contain 100% of the daily value for vitamins B6 and B12, it’s a good value for what you get. 

Check out our complete guide on the best supplements for weight loss to learn more.

What customers are saying

Numerous Amazon reviews rave about the fat-burning and appetite-suppressing qualities of the pills. The product’s average Amazon rating is 3.8 stars out of 5.

According to many reviewers, Legion Phoenix’s Stim-Free Fat Burner is the real deal for losing weight and altering body composition. 

However, more than one reviewer complains that the supplements cause bloating, gas, and GI discomfort. “It doesn’t agree with my bowels whatsoever,” says Amazon reviewer Justin James. Several others make similar comments.

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Best iodine supplement for prostate: Naked Nutrition Multivitamin for Men

Best iodine supplement for prostate

Naked Nutrition Multivitamin for Men

People with prostate concerns may benefit from Naked Nutrition’s Multivitamin with selenium, zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins.

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Key product features

Vegan Saw palmetto

Servings per bottle 30

Made in U.S.A.

What you should know

Naked Nutrition is a multivitamin with nearly two dozen nutrients, including vitamins A, D, E, K, B12, magnesium, zinc, and selenium. 

• This supplement is formulated specifically for prostate health. That’s why it contains extras like vitamin C, selenium, zinc, and saw palmetto.
• This men’s multivitamin is comparable in cost to other multis and iodine supplements. Without a subscription, each serving costs $1.
• People with an enlarged prostate or elevated risk for prostate cancer are some of the target users for this product.

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Why we like Naked Nutrition Multivitamin for Men as best for prostate

Though iodine is best known for its involvement with the thyroid, it may play a role in prostate health as well. Thyroid disease is associated with increased risk of developing prostate cancer, and some research indicates that lower levels of iodine may be a predictor of prostate cancer risk. (15) Naked Nutrition’s men’s multivitamin not only has your iodine bases covered with 100% of the daily value, it also features numerous other nutrients for men’s health. Its label is chock full of nearly two dozen additional nutrients and supplements, such as vitamin B12, choline, magnesium, and antioxidants like vitamin C, selenium, and zinc. 

Still, it’s worth mentioning that a two-capsule serving of this supplement contains high levels of several nutrients. If you’re not deficient in iodine, getting 100% of the daily value from a pill may be more than you need. Other nutrients such as vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12 are included at up to 1500% of the daily value; however, B vitamins are water soluble and generally safe at high doses. Some reviewers say they prefer to take just one capsule, rather than two, to prevent taking more than necessary. 

Naked Nutrition’s tagline is “nothing to hide.” It’s an apt description for a supplement that contains nothing artificial, no additives of GMOs, and is free of gluten, animal products, dairy products, and soy. We also like that this multivitamin is made in the U.S.A. and is third-party tested (though the brand’s website does not indicate which outside company conducts its third-party testing). 

Another area where Naked Nutrition is quite transparent: their pricing. With a one-time purchase, each serving costs $1, but a subscription comes with 20% off your first order. An ongoing subscription comes with 10% off the price. Shipping on all orders is free for anything over $99.

What customers are saying

Satisfaction with Naked Nutrition’s many ingredients for men’s overall health runs high at 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Most reviewers of this multivitamin focus on its energy-boosting abilities, rather than its effects on prostate health.

One common downside, however, is that some users report a rash or skin flushing from the supplement’s niacin content. According to Amazon reviewer Eric, “Niacin (nicotinic acid) is meant to flush out your system as it expands your capillaries.” For this reason, he and others say they experience skin redness after taking the capsules.

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Best iodine supplement for thyroid: Thorne Thyrocsin

Best iodine supplement for thyroid

Thorne Thyrocsin

An at-home test from Thorne can help you determine whether their Thyrocsin supplement is the best choice for your thyroid.

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Key product features

Multivitamin Yes

Servings per bottle 60

Thyroid test Available

What you should know

Thorne Thyrocsin supplies 150% of the daily value for iodine, which many say is powerful enough to improve their thyroid bloodwork. Its cost is on the high side, though.

• Between its iodine and tyrosine, Thorne’s Thyrocsin is formulated to help your thyroid function at its best. (16)
• This product costs around average. A two-capsule serving runs $0.60.
• Since one serving provides 150% of the daily value for iodine, Thorne’s Thyrocsin may be ideal for people with thyroid problems caused by low iodine.

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Why we like Thorne Thyrocsin as best for thyroid

When a brand is the #1 recommended choice by healthcare practitioners, it’s worth your attention. According to third-party research mentioned on their website, Thorne’s Thyrocsin supplement earns this title. The brand also states that its products are backed by the Mayo Clinic and over 45,000 healthcare professionals. 

People with low iodine stores will be grateful for Thyrocsin’s ample iodine content—150% of the daily value–though, like some other options on this list, this may be too much iodine for some people. Meanwhile, you could experience stress relief from its added ashwagandha supplementation. Other extras in each capsule include high doses of vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium. 

Thyrocsin is also unique for its inclusion of the amino acid tyrosine, which plays a critical role in thyroid hormone formation, so ensuring the availability of tyrosine could be helpful. (16) However, tyrosine should only be taken with a doctor’s recommendation, since it can interfere with medications. (16)

Thorne’s product is one of the only supplements that offers an at-home test kit to determine whether it’s right for you. For $129, you can order an at-home blood test to give you key insights into whether you need thyroid support. If you’d rather simply order Thorne Thyrocsin by itself, you’ll pay $0.60 per serving. Considering Thyrocsin’s many nutrients, third-party testing, and U.S. manufacturing, it may be worth its price tag.

However, the capsules are quite large at nearly an inch long, which could pose a problem for some people. Quite a few reviewers also complain of an unpleasant odor. If you’re sensitive to smells, this supplement might not be your ideal choice.

What customers are saying

By and large, customers praise Thorne Thyrocsin, especially for making a meaningful difference to clinically tested thyroid levels. On Amazon, the product’s star rating averages 4.5 out of 5.

Others, such as reviewer Robin Littman, report lower appetite and rapid weight loss.

The top concerns with Thyrocsin seem to be its smell, taste, and large size. Amazon reviewer Amber Mae writes, “The biggest drawback is the size of the pill. It’s very hard to swallow and always leaves the feeling of having something stuck in my throat.” 

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