Supplemental Sources of Iodine (into the milligram range)

The body needs iodine to make thyroid hormones (in addition to other important functions).   Needed  iodine must come from dietary sources or iodine supplements, such as those mentioned here. The form of iodine in supplements depends on the actual supplement.

Lugols Solution

Lugol's Solution

Iodoral ® (by Optimax)

Iodoral® is Dr. Abraham's high- potency, precisely quantified tablet form of Lugol's solution.   One tablet contains 5 mg iodine and 7.5 mg iodide as the potassium salt. To prevent gastric irritation, the iodine/iodide preparation from 5% Lugol's solution is absorbed into a colloidal silica carrier, and to eliminate the unpleasant taste of iodine, the tablets are coated with a thin film of pharmaceutical glaze.

1 Iodoral tablet is equivalent to 2 drops of Lugol's Solution

Super Saturated Potassium Iodide (SSKI)

1 drop SSKI contains ~50mg iodide

SSKI provides a high dose source of consumeable iodide.   E.g. to be used to protect the thyroid before radio-active iodines are swallowed, to protect against radiation fallout and for use in other life-threatening situations

SSKI can be used externally

SSKI is not normally used as a daily nutritional supplement  (which requires much lower amounts)

Iodine Tincture

Iodine tincture contains elemental Iodine dissolved in ~45% alcohol /55%water.    Since elemental iodINE does not dissolve well in water,  2.4% (by volume) sodium or potassium Iodide is added to aid dissolution. Tincture is brown in color.

Elemental iodine is obtained from brines containing iodine.    Either natural brines or brines from oil wells

Usually sold in 2-7% strength

Sold labeled "FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY".   Used as a first-aid antiseptic, but be warned - it stings!

Prolamine Iodine®

(by Standard Process)

Organic form of iodine.     1 Tablet contains 3 mg Iodine (20 x U.S. RDA). Some studies (at least with fibrocystic breast disease) show Iodoral® to be more effective than Prolamine Iodine®, others find Prolamine Iodine® equally effective with all conditions.

Triodide®

 (by Scientific Botanicals)

Contains the same dose of iodine and iodide as in Lugol's solution.   However, this supplement combines iodine with the sea vegetable bladderwrack.

Sea-Aloe Gold®

Special Formula for those with prolonged protein deficiency or GERD.   When gut absorption of iodine is low due to prolonged protein deficiency. www.SeaAloeGold.com contains a mix of the Sea Minerals along with organic Aloe Barbadensis Miller (200:1) to soothe and promote a rapid healing of the gut epithelial tissue, plus promoting absorption of iodine up to 7X more than water. Product is also fungicidal, viricidal, and bacteriacidal. It is beneficial in GERD cases where stomach iodine reserves are low and the gastric mucosa inflamed, the aloe proves to be very healing and soothing to the epithelial lining of the stomach while also promoting iodine accumulation.

Organic Iodine

 (Dr. Donsbach)

Contains: 15mg iodine /capsule (from kelp and potassium iodide) + 400mg L-Tyrosine.

Iosol

Contains iodine extracted from kelp and made into pure iodine crystals, and ammonium iodide synthesized from iodine and ammonium (NH4).   Ammonium is different to ammonia (NH3), it is a form with superior bioavailability because it readily dissolves in water.

Microgram dosages.   1830 mcg (1.83 mg)  iodine /drop

Kelp Tablets / Powder

Common iodine supplement

Kelp usually contains high levels of bromine, a goitrogen.     Also many souces are contaminated with arsenic;

Very low dose iodine.   Usually only supplies microgams close to RDA

Nascent Iodine

 (aka Magnascent, Atomide or Detoxified iodine)

Atomic iodine  (iodide, I- )  in liquid form.   This negatively "charged"state is held by the atom until diluted in water and consumed, whence it gradually loses energy over a 2- 3 hour time span.; 

Produced by:  reducing iodine to a 1% concentration in 100% ethyl alcohol, it is then electromagnetically transmuted (while being suspended in a wet bath containing a mild acid solution) into the atomic state;

Expensive

Low (microgram) iodine content.   Similar content in food sources

Pharmaceutical Sources

 (not recommended)

Iodine-containing Drugs.    Amiodarone, Cordarone, Pacerone, Iodoquinol, Yodoxin,Vytone

Topical Ointments.    Povidone and Betadine

Forms of Iodine from Natural Sources

Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Jan- Mar; 14(1): 13- 17.