Iodine
Trace element the thyroid needs to make hormones, usually obtained through iodised salt and bread.
What the research shows
Shown, with a clear condition or a limited scope.
The Cochrane review by Harding (2017) found too little data on child development in pregnancy and did see more reported side effects such as nausea, with two authors employed by an organisation that runs salt iodisation. Dineva (2020) saw shifts in thyroid markers in mild to moderate deficiency, without clear gains for child neurodevelopment. Too much iodine can disturb thyroid function instead.
Who it makes sense for: Pregnant women and women trying to conceive in iodine-deficient regions, and people who use no iodised salt or bread.
How we weigh evidenceClinical dosage
Scientific sources
The clinical dosages on this page are based on peer-reviewed research.
- Iodine supplementation for women during the preconception, pregnancy and postpartum period.Harding KB et al. (2017)Funded by: Twee auteurs zijn in dienst van het Micronutrient Initiative, dat zoutjodering uitvoert; een van hen zit in het bestuur van het Iodine Global Network.
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of iodine supplementation on thyroid function and child neurodevelopment in mildly-to-moderately iodine-deficient pregnant women.Dineva M et al. (2020)
We keep the dosages and values on this page as accurate as possible based on selected studies. New research may change these values. Nothing on this page is medical advice. If you have any doubts, always consult a doctor.