How to Choose the Best Iodine Supplement for Thyroid Support

How to Choose the Best Iodine Supplement for Thyroid Support

I know...supplements can feel like a jungle. You want to feel more energized, maybe support your thyroid or clear up some brain fog, and someone says, “Try iodine.” That’s a big ask when you're not even sure what iodine actually does for your body.

So let’s slow down. You don’t need a background in nutrition to figure this out. You just need the right information, told simply and kindly. Here’s how to choose the best iodine supplement for thyroid support, and why something like Dr. Tennant’s® Lugol’s Iodine Plus might be exactly what your body’s been missing.

Why Iodine Matters for Thyroid Health (and Your Whole Body)

Iodine is a trace mineral, which means your body only needs a little...but that little does a lot! It helps your thyroid produce the hormones T3 and T4, which influence everything from how fast you burn calories, to how warm you feel, to how balanced your hormones are.

Your thyroid is like the CEO of your metabolism. And iodine? It’s the main ingredient in the power suit. Without it, your thyroid simply can’t lead.

Here’s the fascinating part. Iodine doesn’t just affect your thyroid. Breast tissue, the prostate, reproductive organs, the brain, your skin, and even stomach acid production all rely on iodine. When your levels are low, it can show up in many ways. You might feel fatigued, have dry skin, experience brain fog, deal with sluggish digestion, or notice unexpected weight gain. That’s why taking an iodine supplement for thyroid health often helps your entire system feel more balanced.

Look for both Iodine (io-DINE) and Potassium Iodide (io-DIDE) in One Supplement

Here’s where most iodine supplements fall short. The body actually uses two forms of iodine: iodide and elemental potassium iodine. The thyroid prefers potassium iodide. Breast and prostate tissue use iodine. So taking only one form is like only fueling half the car. A good supplement should include both.

Dr. Tennant’s Lugol’s Iodine (Liquid and Capsules) includes both forms in every serving. You’re supporting your thyroid and all your other iodine-loving organs in one go.

Cofactors Are Everything

Even if you’re taking iodine, it might not do much unless your body can actually absorb and use it. That’s where cofactors come in. These are helper nutrients such as selenium, zinc, magnesium, vitamin C, and B1. They make sure iodine gets where it needs to go, helping your body convert it into the hormones that power your energy, focus, metabolism, and more.

That’s what makes Lugol’s Iodine Plus so special. It’s not just iodine. It’s iodine with its full entourage of essential nutrients that help you actually feel the difference. And here’s something worth noting. Dr. Tennant’s Lugol’s Iodine Plus is the only product available in capsule form that combines both iodine and potassium iodide with all the right cofactors. It’s a rare kind of thoughtful formula that supports your body in the way it was designed to function.

Choose a Delivery Method That Works for You

Capsules are simple and convenient, especially when they’re designed to preserve nutrientslike the chlorophyll-lined capsules used in Lugol’s Iodine Plus. If you prefer drops, Dr. Tennant’s Lugol’s Iodine Liquid is a great choice too. Just remember it doesn’t include the cofactors, so you’ll need to pair it with something like Restore.

Be Mindful of Your Lifestyle and Diet

Do you eat mostly plant-based food? Do you avoid seafood or dairy? Do you live far from the ocean? Do you use sea salt instead of iodized salt? Do you eat a lot of bakery products?

All of these things can reduce the iodine in your diet. Plus, chemicals like fluoride and bromine, which are common in water and bread, actually block your body’s ability to absorb iodine. So even if you think you’re getting enough, you might not be absorbing it. That’s why more functional medicine doctors recommend 12.5 milligrams daily (not micrograms), for optimal thyroid and metabolic function.

Know the Signs of Iodine Deficiency

Sometimes your body is trying to tell you something. If you’re experiencing things like:

  • Trouble losing weight

  • Constant fatigue, even with enough sleep

  • Cold hands and feet

  • Dry skin, hair loss, or brittle nails

  • Digestive issues like reflux or bloating

  • Brain fog or memory lapses

  • Irregular periods or fertility struggles

  • A visible swelling in your neck

...it could be a sign that you’re low on iodine. Supporting your thyroid with a supplement can be one of the most straightforward ways to feel better.

What Makes Lugol’s Iodine Plus So Special?

Here’s what you’re getting in one simple capsule:

  • Iodine and Iodide to support all your tissues, not just your thyroid.

  • Selenium and Zinc for healthy hormone conversion and immune strength.

  • Vitamin C and B1 to support absorption and energy.

  • Magnesium and Fulvic Acid for cellular transport and detox.

  • Chlorophyll-lined capsules to keep everything fresh and potent.

It’s like your daily nutrient toolkit in one easy step.

A Quick Summary

Feature

Why It Matters

Iodine + Iodide

Supports thyroid and whole-body tissue health..

Includes cofactors

Enhances absorption and hormone conversion

No synthetic fillers

Clean, therapeutic-grade formulation.

Capsule or liquid option

Flexible options to suit your needs. (The liquid version allows adjustable dosing but does not include the essential cofactors found in the capsule.)

Trusted by practitioners

Developed and formulated by Dr. Jerry Tennant, backed by clinical use.

How to Take It

  • Take it in the morning with food and a full glass of filtered water.

  • Avoid chlorinated water since it blocks iodine.

  • Separate it from probiotics by 2 to 3 hours.

  • Check with your provider if you have thyroid autoimmunity or are pregnant.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right iodine supplement for thyroid health doesn’t have to be confusing. Look for something comprehensive like Lugol’s Iodine Plus that supports not just your thyroid but your entire well-being. With the right cofactors, both forms of iodine, and a clean delivery, your body gets what it needs to function at its best.

Feeling like your body’s been asking for something? Listen in. Consider trying Dr. Tennant’s® Lugol’s Iodine Plus and give your cells the support they’ve been waiting for.

FAQs

The best iodine supplement includes both iodine and iodide, along with selenium and other cofactors to support absorption and thyroid function. Dr. Tennant’s® Lugol’s Iodine Plus is widely trusted for this reason.

Iodine helps your thyroid produce hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, and hormonal balance.

Common signs include fatigue, cold sensitivity, brain fog, dry skin, weight gain, or digestive discomfort. Testing your iodine levels or tracking symptoms can help you decide.

It's best to space them apart by 2 to 3 hours. Iodine’s natural antimicrobial effects may reduce the effectiveness of your probiotics.

While the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) is 150 to 220 micrograms, many health experts recommend 12.5 milligrams daily for optimal support. Talk to your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Morning is best since some people feel more alert after taking iodine and may have trouble sleeping if they take it later in the day.

 

It’s your body. It’s your life. Ingredients matter.

 


Featured Products in This Article:

Dr. Tennant’s® Lugol's Iodine Plus CapsulesDr. Tennant’s® Lugol's Iodine Plus Capsules

A complete iodine supplement solution with necessary cofactors Zinc, Selenium, B1 as well as Fulvic and Vitamin C necessary for proper iodine metabolism.

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Dr. Tennant's® Lugol's Iodine Liquid

Dr. Tennant’s® Lugol's Iodine Liquid

A great solution for supporting the body’s need for Iodine and Iodide. Iodine is one of the few elements required for cellular health that the body cannot produce, so it needs to be supplemented through food or additional nutrition. Contains NO cofactors to work correctly; therefore additional ingredients are necessary, such as those found in Restore.

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DISCLAIMER: This content is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, immunocompromised, or have an existing health condition. Individual needs and responses may vary. Use this information as a guide and modify based on your healthcare provider’s recommendations.


✅ 09/15/25 Checked by: Patsy Scott, CHN (Certified Holistic Nutritionist)