Iodine deficiency
Supplements studied for Iodine deficiency.
Overview
SupplementDEX currently indexes Iodine for iodine deficiency. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below for the full rating.
Effect graph
Relevant supplements
Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.
| Iodine | ★★★★★ | High |
Studies
Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.
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IodineView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Not getting enough iodine can cause thyroid problems, starting with low thyroid hormone and swelling of the thyroid gland (goiter).
- If it continues, it can lead to infertility, pregnancy complications, and higher risk of thyroid cancer.
- Research shows that taking iodine, including through iodized salt, improves iodine levels and shrinks goiters in both adults and children living in areas where iodine deficiency is common.
- During pregnancy, iodine supplements or iodized salt can reduce the size of the thyroid in both mother and baby.
- They may also reduce the chance of thyroid problems after birth, especially if started early in pregnancy, but the benefits for thyroid hormone levels and baby’s brain development are less clear.
- Studies so far suggest it helps in places where iodine deficiency is common, and health experts recommend supplementation in those areas.
Browse 10 studies·3 meta-analyses
RCTDoes maternal iodine supplementation during the lactation have a positive impact on neurodevelopment of children? Three-year follow up of a randomized controlled trial2021n=122
In a 3-year follow-up of 122 children, maternal iodine supplementation during lactation (150 or 300 mcg/day) did not significantly improve neurodevelopment versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 12 months
- Dose
- 150 mcg/day
- Population
- Children/adolescents
- Participants
- 122
MetaEffects of iodine supplementation during pregnancy on pregnant women and their offspring: a systematic review and meta-analysis of trials over the past 3 decades2021
A meta-analysis of pregnancy iodine trials found supplementation improved maternal iodine status, with mixed effects on infant growth and neurodevelopment outcomes.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
RCTIodine supplementation of lactating women and assessment of infant visual information processing and maternal and infant thyroid function: A randomized trial2019n=106
In 106 mother-infant dyads, maternal iodine supplementation during lactation (225 mcg/day for 26 weeks) was evaluated for effects on infant visual processing and thyroid function.
- Duration
- 26 weeks
- Dose
- 225 mcg/day
- Population
- Pregnant women
- Participants
- 106
RCTEffect of iodine supplementation in pregnant women on child neurodevelopment: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial2017n=159
In 159 mildly iodine-deficient pregnant women, 200 mcg/day iodine until delivery did not significantly improve child IQ at ages 5–6 versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 200 mcg/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 159
- Ages
- 5–6
MetaIodine supplementation for women during the preconception, pregnancy and postpartum period2017n=2,700
A review of iodine supplementation across preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum (2,700+ participants in included studies) summarized benefits for maternal and infant thyroid status.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 2,700
MetaTherapy of endocrine disease: Impact of iodine supplementation in mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency: systematic review and meta-analysis2013
A meta-analysis found iodine supplementation in mild-to-moderate deficiency improved maternal and newborn thyroid function, with variable effects on growth and cognition.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Children/adolescents
Narrative reviewValue and pitfalls in iodine fortification and supplementation in the 21st century2011
A review discussed benefits, pitfalls, and public-health considerations of iodine fortification and supplementation in the 21st century.
- Effect
- Benefit
Iodine: deficiency and therapeutic considerations2008
A review notes iodine deficiency is the leading preventable cause of mental retardation and goiter, with pregnancy as a critical window; Japanese high iodine intake shows no increased autoimmune thyroid disease at intakes far above U.S. norms.
- Dose
- 1 mg/day
- Population
- Pregnant women
MetaThe effects of iodine on intelligence in children: a meta-analysis of studies conducted in China2005n=12,291
A meta-analysis of 12,291 children across Chinese studies found that iodine deficiency was associated with lower intelligence scores, with the largest gaps between severely deficient and iodine-sufficient areas.
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 12,291
Systematic reviewIodised salt for preventing iodine deficiency disorders2002n=20,000
A Cochrane systematic review of iodised salt programs in populations with about 20,000 participants concluded that iodised salt effectively prevents iodine deficiency disorders compared with unsupplemented diets.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 20,000
Evidence visualised
Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.
| Supplement | DEX | Studies | Meta-analyses | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iodine | ★★★★★76% | 10 | 3 | 100% |