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Compound Profile

Iodine

Prevents iodine deficiency disorders and supports thyroid hormone production.

Review needed — Excess may disrupt thyroid function. Details

Last reviewed: •2 sources citedReport a correctionProfile-wide ·D Preliminary
Iodine monograph visual
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At a glance

From this profile's structured data
Evidence
Grade D
Safety
Excess may disrupt thyroid function.
Profile context
thyroid hormone synthesis
Next steps

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Quick stats

Evidence level
Preliminary evidence
Typical onset
Varies by prep
Safety rating
Review needed: Safety review pending
Best for
Thyroid Hormone Synthesis
Avoid / review if
Lithium Therapy (Additive Hypothyroidism Risk), Amiodarone (Both Contain Iodine And Combined Exposure Raises Thyroid Dysfunction Risk), Not Appropriate For High Dose Supplementation Without Clinician Supervised Thyroid Monitoring

Safety

Safety & Cautions

Excess may disrupt thyroid function.

Elevated caution

Caution level: Elevated. One caution category applies — read it before use.

  • Hormonal Activity ContextHormone-adjacent wording is present and should be interpreted carefully.

Evidence Summary

Profile-wide ·D Preliminary

Evidence lens

Early signal that needs stronger human replication before practical claims.

PreliminaryPreliminary evidence

Human clinical evidence: Present in source signals

Mechanistic / preclinical: Mechanism mapped — Hormonal Signaling Context · Endocrine

Research maturity: Preliminary research — Early findings are not treated as established consumer benefit.

Safety boundary: Safety note available — Excess may disrupt thyroid function.

This profile cites 2 human studies.

Evidence Strength

Confidence estimate based on the design quality and consistency of published clinical trials.

Preliminary evidence

Iodine has a preliminary evidence rating.

General wellnessGeneral wellness
Citation density
2.0
Sources
2
Effects
1
Research recency
Mixed recency
Evidence Grade

Grade D: Preliminary / Theoretical Evidence

Evaluation of methodological rigor, population reach, and evidence alignment.

Design Match
Meta analysis
Risk of Bias
Low
Consistency
Not assessed
Strongest recorded design is a meta analysis, drawn from 3 recorded studies, 2 in people.
How evidence grades work

Each grade reflects the strength and consistency of published human evidence — not marketing claims. Grades are based on study count, design quality, effect size, consistency, and recency.

Strong
Multiple RCTs, consistent direction, adequate effect size
Moderate
Some RCTs or consistent observational data in humans
Preliminary / Mixed
Animal or in-vitro only, or conflicting human data
Traditional / Theoretical
Traditional use only; no controlled human trials
Clinical Study Summaries (2)1 human evidence source · 0 human trials · ~12,291 participants across 1 human evidence source with reported N · Consistency not yet classifiable

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Showing 2 of 2 studies.

What the evidence actually shows

This table contains 2 structured sources, including 1 human evidence source; 0 are human trials. Across 1 human evidence source with a reported sample size, the approximate participant total is 12,291; overlapping publications may include some of the same people.

StudyDesignNDoseDurationPopulationOutcomeResult & magnitudeSource

The effects of iodine on intelligence in children: a meta-analysis of studies conducted in China

PubMed · Asia Pac J Clin Nutr · 2005

Background
Meta-analysis

Statistically combines results from multiple eligible studies; confidence still depends on the quality, consistency, and directness of those studies.

n=12291—————PubMed →

Background
Other / unclear

The study design is not yet classified clearly enough to infer its place in the evidence hierarchy.

——————Source →

How Iodine Works

Simplified mechanism pathway based on preclinical and pharmacological evidence. Does not confirm clinical efficacy.

Mechanism Pathway — How Iodine Works

How Iodine WorksIodine acts on biological target pathways via hormonal signaling (context), leading to thyroid hormone synthesis.IodineBiological TargetBiological pathwayHormonal SignalingContextThyroid Hormone SynthesisObservable outcome
CompoundTarget / ReceptorMechanismEffect / Outcome

Dosing

Common form
capsule or standardized extract
No standardized dose
Our source data records the usual product form for this ingredient but no studied dose. Preparations differ widely, so follow the standardization on the product you actually have and speak to a clinician before starting.
Mechanisms & biological pathways

Preclinical mechanism details from scientific profiles; these represent plausible pathways but do not guarantee clinical efficacy in humans.

  • Hormonal Signaling Context
  • Endocrine

Guides that use Iodine

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Related research paths

Compare & Sourcing

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Safety first · Harm reduction

This information is educational and not medical advice. Start low, avoid risky combinations, and consult a licensed clinician before making health decisions—especially if you use medications, have diagnosed conditions, or are pregnant/breastfeeding.

Learn how we evaluate confidence, safety, and intensity on the methodology page.

Editorial Review

Checked against primary sources, cited evidence, and contraindication language before publication. Evidence claims, safety language, and affiliate modules are reviewed independently. Not personal medical advice.

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