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Vitamins & minerals · FROM DR. PURSER’S TEACHING

Iodine

Is needed to make thyroid hormones.

Based on teaching by Dan Purser, MD. How we prepare these guides

Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Educational reference

THE TEACHING CONNECTION

Is needed to make thyroid hormones.

What it does

Is needed to make thyroid hormones.

Possible deficiency symptoms

Low intake can contribute to an enlarged thyroid and impaired thyroid hormone production. Symptoms are not specific.

How supplementation is approached

Review iodine intake together with the actual thyroid assessment. Thyroid symptoms do not prove iodine deficiency, and adding iodine is not a substitute for evaluating thyroid function. Consider iodized salt, seaweed and thyroid-support blends when checking existing intake.

Food sources

Iodized salt; dairy; seafood; eggs. Seaweed iodine content varies greatly.

Supplement forms

Potassium iodide and sodium iodide.

What to track and reassess

Tell your clinician about thyroid disease and medicines before trying a concentrated iodine product. Too much iodine can worsen some thyroid problems.

From starting support to follow-up

If you and your clinician start a CMA replenishment plan, you may add one new product at a time, often waiting 3–7 days to see how you feel. A check-in is usually planned near ten weeks during an approximately 100-day period. Follow your written plan for amounts and timing. At follow-up, you may continue, change, or stop each item. This timetable does not automatically end longer-term support.

Names you may see

Iodine