Iodine

Iodine is an essential trace mineral that is absent from many soils and therefore often low in plant-based and non-seafood diets. It is particularly important in regions such as the UK where soil iodine levels are depleted and dairy, the main dietary source for many people, is not universally consumed. Iodine supplements are available in several distinct forms. Potassium iodide is the most commonly used form in capsules and tablets, providing a consistent and measurable dose of elemental iodine. Nascent iodine is an atomic form of iodine in a glycerin or purified water base, described as paramagnetic and readily recognised by the body. Lugol's iodine is a traditional solution combining elemental molecular iodine with potassium iodide in water, available in liquid form at varying percentages and as capsules. Seaweed-derived iodine provides iodine naturally within a wholefood matrix from wild-harvested species such as ascophyllum nodosum, fucus vesiculosus, and kelp, and is available in capsule and tablet formats from Seagreens, Together Health, Natures Aid, and Archturus. Liquid ionic iodine formats are also available as concentrated drops for flexible dosing, from brands including BioCare, Trace Minerals, BodyBio, and Biotics Research. Also included is a food state combination of iodine with selenium and B12 from Wise Owl. Products are available in capsule, tablet, and liquid formats across a wide range of brands and strengths.