Dr. Stengler: Are you creating thyroid problems by taking too much iodine? Many people are taking high doses of iodine, and I see a lot of holistic doctors prescribing high-dose iodine supplementation. This can actually be very problematic.
Your thyroid uses iodine to make thyroid hormones, but it needs only a very specific amount. The recommended daily allowance is 150 micrograms for adults — this is the minimum needed to prevent iodine deficiency. You can certainly take more than that, but some people are taking mega-doses of 10,000 micrograms or more per day. Many studies now show that excess iodine supplementation can lead to hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroid disease, where your immune system begins attacking your own thyroid tissue. So you have to be very careful when supplementing iodine.
On the other hand, too little iodine causes problems as well, since iodine is required to produce thyroid hormones. In America, people most likely to be deficient are vegans and those who avoid iodized salt.
You can take the guesswork out with testing. There are blood tests for iodine, but the most accurate method is urinary testing — the kidneys excrete about 90% of the body's iodine through urine, making it the most reliable measure.
If you're currently taking large amounts of iodine, you need to be careful, because you may actually be creating the thyroid imbalances you're trying to prevent. Some studies suggest that up to 2,000 micrograms per day may be acceptable for people who don't have thyroid problems or a predisposition to autoimmune thyroiditis. But for most of my patients, I stay around 200 to 300 micrograms per day — especially if they're not vegan and are not avoiding iodized salt.
I hope that helps you recognize the risks of excess iodine supplementation. For more videos on nutritional therapies and treatments for hypothyroidism, see the videos on my YouTube channel.
Iodine is essential for healthy thyroid function—but in the wrong doses, it can trigger serious problems like hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroid disorders, and even worsen your fatigue or brain fog.
In this video, Dr. Mark Stengler, NMD, MS, reveals:
Whether you’re trying to support thyroid function or following advice from a well-meaning holistic source, this video separates myth from fact. Learn what Dr. Stengler recommends to most of his patients—and how to take a safer, more balanced approach to thyroid health.
👉 Visit https://drstengler.com to learn more about integrative treatments and thyroid support supplements.
📞 Want personalized advice? Reach out to the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine.
