Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It HappensIodine SourcesSymptomsTreatmentHospitalization

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

How It Happens

Iodine Sources

Symptoms

Treatment

Hospitalization

Iodineis a chemical found in foods, some salts, anddietary supplements. The body does not naturally make iodine; therefore, it relies on external sources.

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of iodine for adults is 150 micrograms (mcg). Quantities over 1,100 mcg have been associated with an increased risk of thyroid disorders.

This article will discuss how iodine poisoning happens and what can be done about it.

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How Does Iodine Poisoning Happen?

Iodinepoisoningis rare and typically only occurs when someone takes multiple large doses (several grams) of an iodine supplement. Food rarely causes iodine poisoning.

The recommended dietary intake is 150 mcg per day for adults 19 and over. Taking over 1,100 mcg daily for an extended period is considered the upper intake level. Anything over 1,100 mcg can increase the risk of iodine-induced diseases likehyperthyroidism(an overactive thyroid).

Main Iodine Sources

Iodine dietary supplements are typically found as potassium iodide or sodium iodide. Some supplements use kelp seaweed, which contains iodine.

Dietary supplements that contain iodine usually have 150 mcg. Some supplements only contain iodine. These supplements tend to have a much higher dose and are often higher than the recommended daily dose. It is important to look at the supplement label, as each brand and type can contain a different amount.

Iodine can also be found infood sources. A few foods that contain a large amount of iodine are:

Recommended Dietary Allowances for IodineDaily RDA of iodine for the following age groups:Birth to 6 months:110 mcg7 to 12 months:130 mcg1 to 3 years:90 mcg4 to 8 years:90 mcg9 to 13 years:120 mcg14 to 18 years:150 mcg19+ years:150 mcgThose who arepregnantshould have 220 mcg, and those who arelactatingshould have 290 mcg per day.Those with thyroid conditions must refer to their healthcare provider for their recommended iodine levels.

Daily RDA of iodine for the following age groups:Birth to 6 months:110 mcg7 to 12 months:130 mcg1 to 3 years:90 mcg4 to 8 years:90 mcg9 to 13 years:120 mcg14 to 18 years:150 mcg19+ years:150 mcgThose who arepregnantshould have 220 mcg, and those who arelactatingshould have 290 mcg per day.Those with thyroid conditions must refer to their healthcare provider for their recommended iodine levels.

Daily RDA of iodine for the following age groups:

Those who arepregnantshould have 220 mcg, and those who arelactatingshould have 290 mcg per day.

Those with thyroid conditions must refer to their healthcare provider for their recommended iodine levels.

Symptoms of Too Much Iodine

The thyroid gland can adapt to various iodine levels. In fact, a journal article from 2019 described how people with healthy thyroid glands who typically consume normal amounts of iodine can tolerate an excess of 2 grams (g) of iodine without experiencing clinical symptoms.

However, iodine poisoning can cause mild to very severe symptoms. Below are mild and severe reactions of too much iodine.

Mild Reactions

The mild reactions of too much iodine include:

Severe Reactions

When the body is unable to get rid of excess iodine and the levels become too high it can cause serious symptoms. These symptoms include:

Increased Risks in People With Thyroid DisordersThe thyroid gland uses iodine to makethyroid hormones. People with a thyroid disorder may be more sensitive to iodine consumption. Taking iodine supplements or eating foods high in iodine can worsen hyperthyroidism.Consuming too much iodine can also cause thyroid disorders. Too much iodine is a risk factor for hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), hyperthyroidism,goiters, and thyroid autoimmune diseases.

Increased Risks in People With Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid gland uses iodine to makethyroid hormones. People with a thyroid disorder may be more sensitive to iodine consumption. Taking iodine supplements or eating foods high in iodine can worsen hyperthyroidism.Consuming too much iodine can also cause thyroid disorders. Too much iodine is a risk factor for hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), hyperthyroidism,goiters, and thyroid autoimmune diseases.

The thyroid gland uses iodine to makethyroid hormones. People with a thyroid disorder may be more sensitive to iodine consumption. Taking iodine supplements or eating foods high in iodine can worsen hyperthyroidism.

Consuming too much iodine can also cause thyroid disorders. Too much iodine is a risk factor for hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), hyperthyroidism,goiters, and thyroid autoimmune diseases.

Iodine’s Role in Thyroid Health

Ridding the Body of Iodine at Home

Do give someone with iodine poisoning milk or cornstarch or flour mixed with water. Give milk every 15 minutes. Do not give anything to a person who may have trouble swallowing. This could be because they are vomiting,seizing, confused, or have decreased alertness.

Hospitalization for Iodine Poisoning

When someone has iodine poisoning, do not delay medical care. Once they are in the hospital, treatment will depend upon how critically ill they are.

They may receive the following treatments or support:

Healthcare providers will monitor their vital signs to determine the best level of care and future needs.

Summary

4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health.Iodine.Oregon State University.Iodine.Farebrother J, Zimmermann MB, Andersson M.Excess iodine intake: sources, assessment, and effects on thyroid function.Ann NY Acad Sci. Published online March 20, 2019:nyas.14041. doi:10.1111/nyas.14041MedlinePlus.Iodine poisoning.

4 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health.Iodine.Oregon State University.Iodine.Farebrother J, Zimmermann MB, Andersson M.Excess iodine intake: sources, assessment, and effects on thyroid function.Ann NY Acad Sci. Published online March 20, 2019:nyas.14041. doi:10.1111/nyas.14041MedlinePlus.Iodine poisoning.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

National Institutes of Health.Iodine.Oregon State University.Iodine.Farebrother J, Zimmermann MB, Andersson M.Excess iodine intake: sources, assessment, and effects on thyroid function.Ann NY Acad Sci. Published online March 20, 2019:nyas.14041. doi:10.1111/nyas.14041MedlinePlus.Iodine poisoning.

National Institutes of Health.Iodine.

Oregon State University.Iodine.

Farebrother J, Zimmermann MB, Andersson M.Excess iodine intake: sources, assessment, and effects on thyroid function.Ann NY Acad Sci. Published online March 20, 2019:nyas.14041. doi:10.1111/nyas.14041

MedlinePlus.Iodine poisoning.

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