Hypothyroidism: Should I take iodine supplements?

Can iodine supplements help regulate thyroid function in a person with hypothyroidism?

- Ty / Texas

Answer

No. Some alternative medicine practitioners recommend iodine tablets or kelp supplements — which are high in iodine — for people with hypothyroidism. It is true that severe iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism. But iodine deficiency is extremely rare in the United States and other developed countries since the addition of iodine to salt (iodized salt) and other foods. If iodine deficiency is not the cause of hypothyroidism, then iodine supplements provide no benefit.

Hypothyroidism is safely and effectively treated with the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine.

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