How to Choose the Best Iodine Supplement

With the modernization of the food industry in its entirety, we have seen some rather some interesting changes to the modern diet.

Some have been positive.

Such as the huge reduction in cost seen in almost all food, and the insurance that we have easy access to all foods throughout the entire year’s duration (even when they may have been traditionally considered ‘out of season’).

See, these are definite positives.

Although we should note that these changes have also come with some significant negatives as well.

As a society, we have seen a huge increase in the consumption of processed foods. These foods provides us very little when it comes to essential vitamins and minerals – which in itself can have a host of negative health implications.

You see these nutrients are essential for the maintenance of optimal function, and by reducing their intake we can become deficient – which can impede the function of the human body.

With this in mind, the deficiency of Iodine is one of the most debilitating to our health.

What is Iodine?

Iodine is a trace mineral that plays a number of key roles within the body – two of which are of the utmost importance.

Firstly, iodine is absolutely essential to the growth and development of the nervous system as we age. With this in mind, iodine deficiency actually has the potential to impair cognitive development in children, leading to poor cognitive function as adults.

Secondly, iodine makes up an integral component of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (or ‘T3’ for short) and thyroxine (or ‘T4’ for short).

These key hormones regulate the metabolic activity of the human body, while also playing an essential role in the growth, development, and maintenance of both muscle tissue and key organs, such as the heart, the liver, and the kidneys.

With all this in mind, iodine deficiency can have a host of negative implications, including rapid declines in mood and energy levels, rapid weight gain or dangerous weight loss, dry skin, headaches, menstrual problems, impaired kidney function, reduced immune system function, and muscle weakness.

So in short: Iodine is important.

Given the somewhat large negatives associated with iodine deficiency, it should come as no surprise that supplementing with iodine can have a number of benefits.

Iodine Suppleme​​​​​ntation and Metabolism

As previously mentioned, iodine is required to produce the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Interestingly, in conjunction with this, iodine has also been shown to improve the function of the thyroid gland in its entirety (the gland responsible for secreting the thyroid hormones).

​Through these two key mechanisms, the supplementation of iodine can improve the body’s ability to control its metabolism. This can maximise the health of the body’s organs, stave off unwanted weight gain, and improve sleep duration and quality ^[1].

Iodine Supplementation Can Improve Energy Levels

Given iodine’s impact on the body’s metabolic rate, it stands to reason that it is also going to influence our energy levels – something that has been shown time and time again.

Iodine supplementation can improve the body’s ability to breakdown and metabolise fats and carbohydrates for energy. By improving the efficiency of these processes, Iodine can increase energy levels and reduce feelings of lethargy and tiredness ^[2].

Iodine Supplementation Can Improve Immune System Function

Iodine has also been shown to play a key role within the normal function of the immune system, where it aids in the removal of harmful free radicals from the body’s tissues.  With this in mind, iodine has also been shown to boost the effectiveness of those antioxidants found within the body ^[3].

Through these two key mechanisms, iodine supplantation has the ability to reduce the harmful oxidative damage caused by free radicals significantly. This can lead to a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Best Iodine Supplement Reviews

The benefits of supplementing with iodine are both large and varied, but when it comes to our health, it can really be a game changer.

Unfortunately, when looking for a high quality iodine supplement, there are many options on the market – some of which are unquestionably better than others. With this in mind, we have outlined what we believe to be the best three iodine supplements available on the market at the moment.

Each of which offer an excellent option in their own right.

Pure Encapsulations Iodine Supplement

When it comes to high quality mineral supplements, Pure Encapsulations are always an excellent choice. They have been producing high quality products for a very long time, and have gained a solid following within the health and fitness industry as a result.

This iodine supplement is no different, giving us with high quality ingredients provided in scientifically supported doses. As an added bonus, this is one of the more affordable options available on the market, making it great for those on a budget.

Optimox Iodoral Iodine Supplement

This Optimox Iodine supplement is a unique option in that it not only provides us with a potent dosage of iodine, but also provides us with a solid amount of potassium to go with it. This improves the absorption of the iodine, increasing the effectiveness of the supplement while also maximising thyroid health and support.

This option is the most expensive on the list, but that shouldn’t act as a deterrent – this is an extremely high quality supplement that has no negatives.

Go Nutrients Nascent High Potency Liquid Iodine Supplement

Go nutrients have put out a highly potent iodine supplement designed solely with the intent to boost metabolism and energy. This supplement provides us with iodine in high amounts, and offers optimal absorption, ensuring a great degree of efficiency.

As a point of difference, this option is provided in liquid form, making it fantastic for those who don’t like taking capsules.

Take-Away Message

Over the last 50 years or so, we have seen some huge declines in the consumption of essential nutrients – many of which can be quite detrimental to our health.

With this in mind, the supplement of iodine can improve hormone function, aid in the maintenance of optimal metabolism, cause large increases in energy levels, and boost immune system function significantly – genuinely making it one of the most important mineral supplements available.

The three options provided in this article are what we believe to be the best iodine supplements on the market at the moment. If you have had any experience with them, we would love to hear about it – so drop us a comment and we will get back to you ASAP.