Iodine tablets & drops

History of iodine

In the past, many people suffered from iodine deficiency and its consequences, such as goitre or reduced concentration. This led to the practice of adding iodine to table salt. To this day, both iodised and non-iodised salt are available in Switzerland. However, it is difficult to meet the body’s iodine requirements through table salt alone.

These foods contain iodine

The soil in Switzerland is low in iodine, and so are the foods grown on it. Iodised table salt can help meet part of your iodine requirement. Foods that contain iodine include eggs, milk and dairy products. Seafood and sea fish are particularly rich in iodine. Fruit and vegetables, on the other hand, contain very little iodine.

Interesting fact: there are even foods that inhibit the body’s absorption of iodine. These include all types of cabbage, garlic, onions, cress and mustard.

How much iodine you need

The Swiss Federal Office for Food and Veterinary Affairs recommends

• a maximum of 90 micrograms of iodine for infants and children up to their fifth birthday,
• 120 micrograms of iodine for children aged between five and twelve,
• a maximum of 150 micrograms of iodine for adolescents and adults, and
• a maximum of 250 micrograms of iodine for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

By way of comparison: in Germany, a maximum of 200 micrograms of iodine per day is recommended for adolescents and adults.

Is it possible to overdose on iodine?

In cases of thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease, too much iodine can trigger hyperthyroidism. Nevertheless, an overdose or even poisoning from iodine tablets is considered unlikely. To achieve this, one would have to take extremely high doses of iodine tablets. An adequate supply of iodine, on the other hand, contributes to normal production of thyroid hormones and thus to normal thyroid function as well as normal cognitive function.

Iodine tablets for pregnant and breastfeeding women

Infants obtain their iodine from breast milk or infant formula. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should therefore pay particular attention to their iodine intake. According to a study published in the Nutrition Bulletin, young children, pregnant women and breastfeeding women do not consume enough iodine. The risk of iodine deficiency is also higher among vegans, as fruit and vegetables contain very little iodine. Smokers also belong to the group at risk of iodine deficiency.

Iodine supplementation at VITALOVE

Iodine is essential for the human body because it cannot produce it itself. An adequate intake of iodine, however, contributes to normal thyroid function and normal cognitive function. Women should pay particular attention to their iodine intake during pregnancy. However, the soil in Switzerland is low in iodine. Even iodised table salt is not sufficient to meet iodine requirements. In the VITALOVE health shop, you will find high-quality iodine products from certified manufacturers.