Aliases: I, Potassium iodide, Iodide, Lugol's solution, Iodinated kelp
Pharmacological Mechanism
Incorporated into thyroglobulin tyrosines by thyroid peroxidase (TPO) to form mono- and diiodotyrosines, which couple to T3/T4. Iodide trapping from blood into thyroid follicular cells occurs via the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS). Paradoxical effect: excess iodine transiently blocks organification (Wolff-Chaikoff effect).
Dosing Guidelines
PO: Typical 243 mcg (Range: 220–290 mcg)
TD: Typical 243 mcg (Range: 220–290 mcg)
Target Organ Systems
endocrine
Interactions
Selenium (synergistic): Required co-nutrient for thyroid function — see selenium entry.
Liothyronine (synergistic): Structural component of all thyroid hormones.