The recommended daily intake of iodine varies slightly depending on the source and the individual's life stage. Here is a summary based on authoritative recommendations:

1. Adults (19+ years): 150 micrograms (mcg) per day¹².
2. Pregnant women: 220-250 mcg per day¹³⁴.
3. Breastfeeding women: 290 mcg per day¹².
4. Children and Teens: Varies from 90 mcg (ages 1-8) to 150 mcg (ages 14-18) per day⁵.

The upper intake level (the maximum daily amount unlikely to cause adverse health effects) for adults is generally set at 1,100 mcg per day⁶.

It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have existing health conditions like thyroid disorders.

Footnotes

1. BDA - Iodine ↩ ↩² ↩³

2. NHS - Iodine ↩ ↩²

3. Professor Lisco - Iodine Deficiency and Iodine Prophylaxis: An Overview and Update ↩

4. Harvard Nutrition Source - Iodine ↩

5. Office of Dietary Supplements - Iodine ↩

6. Dietary Reference Intakes for Iodine - NCBI Bookshelf ↩

The optimal dose of iodine for maintaining good health should take into account both avoiding deficiency and excess. Optimal iodine intake ensures the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism, growth, and development. Here are the key findings from authoritative sources:

1. General Population:

   • Adults: The optimal daily intake is around 150 micrograms (mcg) of iodine¹². This amount appears to be sufficient to maintain normal thyroid function and prevent iodine deficiency disorders.

2. Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women:

   • Pregnant women: Should aim for 220-250 mcg/day¹³⁴.
   • Breastfeeding women: Require about 290 mcg/day to ensure adequate iodine levels in breast milk¹².

3. Children and Adolescents:

   • Daily iodine requirements for children and teens range from 90 mcg to 150 mcg depending on their age⁵. This intake supports their growth and cognitive development.

4. Upper Intake Levels:

   • The upper intake level for adults is generally set at 1,100 mcg/day⁶⁷. Intake above this level might lead to adverse health effects like thyroid dysfunction.

To summarize, 150 mcg per day is considered optimal for most adults. However, individuals' specific needs might vary due to dietary habits, health conditions, and stages of life such as pregnancy and lactation. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Footnotes

1. BDA, "Iodine," Source. ↩ ↩² ↩³

2. NHS, "Iodine," Source. ↩ ↩²

3. NIH, "Dietary Reference Intakes for Iodine," Source. ↩

4. Harvard, "Iodine," Source. ↩

5. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, "Iodine," Source. ↩

6. NIH, "Dietary Reference Intakes for Iodine," Source. ↩

7. StatPearls, "Iodine Toxicity," Source. ↩