Lugol’s Iodine: Health Benefits, Uses, and Dosage

Other Supplements and Lugol's

Posted by John1974 (N. Ireland) on 03/08/2015 38 posts

I bought lugol's 15% iodine and I read up you have to take other vitamins with this. I'm taking vitamin b complex and garlic capsules which contain 1000mg a day.

Is there any other vitamin I need to buy or take with iodine?

Other Supplements and Lugol's

Posted by Jacqueline (Devon, Uk) on 09/25/2015

Look up the Iodine protocol. It will tell you all the other stuff you should be taking.

Lugol's and Vitamin C

Posted by Diane (Framingham, Ma.) on 02/27/2015

Hello, I've heard conflicting reports about Vit c and Lugols...If I take both together does the vit c negate the effects of the Lugols?

Thank you much...Color me confused...

Lugol's and Vitamin E

Posted by Geraldine R. (Turkey) on 06/11/2015

How much vitamin E is necessary daily and can you recommend any particular type?

Lugol's and Vitamin E

Posted by Mzchynna (Detroit, Mi) on 06/24/2015

How do you feel since you have been doing this. I am very hypothyroid

Transdermal Absorption

Posted by Stan (Huntsville, Al) on 11/22/2014

Are there parts of the body that are better for transdermal absorption of Lugol's than others?

For instance; the armpits --which may (or may not) provide of side benefit of deodorizing. The commercial holistic deodorants (such as Toms) don't work for me; but apple cider vinegar, milk of magnesia and baking soda do quite well. I'm thinking that a solution of Lugol's plus Oil of Magnesium (Magnesium Chloride) might serve multiple benefits.

Would appreciate any experience-based comments.

Stan

Transdermal Absorption

Posted by Dana (N.e. Ohio) on 11/01/2016

Did you ever find your answer?

Side Effects

Posted by Sunitha (Atlanta, GA) on 11/11/2014
0 out of 5 stars

I have hypothyroid and Candida issues. So, I started on the Lugols Iodine protocol + Accompanying Nutrients + Alkalizing protocol suggested by Bill Thompson 4 days back. Today is day 4.

On Day 2, I noticed that my tongue was was turning a little brown. Day 3 - yesterday, I am having a little bit of throat discomfort. Today, I am having severe discomfort in the throat and cough as well.

Please suggest what needs to be done to mitigate the issues. Is it time to take a break for next 2 days or should I add something to the protocol? I am doing 2 drops of Lugols (5% - J.Crow's lugols Iodine) once a day.

Thanks

Side Effects

Posted by Baise (New York) on 08/30/2020

Hi Bill,

a quick question. I'm considering to start Lugol's Iodine protocol. Do you think it's safe for someone who has amalgam fillings. I know...Sigh. I'm planning to have them safely removed eventually but I won't be able to do so until 1-2 years or so. Should I wait until I have them removed or do you think it would be ok? Thank you for your time.

Side Effects

Posted by Jim Janda (AZ) on 07/11/2023

I read that yes, it is safe... I know I am responding to an old post.

Side Effects

Posted by Ava (California) on 11/12/2014

Many thanks for putting this wealth of info together for all of us. You've no doubt helped so many! Would you please share how much niacin and zinc you would recommend taking per day? Also, any recommendations for a good mineral supplement that can provide all/ most of the daily essentials?

Side Effects

Posted by Ed2010 (Canada) on 11/12/2014

A sudden surge in the Iodine supplementation will cause Itchy throat and coughing. Till the body adapts you have to moderate the dosage.

Good Health

Side Effects

Posted by Joanna (Charlotte, Nc) on 12/11/2017

Can one be on LI therapy and Borax at the same time?

Where to Buy: Canada

Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 08/18/2014

I believe Om (from Hope, BC) mentioned a little while ago the difficulty in getting Lugol's in British Columbia.

When I lived in Vancouver, BC, I would order it from the pharmacist at London Drugs. Since moving to Calgary, Alberta I do the same. You need to talk to the pharmacist directly - some of the pharmacy assistants aren't that interested in doing special orders.

I don't know if you have a London Drugs there, but I would imagine most pharmacies would oblige. It usually takes a few days or, at most, a week to receive it.

The bottle that I have comes from Xenex Labs in Coquitlam, BC. For 100 mL of 5% Lugol's Solution, it was about $10.50. The NPN is 00415197. London Drugs also ordered another brand of Lugol's for me from Medisca (same price $10.50 for 100 mL) but I prefer the Xenex one. Good luck! Bess

Where to Buy: Canada

Posted by Dianne (London, Ontario) on 08/19/2014

I was able to order through Shoppers Drug Mart. Don't know if this drug store is in B.C. Just be certain to ask for the kind that can be ingested. They ordered it in for me without any problem.

Where to Buy: Canada

Posted by Om (Hope, Bc Canada) on 09/15/2014

B31 --- Where to buy Lugol's Iodine in Canada.

I was unsuccessful online but went to London Drugs and was told by a manageress, No. But as I proceeded to another department, a senior lady employee made haste to inform me that not only London Drugs, but any pharmacy could order it if it is LUGOL'S IODINE SOLUTION. They order from the same company.

So it is indeed best to speak to a top senior employee first. I am happy that there is a possibility to obtain it despite gov't interference. Otherwise Tony Pantalleresco online teaches how to make it yourself.

Namaste, Om

Where to Buy: Canada

Posted by Sheila (Toronto) on 04/26/2015

You can definitely order Lugol Iodine from any compounding pharmacy. Only they can order it from Medico.com in Canada for you. You can get it in 2%, 5%, 7% concentration.

Lugol's Iodine Side Effects

Posted by Dee (Atlanta) on 08/26/2016

I learned that ingesting 5% is too strong. I was instructed by my alternative health care professional to make sure that I take Lugol's 2% or 2.5%. I hope this helps.

Where to Buy: Australia

Posted by John (Trang, Thailand) on 05/14/2014

Iodine: A friend was returning from Australia and I asked him if he would buy Lugols iodine and bring back 2 x 100ml bottles. Don't ever go there. My friend is a good person and returned with ‘Iodine Drops' = Potassium Iodide equiv. to iodine, equiv. to potassium, with Vanilla

Natural Identical Flavour. I can actually taste the stupid stuff. Plus Ethanol but no color, and I also have Iodine Tincture which is a ‘Weak Iodine Solution' Contains Iodine 25 mg/mL, Ethanol, [yum! Eh?] and Potassium Iodide mg/mL. Says don't eat. Ethanol in the first one was OK to eat. Lugols may exist in Australia but it wasn't in Sydney and Toowoomba. I could buy food grade H202 40 years ago there, not anymore and as for putting it on a hairy plane – Ha!

So, are both I have eatable? Will they do good or not. Will the ethanol make my car go faster?

Where to Buy: Australia

Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 05/16/2014

Hi John...You can buy lugol's iodine easily in Bangkok. Generally, in Thailand, you can also just go to any compounding pharmacy and get the LI made up to your own spec -- 2%, 5%, 7% strength etc.

If you prefer, next time you are in Bangkok take a taxi ride down Radjadamnearn Rd. Drive until you see the large, high winged monument or angel statue(Democracy Monument ?) then stop the taxi and get out. The royal palace grounds will be on one side, shops on the other side. Go to a chemical store called Vittyasom. Downstairs you can purchase all manner of chemicals including borax, potassium and sodium carbonate or whatever. Upstairs(one flight up) there is a doctor's surgery with compounding pharmacy which will make up the Lugol's Iodine to any strength you require while you wait. I live in the Philippines and get all my own stock of particular nutrient chemicals from this source and its quite cheap.

You should be able to take the potassium iodide á la vanilla without problems, though its not as good as LI. The vanilla would put me off though. What chef dreamed that one up?

Provided that your iodine tincture is NOT Povidine Iodine(plastic iodine) then, rather than waste it, I would take it like this:

Boil some water in a kettle

Pour out one glass of boiled water

Add the supplementary drops of Iodine tincture(with ethanol) carefully and slowly to the hot water so the iodine remains near the surface of the water.

Leave the glass of water to cool for an hour. During this time the alcohol in the tincture should evaporate away fairly quickly, leaving just the iodine in aqueous solution. Alcohol has a much higher evapration rate than water.

You now have Lugol's Iodine in a glass of water

Drink it down

This is just a cheap and sneaky way to make LI to supplement when all else fails. I've used this method in the past when I was desperate for LI. Iodine tincture -- the form that contains only potassium iodide and molecular iodine in ethanol and water --is easy to get in Asia and certain other parts of the world. Compounding pharmacies should also be able to make up this tincture. Worth remembering.

By the way, next time you go to Aussie and you want Lugol's Iodine, then try the vets. Just tell them that your favourite dog, Bandit, has an open wound and they'll sell it to you without problems. Same stuff. And you will probably be able to buy it in larger amounts and it will be cheaper too. Dogs have all the advantages don't they?

Where to Buy: Philippines

Posted by Sylviao (Qc, Philippines) on 03/04/2014

Where can I buy lugols iodine/ Iodoral here in my country?

Topical Application of Lugol's Iodine

Posted by Virginia (Los Angeles Ca.) on 02/17/2014

I have a question to ask knowledgeable people. Can Lugol's Iodine 5% be used in the nostrils safely? I seem to have an infection high up in the nostrils? Your feedback would be highly appreciated.

Topical Application of Lugol's Iodine

Posted by Mike62 (Denver) on 02/17/2014

Virginia: Yes you can. I get sinus infections occasionally. I put 1 drop nascent iodine stabilized with alcohol in 1ml water and squirt that up in there. The pain goes away immediately.

Topical Application of Lugol's Iodine

Posted by Rick (Toronto, Canada) on 01/05/2015

As a follow up to Virginia's question, I would like to ask if Lugol's can be used as drops in the ears to treat fungal infection. And at what concentration, 2%, 5%?Thanks.

Hypertrophic Scars

Posted by Elle_grey (Outer Limits, Usa) on 02/04/2014

Hi- I'm interested in using Lugol's iodine to diminish the appearance of several hypertrophic scars. I've tried other procedures with little to no effect. I'd like some feedback not only on the effectiveness of using Lugol's iodine, but also what I might expect throughout the healing process. Thanks for your help!

Lugol's Iodine Side Effects

Posted by Jr (Coloma, Mi) on 04/02/2013
0 out of 5 stars

After taking the 5% solution of lugols iodine, I get a strange metalic taste in my mouth. I wondered if this was normal and if anyone else experiences this?

Lugol's Iodine Side Effects

Posted by Tamara (Fort Collins, Colorado, Usa) on 04/03/2013

Bill, I too get that "metallic" taste in my mouth when I take iodine. To me, it tastes similar to a chlorine taste. I just figured that that's what the halide elements tasted like. I tried looking it up, but couldn't find anything. I do make sure that I put my iodine in distilled water to rule out the fluoride/chlorine interaction and just chug it down. I also avoid bread products unless I know that the flour does not have bromine in it and have avoided sodas with brominated vegetable oil, like orange. I do take the companion nutrient protocol as advised, as well, including the salt water. I don't have any other symptoms of brominism, though. I'm just offering my experience!

Lugol's Iodine Side Effects

Posted by Asktoddaboutrealestate (Holland, Pa, Usa) on 02/04/2013
0 out of 5 stars

Hi, I read that many people are iodine deficient. I am in need of more energy, so I thought perhaps it was due to an Iodine deficiency. So I tried Lugols 2%. I took 5 drops in water per day for the first 3 weeks, didn't notice any changes, took 7 drops per day in water for about 10 days, still no changes. Then I stepped back and noticed I had gained 10 lbs in the last month which is a lot for me (I am 5'7" 170lbs normally-should be 160lbs), so there was a change but I don't know if it was caused by the Iodine and wanted to get some feedback on my Iodine use. I stopped using it in the last few days to see if any of the weight comes off, no change yet. Did I use it long enough, or did I not need it to begin with?

Lugol's Iodine Side Effects

Posted by Elizabeth (Byhalia, Ms) on 12/29/2011
0 out of 5 stars

I started taking iodine internally, namely Lugol's iodine, two days ago. Only using 2 drops per day. My blood sugars are much higher than normal. Before using the Lugol's, I simply was painting regular iodine on my skin of which I purchased at CVS drugstore in the first aid section. What could be causing the Lugol's to raise my blood sugars? Perhaps I should stop taking it or maybe try using it transdermally? Thanks, signed Baffled

Lugol's Iodine Side Effects

Posted by Nikki (Nj) on 06/19/2011
0 out of 5 stars

I have been taking lugol's solution for a few months now. I don't have any particular health issues per se, so am basically taking it for overall health. I did notice that after a while my breast has become sore even after my period has come and gone. It is basically sore all day and I am not pregnant. My worry is that it is coming from the Lugol's solution. Has anyone else exereinced this if so what is the cause? I thought that iodine was supposed to help with breast pain.

Lugol's Iodine Side Effects

Posted by Alicia (Orlando, Fl, Usa) on 04/21/2011
0 out of 5 stars

Hi everyone:

Thank You for the wonderful information on this website; it is a great resource~ I recently have started supplementation for iodine in the past month and I have noticed a symptom that I am concerned about: burning eyes. Is there a connection between iodine supplementing and this? I am taking all the companion supplements. However, 500 mg of niacin is a little too strong for me at this point, so I am taking 100 mg 2 x/day instead of 500 mg/2 x day. I was taking 4 drops of Lugol's 2% initially, bumped that up to 4 drops 2 x/day and just went up to 6 drops/2 x day. Is this too much? I had detox symptoms before taking the companion supplements, now the eyes seem to be my main issue. If anyone has helpful advice or guidelines, I would love to know.

Thank You!

Lugol's Iodine Side Effects

Posted by Bill (San Fernando, San Fernando, Philippines) on 04/22/2011

Hi Alicia... I don't think you are taking iodine in excess -- you are taking, in effect, only about 32 mgs per day(of 2% Lugol's Iodine).

I think your eye burning problem is more problably caused by niacin excess or overdose:

"Symptoms of overdose of Niacin (B3) include: whole flushing of the body, burning sensation in the eyes, ears, nose, and throat, blurred vision, skin itching, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, lightheadedness."

Source: http://www.erowid.org/smarts/vitamins/vitamins_basics1.shtml

You may be getting enough niacin in your diet -- try taking niacin once every two or three days for a while or even eliminating it altogether to see if that makes a difference.

Lugol's Iodine Side Effects

Posted by Lana (Smadre, Ca. ) on 04/22/2011

Hi, I seem to remember someone on this site mentioning that you can tell you are allergic to iodine if you get itchy or watery eyes. I get this side effect myself, so I use the least amount that's helpful. Hopefully you'll find an answer to this problem.

Lugol's Iodine Side Effects

Posted by Jo (Gosford, Nsw / Australia) on 09/07/2012

I work in a lab & use grams iodine when making slides, the iodine fumes make my eyes water & sting.

Lugol's Iodine Side Effects

Posted by Terrylynn (Wylie, Texas) on 03/01/2011

In 1986 when I had a gall bladder scan, I was given iodine tablets. I had a reaction--eyes swelled shut and face swelled as well. Do not remember having any respiratory issues.

I since have eaten shellfish, use salt, etc. without any allergic reactions.

Having been told I had an allergic reaction to the tablets, do you think I could also have allergy issues with the Lugol's Iodine?

I have been reading about the health benefits of Lugol's and very much want to try it. I am having a lot of health issues (breast cancer being one) and believe that it could help me. I am on Armor Thyroid right now as well.

Thank you for any suggestions!!

TerryLynn

Broad Benefits

Posted by Mesem (Toulon, France) on 01/08/2011

Lugol's has a shelf life of 1 month after being prepared. I keep mine in the fridge door too to slow oxidation. It has also stopped my huge allergy type reactions to every change in the weather - wind, rain.

Broad Benefits

Posted by Tee (Chicago, Il) on 06/14/2010

I would like to know how did you use the iodine for keloid scars??

Broad Benefits

Posted by Hersche Chocolatte (South Africa) on 03/02/2015

Interested to know how it worked on the skin tags, keloids

Oral Vs Transdermal

Posted by Jb (Hosmer) on 09/26/2018

How do you "get rid of a root canal?".

Oral Vs Transdermal

Posted by Renee (MO) on 01/26/2023

Anyone have a link for 'extra caps' for the 2% Lugol's solution bottles?

Oral Vs Transdermal

Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 03/28/2014

Thanks Mary from Saskatchewan - I'll check those sources out! Cheers, Bess

Oral Vs Transdermal

Posted by Peacekeeper (New Haven, Ky) on 03/06/2015

I order from infowars.com. Nascent iodine. Good source.

Oral Vs Transdermal

Posted by Philip C (Ireland ) on 11/10/2016

B.P. stands for British Pharmaceutical so it sounds like it's safe for human consumption. However it may need to be diluted with distilled water.

I bought a bottle of this recently and have been researching whether it's safe to drink.

Look up BP USP EP.

Hope this helps

How To Take Lugol's

Posted by Magnolia16 (Virginia) on 11/08/2016

Could someone tell me how to take these drops that masks the taste? Is it safe to put in the morning coffee, juice? It really makes me gag but offers so much. All I have seen is to put it in water and that is hard for me to swallow.

How To Take Lugol's

Posted by Magnolia16 (Virginia) on 11/09/2016

Thank you. That is what I have been doing, but didn't know if the heat killed the good stuff! I upped my dosage and think this is what I needed. Love this site - have recommended it to many!

How To Take Lugol's

Posted by Shalom (Ca) on 10/09/2020

Marie, do you or your friend take it with other supplements to avoid the die-off effects? How often do you take it and how many drops? Can you give us more details and what benefits you saw. I tried it and had terrible die-off effects so I stopped taking it, but I was still feeling sick for a few weeks after.