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Iodine tablets

Key points about iodine tablets

Iodine tablets are used to prevent iodine deficiency during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Most people get enough iodine from a healthy, balanced diet. However for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, iodine from the diet is not enough and iodine tablets are needed.
The funded brand of iodine tablets is Neuro tabs. Each tablet has 150 mcg of iodine.
Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.

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Iodine is called an 'essential nutrient' because the human body can’t make it on its own and we must get it from our diet. Iodine is vital for normal growth and for brain development. It helps the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones. These are important for the growth of bones and nerves, and affects how proteins, fats and carbohydrates are used in the body. As iodine is essential for the development of the brain and nervous system, it's especially important before birth and in babies and young children. Learn more about the importance of iodine and which foods contain iodine.

Why are iodine tablets necessary during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Most people can get enough iodine from eating a healthy, balanced diet. However, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, this isn't enough to support the development of your baby. Therefore pregnant people need to take iodine tablets.

Humans store iodine in the thyroid gland and during pregnancy the thyroid is very active, producing about 50% more thyroid hormones. Pregnant people need extra iodine while they're pregnant to produce enough hormones to support the healthy development of the unborn baby.
Thyroid activity returns to normal during breastfeeding but an iodine supplement is recommended because breast fed infants get all of their iodine from breastmilk.
As it can take time to build up the higher level of nutrients needed for a baby’s healthy development, it's recommended you start taking iodine when you're planning a pregnancy. If you're not getting enough iodine before pregnancy you may not have enough stored for the later stages of pregnancy. This is especially important if you are at risk of iodine deficiency. Read more about who is at risk of iodine deficiency.

Not all iodine supplements are the same

There are a variety of iodine supplements available as tablets or liquid drops you can buy from pharmacies or health shops.

Having too much iodine can cause some of the same problems as iodine deficiency (eg, goitre).
The level of iodine considered to be too much, and the symptoms experienced, can vary from person-to-person, depending on other health conditions.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start taking iodine supplements so they can check the dose, if they are safe to take with other medicines you are taking, and other conditions you might have.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

In Aotearoa New Zealand, the Ministry of Health recommends that pregnant and breastfeeding women take a registered 150 micrograms (mcg) daily iodine-only tablet daily, as well as eating foods that are an important sources of iodine, such as fish, eggs and milk products. Read more about which foods contain iodine. Taking the right amount of iodine during pregnancy and breastfeeding is important because taking too little or too much can be harmful.

The funded brand of iodine tablets is Neuro tabs. Each tablet has 150 mcg of iodine.
During pregnancy, or when you're planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding the dose is 1 tablet once daily.
If pregnancy is not planned, women should start taking an iodine supplement as soon as possible after finding out they are pregnant.

While other iodine containing supplements and kelp tablets will increase iodine, care needs to be taken as you may end up taking more than what's safe. There isn’t a big difference between a safe dose of iodine and a harmful dose and the iodine content in seaweed products and kelp tablets varies.

The funded brand of iodine tablets is Neuro tabs. Each tablet has 150 mcg of iodine.
Take 1 tablet every day.
Take your iodine tablet with a glass of water.
You can take iodine tablets with or without food. They may cause stomach upset. If this happens, take the tablet with food.
If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. Don't take double the dose to make up for a missed dose.

Side effects caused by iodine tablets are rare. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.

Side effects	What should I do?
Stomach upset Feeling sick (nausea) Headache Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) Mood changes	Tell your doctor if these side effects bother you.
Signs of an allergic reaction such as skin rashes, itching, blisters, peeling skin, swelling of your face, lips or mouth, or having problems breathing	Tell your doctor immediately or phone Healthline 0800 611 116.