Iodotyrosine

Amino-acidIodinated tyrosine

What is it

Iodotyrosines (monoiodotyrosine and diiodotyrosine) are intermediates in thyroid hormone synthesis, formed by iodination of tyrosine residues within thyroglobulin. They are not normally separate active hormones but are coupled to form T3 and T4. As supplements, iodotyrosines are unusual and not clearly therapeutic.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Thyroid support (theoretical)

Mixed Evidence

No established clinical benefit. For thyroid support, iodine (potassium iodide) or selenium have better evidence.

How it works

In the thyroid gland, iodide is oxidized and incorporated into tyrosine residues to form MIT and DIT, which are then coupled to form T3 and T4. Free iodotyrosines released during thyroglobulin proteolysis are normally deiodinated by the enzyme iodotyrosine deiodinase to recycle iodide. Supplementing iodotyrosines orally would primarily provide iodide and tyrosine; specific therapeutic benefit over either alone is not established.

Dosage

No established human supplement dose.

When and how to take it

Not applicable as a routine supplement.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Iodotyrosine (research)

Primarily a biochemistry research compound.

Not routinely used as a supplement.

Safety

May increase iodide exposure, affecting thyroid function. Limited safety data on supplemental iodotyrosines.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding (without medical supervision regarding iodine status), and thyroid disease. Not recommended for routine consumer use.

Interactions

May affect thyroid hormone status; theoretical interaction with thyroid medications and antithyroid drugs.

Frequently asked questions

Will iodotyrosine support my thyroid?⌄

There is no good evidence supporting this. Standard iodine supplementation has better evidence if iodine is needed.

References

Iodotyrosine on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Iodotyrosine on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Iodotyrosine (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.