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Dietary supplement

Kelp Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by DC

Tablet Or Pill Category: Mineral
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Kelp is a dietary supplement by DC with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for preventing iodine deficiency, supporting thyroid hormone production, general energy and metabolism support.Based on those ingredients, 7 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Iodine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Kelp by DC

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

DC Kelp contains one active ingredient: iodine, a mineral your body needs for thyroid function and metabolism. The tablet also includes inactive ingredients like calcium phosphate, vegetable cellulose, stearic acid, silica, and vegetable magnesium stearate, which are fillers and binders that help hold the tablet together.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: iodine supplementation.
  • We looked for evidence on: Iodine deficiency, Infant development, Prematurity, Radiation exposure, thyroid support, metabolic function.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Iodine is rated "Likely Effective" for Radiation exposure (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Iodine is rated "Likely Effective" for Iodine deficiency.
  • Also on file: Iodine is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Prematurity.

Iodine in this supplement is likely effective for preventing or treating iodine deficiency and for protecting your thyroid after radiation exposure. The evidence is possibly effective for oral mucositis (mouth sores) and periodontitis (gum disease), though the data is less robust for those uses.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Iodine

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Iodine is generally well tolerated at normal dietary doses, but high amounts can cause thyroid problems. Common side effects include stomach upset, diarrhea, headache, nausea, metallic taste, and thyroid swelling (goiter).

Rare but serious reactions include severe allergic responses; a small number of people taking high doses chronically have developed acneform skin lesions called iododerma. In pregnancy, adequate iodine is important for the baby, but use only the dose your doctor advises and avoid high-dose products.

During breastfeeding, some iodine passes into breast milk, so follow your doctor's guidance. If you're allergic to iodine-containing foods or drugs, talk with us before starting — true iodine hypersensitivity is uncommon, but it does happen.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Iodine

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Iodine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: lithium.
  • For scale: 7 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check with your pharmacist before taking this product if you take lithium, antithyroid drugs (like propylthiouracil or methimazole), or amiodarone. These all interact with iodine at Moderate severity, meaning they can affect how your thyroid works or how well your medications perform.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This supplement makes sense if you have iodine deficiency or need thyroid protection after radiation. If you take lithium, antithyroid medication, or amiodarone, you'll need to check with your pharmacist first — these don't mix well with high iodine doses.

Anyone with a history of thyroid problems should get medical guidance on the right dose for them.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 16, 2022.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Kelp, straight from the product label.

Brand DC
Barcode (UPC) 052301428908
Net contents 90 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 16, 2022
DSLD ID 266805
Product type Mineral
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Kelp by DC, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
052301428908
IngredientAmount% DV
Iodine150 mcg100%

Other ingredients: Calcium Phosphate, Vegetable Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Silica, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take 1 tablet daily or as directed by your health care professional.

Precautions

Tamper Evident: Do not use this product if imprinted foil seal under cap is broken or missing.

Keep out of reach of children.

Caution: If you are pregnant or nursing do not take this product.

Formulation

Mfg. in an FDA Registered Facility using Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)

Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> disintegration for maximum bioavailability.

Gluten free

Taking Kelp tablets is a natural way to support thyroid hormone levels

Made in USA

Seals/Symbols

Keep tightly closed. Store at room temperature: 59 degrees - 86 degrees F (15 degrees to 30 degrees C).

Quali Pure

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Was a capsule now a tablet

Formula

(0.1% Iodine)

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Kelp by DC label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Kelp by DC

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

Iodine

Interacts with
7 drugs
150 mcg per serving Form: Kelp

Iodine is an essential mineral your body needs to make thyroid hormones, and most people get enough from iodized salt, dairy, and seafood. Supplements...

Iodine monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Calcium Phosphate, Vegetable Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Silica, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Kelp by DC Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Kelp?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
7Drugs
7 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Iodine 7

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Kelp with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Iodine3 drug types · 7 drugs

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Combining iodine with amiodarone might cause excessively high iodine levels.
Amiodarone contains 37.3% iodine and can increase iodine levels. Concomitant use with iodine might increase the risk of having excessive iodine levels and adversely affecting thyroid function. Monitor thyroid function.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Antithyroid Drugs

Iodine might alter the effects of antithyroid drugs.
Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history. Taking iodine while using antithyroid drugs could alter the effects of the antithyroid drugs.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lithium

Combining iodine with lithium might have additive hypothyroid effects.
Lithium can inhibit thyroid function. Several case reports suggest that concomitant use of lithium and potassium iodide can reduce thyroid function in otherwise healthy adults. Monitor thyroid function.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Kelp, from the product label.

DC

See all DC products
Name
Dee Cee Laboratories, Inc.
Street Address
304 Dee Cee Ct.
City
White House
State
TN
ZipCode
37188
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Kelp by DC: Common Questions

Does Kelp by DC interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Kelp has a known interaction with 7 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Kelp contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is iodine safe to take during pregnancy?
Adequate iodine is important during pregnancy for your baby's development, but you need to use only the dose your doctor advises and avoid high-dose products. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the right amount for you.
What are the most common side effects of iodine supplements?
Most people tolerate iodine well at normal doses. Common side effects include stomach upset, diarrhea, headache, nausea, a metallic taste in your mouth, and in some cases thyroid swelling (goiter). Serious allergic reactions are rare.
Can iodine help with iodine deficiency?
Yes — iodine is likely effective for treating iodine deficiency. That's one of its main uses.
Will this supplement work for gum disease or mouth sores?
The evidence suggests iodine may help with both periodontitis (gum disease) and oral mucositis (mouth sores), but the data is less strong than it is for iodine deficiency. Talk with your doctor about whether it's right for your situation.
What if I have a shellfish or seafood allergy — can I take this?
Many people with seafood allergies worry about iodine supplements because iodine is in shellfish. The good news: the allergen in seafood is usually the protein, not the iodine itself. That said, if you've ever had an allergic reaction to iodine itself, you should avoid this product and talk with us first.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Kelp is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Kelp label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Kelp's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 26 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Iodine 26 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Goodman GA, Rall TW, Nies AS, Taylor P. The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed.
  3. Ghent WR, Eskin BA, Low DA, Hill LP. Iodine replacement in fibrocystic disease of the breast. Can J Surg 1993;36:453-60.
  4. Potassium iodide for nuclear exposure. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter 2001;17(12):171214.
  5. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  6. Cabezas C, Bustamante B, Holgado W, Begue RE. Treatment of cutaneous sporotrichosis with one daily dose of potassium iodide. Pediatr Infect Dis J 1996;15:352-4. PubMed
  7. Sterling JB, Heymann WR. Potassium iodide in dermatology: a 19th century drug for the 21st century-uses, pharmacology, adverse effects, and contraindications. J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;43:691-7. PubMed
  8. Yarrington CD, Pearce EN. Dietary iodine in pregnancy and postpartum. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2011;54:459-70. PubMed
  9. Goel, S., Mandhani, A., Srivastava, A., Kapoor, R., Gogoi, S., Kumar, A., and Bhandari, M. Is povidone iodine an alternative to silver nitrate for renal pelvic instillation sclerotherapy in chyluria? BJU.Int 2004;94(7):1082-1085. PubMed
  10. Teng, W., Shan, Z., Teng, X., Guan, H., Li, Y., Teng, D., Jin, Y., Yu, X., Fan, C., Chong, W., Yang, F., Dai, H., Yu, Y., Li, J., Chen, Y., Zhao, D., Shi, X., Hu, F., Mao, J., Gu, X., Yang, R., Tong, Y., Wang, W., Gao, T., and Li, C. Effect of iodine int
  11. Crawford, B. A., Cowell, C. T., Emder, P. J., Learoyd, D. L., Chua, E. L., Sinn, J., and Jack, M. M. Iodine toxicity from soy milk and seaweed ingestion is associated with serious thyroid dysfunction. Med J Aust. 10-4-2010;193(7):413-415. PubMed
  12. Ohkuma, M. Molluscum contagiosum treated with iodine solution and salicylic acid plaster. Int J Dermatol. 1990;29(6):443-445. PubMed
  13. Connelly KJ, Boston BA, Pearce EN, Sesser D, Snyder D, Braverman LE, Pino S, LaFranchi SH. Congenital hypothyroidism caused by excess prenatal maternal iodine ingestion. J Pediatr. 2012 Oct;161(4):760-2. PubMed
  14. Kasahara T, Narumi S, Okasora K, Takaya R, Tamai H, Hasegawa T. Delayed onset congenital hypothyroidism in a patient with DUOX2 mutations and maternal iodine excess. Am J Med Genet A. 2013 Jan;161A(1):214-7.
  15. Murcia M, Rebagliato M, Iñiguez C, Lopez-Espinosa MJ, Estarlich M, Plaza B, Barona-Vilar C, Espada M, Vioque J, Ballester F. Effect of iodine supplementation during pregnancy on infant neurodevelopment at 1 year of age. Am J Epidemiol. 2011 Apr 1;173(7):8 PubMed
  16. Sang Z, Wang PP, Yao Z, Shen J, Halfyard B, Tan L, Zhao N, Wu Y, Gao S, Tan J, Liu J, Chen Z, Zhang W. Exploration of the safe upper level of iodine intake in euthyroid Chinese adults: a randomized double-blind trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Feb;95(2):367-73 PubMed
  17. Speeckaert MM, Speeckaert R, Wierckx K, Delanghe JR, Kaufman JM. Value and pitfalls in iodine fortification and supplementation in the 21st century. Br J Nutr. 2011 Oct;106(7):964-73. PubMed
  18. Yun SE, Kang Y, Bae EJ, Hwang K, Jang HN, Cho HS, Chang SH, Park DJ. Iodine-induced thyrotoxic hypokalemic paralysis after ingestion of Salicornia herbace. Ren Fail. 2014 Apr;36(3):461-3.
  19. Iodine Hypersensitivity. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter 2011; 27(5):270504.
  20. Hammel JA, Selby JC. Pustular eruption in a patient with cancer treated with complementary and alternative medicine. JAMA Dermatology 2017 October; E1. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.3749. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed
  21. Gil GS, Smith BW, Guerra JR, Williams WT. Acute Delirium in a Hypothyroid Patient Precipitated by Iodine Supplements Use. Am J Ther. 2018;25(6):e717-e718. PubMed
  22. Hamby T, Kunnel N, Dallas JS, Wilson DP. Maternal iodine excess: an uncommon cause of acquired neonatal hypothyroidism. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2018;31(9):1061-1064. PubMed
  23. Censi S, Watutantrige-Fernando S, Groccia G, et al. The Effects of Iodine Supplementation in Pregnancy on Iodine Status, Thyroglobulin Levels and Thyroid Function Parameters: Results from a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial in a Mild-to-Moderate Iodine
  24. Rovner MS, Wolf BJ, Rubin M, et al. Instillation of 5% Povidone-Iodine Ophthalmic Drops Decreases the Respiratory Rate in Children Undergoing Strabismus Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2019;56(6):378-382. PubMed
  25. Guenezan J, Garcia M, Strasters D, et al. Povidone Iodine Mouthwash, Gargle, and Nasal Spray to Reduce Nasopharyngeal Viral Load in Patients With COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2021;147(4):400-401. PubMed
  26. Li F, Wan S, Zhang L, et al. A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Iodine Excess on the Intellectual Development of Children in Areas with High Iodine Levels in their Drinking Water. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022;200(4):1580-1590. PubMed

See these in context on the Iodine monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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