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Dietary supplement

Kelp Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by New Sun

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

Kelp is a dietary supplement by New Sun 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 New Sun

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.

New Sun Kelp contains one active ingredient: iodine, derived from kelp. Iodine is an essential mineral your body needs to make thyroid hormone and regulate metabolism.

The tablet also contains inactive ingredients — dicalcium phosphate, cellulose, stearic acid, and vegetable magnesium stearate — which are fillers and binders that 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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Iodine's overall clinical evidence instead.

Strong

Strong clinical evidence supports Iodine for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Radiation exposure — rated "Likely Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Iodine deficiency — rated "Likely Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Fibrocystic breast disease — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Oral mucositis — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Periodontitis — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

Iodine in this supplement is Likely Effective for treating iodine deficiency and protecting the thyroid from radiation exposure. It's rated Possibly Effective for oral mouth sores (oral mucositis) and gum disease (periodontitis), though the evidence is less established 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 when you take it in normal dietary amounts and stay below the safe upper limit. High doses can cause thyroid problems — including an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), or thyroid lumps — and may trigger acne-like skin lesions if used heavily over time.

Nausea, metallic taste, headache, and diarrhea can occur but are usually mild. In pregnancy, adequate iodine is important for your baby's development, but you should only take the amount your doctor recommends and avoid high-dose products.

During breastfeeding, some iodine passes into breast milk, so follow your doctor's guidance on dosing. A very small number of people report iodine hypersensitivity with severe reactions like swelling, rash, or fever, though true iodine allergy is rare.

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.

If you take lithium, antithyroid drugs (like propylthiouracil or methimazole), or amiodarone, double-check with your pharmacist before starting this kelp supplement — all three have Moderate interactions with iodine and your thyroid function may need to be monitored.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This supplement is useful if you're deficient in iodine or need thyroid protection, and it's well tolerated at normal doses. If you take lithium, antithyroid drugs, or amiodarone, check with your pharmacist first — your thyroid function may need monitoring.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or on any thyroid or heart medications.

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 Aug 24, 2012.

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 New Sun
Barcode (UPC) 78-2
Net contents 200 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 24, 2012
DSLD ID 12361
Product type Mineral
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 New Sun, 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:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
200
UPC/BARCODE
78-2
IngredientAmount% DV
Iodine150 mcg100%

Other ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Cellulose, Stearic Acid, 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.
Precautions

Warning: Therapeutic use not recommended for hyperthyroidism. Long-term therapuetic use not recommended. Take with adequate liquid.

Avoid this product if you are sensitive to iodine.

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications, or experiencing health issues, consult your doctor before use.

Do not use if safety seal is missing or broken.

Keep out of reach of children.

General

Product No. 78-2 V4.0

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommendation: As a dietary supplement, take 1-2 tablets with each meal.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formulation

This product does not contain: yeast, corn, wheat, egg, preservatives, artificial coloring or sweeteners.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

Kelp by New Sun label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Kelp by New Sun

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 container200 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: Dicalcium Phosphate, Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Kelp by New Sun 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.

New Sun

See all New Sun products
Name
New Sun, Inc.
City
Hendersonville
State
NC
ZipCode
28792
Phone Number
1-800-544-0777
Web Address
www.newsun.net
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Kelp by New Sun: Common Questions

Does Kelp by New Sun 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 in pregnancy?
Adequate iodine is important for your baby's development, but you should only take the amount your doctor advises and avoid high-dose supplements. There isn't enough data to know if all iodine products are safe in pregnancy, so talk with your OB or pharmacist about the right dose for you.
Can I take this if I'm breastfeeding?
Some iodine passes into breast milk, so you need medical guidance on how much is safe. Don't assume that because you need iodine, a supplement is appropriate — your doctor or pharmacist can advise you on the right amount for you and your baby.
What are the most common side effects of iodine?
Most people don't have issues, but common ones include nausea, metallic taste in your mouth, headache, diarrhea, and mild stomach upset. Serious side effects like allergic reactions are rare but can happen.
Does iodine really help with iodine deficiency?
Yes — iodine is Likely Effective for treating iodine deficiency. It's also Likely Effective for protecting your thyroid from radiation exposure.
Can too much iodine hurt my thyroid?
Yes. High doses or long-term use can cause an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), or thyroid lumps. Stay within the safe upper limit and don't take high-dose products without medical supervision, especially if you're already on thyroid medication.
Will this help with gum disease or mouth sores?
Iodine is Possibly Effective for both periodontitis (gum disease) and oral mucositis (mouth sores), but the evidence isn't as strong as for iodine deficiency. Ask your pharmacist whether it makes sense for your situation.

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

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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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