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Dietary supplement

Kelp Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by The Vitamin Shoppe

Kelp label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Mineral
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Kelp against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Kelp is a dietary supplement by The Vitamin Shoppe 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.

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Check Your Meds Against Kelp by The Vitamin Shoppe

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Kelp by The Vitamin Shoppe — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Kelp by The Vitamin Shoppe

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Aug 13, 2026

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.

This product contains one active ingredient: iodine. Iodine is a mineral your body needs to make thyroid hormones, which control your metabolism and energy.

The tablet also contains inactive ingredients—dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, and 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 is Likely Effective for radiation exposure and iodine deficiency. It's rated Possibly Effective for oral mucositis (sore mouth from cancer treatment) and periodontitis (gum disease).

If you're taking this to prevent or treat iodine deficiency, the science supports it. For the other uses, the evidence is less established.

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 well tolerated in normal dietary amounts, but high doses can cause thyroid problems—either an overactive or underactive thyroid, goiter (enlarged thyroid), or acnelike skin lesions. Common side effects at higher doses include upset stomach, diarrhea, headache, nausea, and a metallic taste.

Rare but serious reactions—such as severe allergic reactions—can occur in people hypersensitive to iodine. During pregnancy, adequate iodine is important for the baby's development, but use only the amount your doctor advises and avoid high-dose products.

While breastfeeding, some iodine is needed for your baby, but excess can pass into breast milk; follow your doctor's guidance. If you have a history of thyroid disease or are at risk for iodine-related thyroid problems, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this.

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 doctor or pharmacist before taking this if you use lithium, antithyroid drugs (such as methimazole or propylthiouracil), or amiodarone. All three can interact with iodine at Moderate severity, and all three involve thyroid function—so your thyroid may need to be monitored while you're on this product.

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.

Kelp is a straightforward iodine source for people who need it—those with iodine deficiency or at risk of radiation exposure. But if you take lithium, antithyroid drugs, or amiodarone, you'll need to check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

The same goes if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have thyroid disease. In those cases, a conversation with your healthcare provider about the right dose, if any, is important.

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 Jan 25, 2016.

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 The Vitamin Shoppe
Barcode (UPC) 766536013692
Net contents 300 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 25, 2016
DSLD ID 55284
Product type Mineral
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar 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 The Vitamin Shoppe, 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)
UPC/BARCODE
766536013692
IngredientAmount% DV
Iodine225 mcg150%

Other ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, 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.
FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

DIRECTIONS: As a dietary supplement, take one (1) tablet daily, preferably with a meal.

Precautions

WARNING: Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing or being treated for hyperthyroidism.

Keep out of reach of children.

Tamper Evident Do not use if outer seal is broken or missing.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General Statements

Visit www.vitaminshoppe.com or call 1-800-223-1216 for more information and to reorder.

thyroid support

dietary supplement

{tablet} actual size

Superfood

Actual size

General

Item No. VS-1369 104627 IO 1

Formula

source of iodine

Formulation

gluten free dairy free soy free nut free

Does not contain: Yeast, corn, wheat, gluten, sugar, salt, soy, starch, dairy, citrus, fish, animal derivatives, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Kelp by The Vitamin Shoppe label

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

Kelp label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Kelp by The Vitamin Shoppe

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 Amounts shown are per serving.

Iodine

Interacts with
7 drugs
225 mcg per serving Form: Atlantic Kelp, Potassium Iodide

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, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Kelp by The Vitamin Shoppe 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

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Kelp interact with 7 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Kelp interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Iodine

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
Iodine full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

The Vitamin Shoppe

See all The Vitamin Shoppe products
Name
Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.
City
Secaucus
State
NJ
ZipCode
07094
Phone Number
1-800-223-1216
Web Address
www.vitaminshoppe.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Kelp by The Vitamin Shoppe: Common Questions

Does Kelp by The Vitamin Shoppe 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 during pregnancy?
Adequate iodine is important during pregnancy for your baby's development, but you should use only the amount your doctor recommends and avoid high-dose products. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this kelp supplement is the right choice for you and what dose, if any, is safe.
Can I take this if I'm breastfeeding?
Some iodine is necessary for your baby, but excess iodine passes into breast milk. Follow your doctor's guidance on whether this product is appropriate and in what amount.
What side effects might I notice from iodine?
At normal dietary doses, side effects are rare. At higher doses, you might experience upset stomach, diarrhea, headache, nausea, or a metallic taste. Rarely, some people have acnelike skin lesions or severe allergic reactions. If you notice any of these, stop and talk with your pharmacist.
Will this help if I have an iodine deficiency?
Yes—iodine is Likely Effective for iodine deficiency. If your doctor has confirmed you're low in iodine, this product is supported by evidence.
What if I have thyroid disease—is this safe for me?
That depends on your specific condition and medications. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, especially if you take thyroid drugs or have a history of thyroid problems.

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
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Kelp’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Iodine

Interacts with 7 drugs

Iodine is an essential mineral your body needs to make thyroid hormones, and most people get enough from iodized salt, dairy, and seafood. Supplements help when you are truly deficient, but...

Read the full Iodine monograph →
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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