This information describes a low-iodine diet.
A low-iodine diet contains less than 50 micrograms (mcg) of iodine per day.
Iodine is a mineral. It plays an important role in several processes that take place in your body. One role is the production of a hormone called thyroxine in the thyroid gland.
Iodine is found naturally in certain foods, but most of it comes from iodized salt, dairy products, and breads. Adults need 150 mcg of iodine a day.
You will need to follow a low-iodine diet to increase the effectiveness of your upcoming radioactive iodine therapy. If you have iodine in your diet, it can prevent your thyroid from taking up the radioactive iodine. Your doctor may put you on a low-iodine diet 1 or 2 weeks before you get your dose of radioactive iodine. Follow this diet until your test or treatment is complete.
This diet does not meet the suggested daily allowance for all nutrients. You will only be on it for a short time. Your doctor will tell you when to begin and when to stop this diet.
Foods, Beverages, and Other Items Containing Iodine
Read all food labels to check for iodine content. Do not eat or use:
- Iodized salt
- Sea salt in any form
- Seasoning mixes made with salt, such as adobo
- Onion salt
- Celery salt
- Garlic salt
- Seasoned salt
- Seaweed (kelp, nori, kombu, wakame)
- Any food that has
- Iodates
- Iodides
- Algin
- Alginates
- Carrageen
- Agar
- Commercial breads and bakery products
- Milk (except for 1 ounce a day) and milk products, such as cheese, yogurt, and cream
- Egg yolks
- Most seafood (except fresh-water fish)
- Vitamins and food supplements, if they have iodine. If you are not sure about the iodine content, do not take them.
- Food, pills, or capsules with food dyes that are orange, red, or brown in color. Examples include red or pink cereals or candies.
- Antiseptics, such as iodine (Betadine®) applied on a cut
- Cough medications (especially those with red coloring)
- Liquid nutritional supplements and commercial shakes, such as:
- Ensure®
- Boost®
- Nutrament®
- Restaurant and processed foods
- Soy products, such as edamame, tofu, soy burgers (e.g., Boca®), etc.
If you are receiving tube feeding formula, ask your dietitian or doctor what to do.
Back to topLow-Iodine Diet Guidelines
Drink plenty of liquids
Unless your doctor gives you other instructions, you must drink at least 8 to 10 (8-ounce) cups of liquid a day. This includes the drinks listed in the diet guidelines below and as much water as you want.
Foods and beverages to include and avoid
Sample low-iodine menu
| Breakfast | |
|
1 serving of fruit 3 servings of breads or cereals
1 serving of meat substitute Miscellaneous 1 beverage |
½ cup of orange juice ½ cup of oatmeal (made with water) 1 plain, unsalted matzah 1 egg-white omelet 2 teaspoons of sugar 1 cup of brewed coffee |
| Mid-morning snack | |
|
1 serving of breads or cereals 1 serving of fat 1 beverage |
2 unsalted rice cakes 1 teaspoon of unsalted butter 1 cup of water |
| Lunch | |
|
1 serving of meat 2 servings of fat 2 servings of breads or cereals 1 serving of vegetables 1 beverage |
3 ounces of unsalted turkey breast, cooked at home 2 teaspoons of oil 2 slices of homemade white bread 1 cup of romaine lettuce 1 cup of fresh lemonade |
| Mid-afternoon snack | |
|
1 serving of fruit 1 serving of meat substitute |
1 fresh apple 2 tablespoons of unsalted peanut butter |
| Dinner | |
|
1 serving of meat 4 servings of vegetables
2 servings of fats 1 serving of fruit 1 beverage |
3 ounces of roast beef, cooked at home 1 baked potato (no skin) 1 cup of green beans 2 teaspoons of oil (used in cooking) 1 orange 1 cup of white tea |
| Bedtime snack | |
|
1 serving of fruit 1 beverage |
1 small pear 1 cup of tea made from fresh tea leaves |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a certain food has iodine?
The iodine content of many foods is not known, which can seem confusing. Remember, this is a low-iodine diet and not a noniodine diet. We encourage you to follow our list of recommended foods as a guide and to call your dietitian with any questions.
If a product label says it has sodium, does that mean it also has iodine?
Not necessarily. Sodium and iodine are not the same thing. However, avoid products that list salt as an ingredient because the salt may contain iodine.
I have read dietary guidelines for a low-iodine diet on the Internet that are different than what is discussed here. Which should I follow?
We encourage you to follow our list of recommended foods and foods to avoid. This is because the iodine content of many foods is not known and not all Internet sources are accurate.
Can I use kosher salt?
We recommend using only noniodized salt and only in small quantities because it may still contain a small amount of iodine. If you need salt, choose Morton’s® Plain Table Salt and use sparingly.
My doctor told me to suck on hard candy for dry mouth but this diet says I can’t have candy. Which instructions should I follow?
We encourage you to avoid candy because there are many ingredients that may contain iodine in unknown amounts. If you need candy, choose GoNaturallyTM Organic Honey Lemon hard candies for dry mouth.
Should I stop taking any of my medications?
Do not stop taking any of your medications unless your doctor tells you to do so. Call your doctor or nurse if you have any questions about your medications.
Also, tell your doctor about any vitamins or supplements that you are taking. You will need to stop taking them if they contain iodine. If you are not sure about the iodine content, do not take them. Because vitamins and supplements are not regulated in the same way other medications are, it may be difficult to tell if they contain iodine.
Can I drink alcohol?
Ask your doctor or nurse about drinking alcohol.
Back to topContact Information
If you would like to speak with one of the registered dietitians or nutritionists at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, please 212-639-7071 to schedule an appointment.
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