What is the importance and uses of potassium iodide?

KI (potassium iodide) is a salt of stable (not radioactive) iodine that can help block radioactive iodine from being absorbed by the thyroid gland, thus protecting this gland from radiation injury. The thyroid gland is the part of the body that is most sensitive to radioactive iodine.

Is it legal to buy potassium iodide?

What potassium iodide KI products are currently available? Only KI products that are FDA-approved may be marketed legally in the United States. As of October 2016, these KI products are FDA-approved and are available without a prescription: iOSAT tablets, 130mg, from Anbex, Inc.

What are the uses of potassium iodide?

Potassium iodide (KI) is a chemical compound that can be used to protect the thyroid gland from possible radiation injury caused by radioactive iodine (radioiodine). Some radiological emergencies may release large amounts of radioiodine to the environment.

What foods contain potassium iodide?

This article explores 9 iodine-rich food sources that can help prevent a deficiency.

• Seaweed. Share on Pinterest.
• Cod. Cod is a versatile white fish that is delicate in texture and has a mild flavor.
• Dairy. Dairy products are major sources of iodine, especially in American diets (12).
• Iodized Salt.
• Shrimp.
• Tuna.
• Eggs.
• Prunes.

What are the health benefits of iodine?

Iodine’s most important role is to ensure proper thyroid function. It helps to regulate the production of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Getting enough iodine is essential for preventing low thyroid hormone production and hypothyroidism.

Is potassium iodide expensive?

The cost for potassium iodide oral liquid (325 mg/5 mL) is around $24 for a supply of 30 milliliters, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans.

Is iodide the same as iodine?

What is iodine? Also called iodide, iodine is a type of mineral that’s naturally found in the earth’s soil and ocean waters. Many salt water and plant-based foods contain iodine, and this mineral is most-widely available in iodized salt.

What food contains potassium iodide?

Which form of iodine is best?

BY MOUTH: For iodine deficiency: Consumption of iodized salt is recommended in most cases. For most people, iodized salt containing 20-40 mg of iodine per kilogram of salt is recommended. If salt consumption is less than 10 grams per person per day, the amount of iodine in salt may need to be higher.

What are the benefits of taking potassium iodide?

There are five primary uses for potassium iodide. A concentrated form of potassium iodide is the preferred treatment post-radiation exposure for preventing the thyroid uptaking the radioactive form of iodine (I-131). The KI saturates the thyroid gland, preventing other forms of iodine for entering for 24 hours.

Is it bad to have too much potassium iodide?

This vital mineral is an excellent source of iodine. Iodine is needed for the healthy function of the thyroid gland. If you are lacking in this mineral, or if you have too much potassium iodide in the gland, major health concerns can ensue.

When to take potassium iodide ( KI ) during pregnancy?

Pregnant women should take only one dose of KI following internal contamination with (or likely internal contamination with) radioactive iodine. Women who are breastfeeding should take only one dose of KI (potassium iodide) if they have been internally contaminated with (or are likely to be internally contaminated with) radioactive iodine.

What is the chemical formula for potassium iodide?

There are many forms of potassium, but the potassium salt form of iodine is called potassium iodide (KI). You might also see it represented by its chemical formula, KI: K for potassium and I for iodine. This vital mineral is an excellent source of iodine. Iodine is needed for the healthy function of the thyroid gland.