You need to know the importance of the supplement potassium iodide since it covers a broad spectrum of health concerns. The compound is a source of iodine as a salt of stable iodine compared to radioactive iodine. There are two common sources of iodine. They are sodium iodide and potassium iodide. The potassium iodide is a more favorable form of iodine. (x)
Iodine plays a crucial role in the overall health of the thyroid gland. As a trace mineral, iodine is an essential element of the two thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). They also balance the metabolism of most cells and take part in the crucial process of early development and growth of a majority of the organs in the body, particularly the brain. Inadequate amounts of iodine-rich foods may lead to not enough production of these two hormones. Such a deficiency will adversely affect the heart, liver, muscle, kidney and brain development. (x) It can even cause lethargic, fatigue, headaches, dry skin, weight loss and memory problems.
The World Health Organization (WHO) cautioned that 30 million people suffer from iodine deficiency, and ironically it is easy to remedy and prevent. (x) The statistics regarding this deficiency is startling.
- The WHO states close to one-third of the world’s population live in iodine-deficient areas. (x)
- As of 2011, 70 percent of the global households had the opportunity to use sufficiently iodized salt. (x)
- Based on the National Health Nutritional Examination Survey reported a 50 percent decrease in iodine levels in the last 32 years.
- A clinical study performed by Dr. David Brownstein, a thyroid expert, showed that over 96 percent of more than 5,000 patients tested were deficient in iodine. (x)
Iodine deficiency is common and coined “iodine deficiency disorders” as an indication of the many diseases caused by its scarcity in the populace. (x) Each of these disorders is preventable when given appropriate dosages of iodine. The most common complications are increased cholesterol levels, hypothyroidism, endemic goiter, decreased fertility rate, cretinism, increase infant mortality, atherosclerosis, breast cancer and fibrocystic breast disease. (x)
Symptoms of iodine deficiency each have clinical indications that include: (x)
- Depression
- Dry skin
- Difficulty losing weight
- Memory problems
- Headaches
- Menstrual problems
- Lethargy or fatigue
- Recurrent infections
- Hyperlipidemia
- Cold hands and feet
- Sensitivity to cold
- Thinning hair
- Brain fog
- Shortness of breath
- Constipation
- Muscle weakness and joint stiffness
- Impaired kidney function
If you think you are deficient in iodine and need to take potassium iodide, make sure you see a doctor for diagnoses, accurate medical information and permission before taking any supplements.
What is Potassium Iodide?
The white crystalline, powder or granular solid has a strong, salty and bitter taste. It’s added to table salt.
Potassium iodide tablets are available as a supplement. It’s a compound of 76 percent iodine and 23 percent potassium. (x) It’s a water-soluble electrolyte. (x) It initially garnered its popularity for the ability to safeguard against adverse reactions to radiation.
Potassium iodide is a salt of stable iodine—not radioactive and also known as KI. One of its uses is the blocking of the damaging effects of radioactive iodine. It became one of the practical solutions to counter the effects of radiation poisoning from the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster and Japan’s Fukushima disaster in 2011.
If the supplement is given to the patients soon enough, the thyroid gland, which is very sensitive to potassium iodide, will absorb the stable iodine, administering excessive amounts of stable iodine via potassium iodide. The thyroid fills up and cannot hold any more iodine. As a result, it can no longer absorb any iodine for 24 hours. (x)
Benefits of Potassium Iodide
Several health benefits and the supplement’s effectiveness for handling specific health conditions attribute to the need to take potassium iodide, but make sure you talk with your doctor before considering any new supplement.
Protects Against Radiation
As mentioned before, the supplement blocks the harmful effects of radioactive iodine. A study indicates that potassium iodide is effective when given to prevent the increased incidence of thyroid gland cancers in a region affected by nuclear disasters. (x)
Helps Relieve Respiratory Issues
Potassium iodide fights against infectious respiratory tract diseases and pulmonary diseases like cystic fibrosis, asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. It works exceptionally well when taken as a syrup, acting as an “irritating” expectorant that causes direct irritation to the glands of the respiratory mucosa. (x) (x)
Helps Correct Thyroid Health Concerns
A study conducted on rats with enlarged thyroid glands was
administered potassium iodide and concluded with noticeable improvement levels regarding their thyroid hormones. (x)
Treats Skin-Related Issues
The supplement is a standard, old-time remedy for different skin-related conditions like fungal infections, nodules in the legs caused by inflamed blood vessels, Sweet’s syndrome and more. (x)
Reducing the Accumulation of Lead
A study carried out by the International Journal of Occupation Medicine and Environmental Health in 2017 indicated a combination of meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid, potassium iodide and chlorophyll inhibited lead accumulation in male rats. (x)
Helpful Treatment for Grave’s Disease
The American Journal of Surgery published in 2017 that when given before an operation, the supplement assists patients with Grave’s disease by reducing blood loss when removing part of the thyroid gland. It is common to administer potassium iodide as preparation for patients with this disease before surgery. (x)
Foods High in Iodine
Getting plenty of iodine in your diet is essential and best from natural resources like food. The following foods are high in iodine. The fruits, vegetables, eggs and dairy products are high as long as the soil where the farm contains adequate amounts of iodine.
- Seaweed – one whole sheet is six to 2,984 micrograms
- Dried Prunes – five are 13 micrograms
- Cranberries – one ounce is 90 micrograms
- Baked Potato – one medium is 60 micrograms
- Baked Cod – three ounces is 99 micrograms
- Shrimp – three ounces is 35 micrograms
- Raw Milk – one cup is 56 micrograms
- Plain Low-Fat Yogurt – one cup is 75 micrograms
- Egg – one large egg is 24 micrograms
- Navy Beans – half a cup is 32 micrograms
Iodized Salt Good Source of Iodine
The universal salt iodization programs, also known as salt iodization, became the solution to handle iodine deficiencies in over 70 countries that includes Canada and the U.S. The WHO recommends potassium iodide as part of the salt iodization process for its stability.
Potassium Iodide Hazards
Some studies indicate potassium iodide intake may cause side effects if taken in the wrong dosages. In 2013, Thyroid Research published an article explaining that potassium iodide consumed in high concentrations causes a rise in lipid peroxidation, which is the oxidative degradation of lipids. Such oxidization generates health concerns like atherosclerosis, heart failure, Alzheimer’s, cancer, immunological disorders and rheumatic arthritis. (x)
To help avoid critical dosages of potassium iodide, the WHO provided a set of dosages for radiological or nuclear emergencies based on age. (x)
How Much Potassium Iodide Should You Take?
Most supplement bottles recommend 225 mcg (1 capsule) per day, which is a 150% recommended dietary allowance (RDA). You can talk to your medical practitioner before starting the supplement and follow the doctor’s recommendation.
Most multivitamin and mineral supplements contain potassium iodide as a source of iodine, averaging 150 mcg per daily dosage, which is 100% of the RDA.
Where to Buy Potassium Iodide?
You can purchase Potassium Iodide at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor for pure dietary supplements. BulkSupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other brands that distribute food and other supplement products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.
Are you interested in trying the potassium iodide to support your skin-health, thyroid health, reduce the accumulation of lead or prevent iodine deficiency? Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order today.
Potassium Iodide Side Effects
Potential side effects to watch out for when taking the supplement are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. Though the side effects will go away when your body adjusts to potassium iodide, you may need to see a medical practitioner immediately if you experience: (x)
- Joint Pain
- Swelling of lymph glands
- Hives
- Swelling of the arms, legs, face, throat, tongue and lips
Long-term use of the supplement can prompt side effects that include:
- Increased watering of the mouth
- Burning of the mouth or throat
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Weakness or heaviness of the legs
- Numbness, pain, weakness or tingling in the hands and feet
- Sores on the skin
- Symptoms of a head cold
- Soreness of teeth and gums
- Irregular heartbeat
- Unusual tiredness
- Confusion
- Severer headache
Avoid Taking If You Have Certain Health Concerns
If you have a particular health concern, you may not want to take potassium iodide supplements because of potential adverse reactions. With that, you must make sure you take the time to discuss with your doctor about starting any new supplement. (x)
- Iodine Sensitivity
- Overactive thyroid—prolong use may harm your thyroid unless taking the supplement for a medical problem
- Tuberculosis—the supplement may worsen the condition
- Nodular thyroid with heart disease
- Kidney disease—the supplement can raise the volume of potassium in the bloodstream
Steer clear of tobacco when taking potassium iodide since it may cause adverse reactions. (x) Also, expecting and breastfeeding mothers who smoke may cause an iodine deficiency in their child, resulting in brain damage. (x)
Bottom Line
During a nuclear fallout or radiation contamination, you may want to take potassium iodide because it blocks the harmful radioactive iodine caused by such occurrences. The supplement is a trace mineral that is an essential element of the two thyroid hormones, which balances the metabolism of most cells and is crucial for the early development and growth of most the organs, specifically the brain.
The WHO says that 30 million people have iodine deficiency, which has simple to remedy. The deficiencies cause several health concerns, including infant mortality, breast cancer, atherosclerosis and fibrocystic breast disease. Headaches, menstrual problems and lethargy or fatigue are symptoms that you may be deficient in iodine.
Certain foods are high in iodine such as prunes, potatoes and eggs as long as they come from an area rich in iodine. Iodized salt is an excellent way to get your daily intake of iodine, and the WHO strongly recommends salt with potassium iodide.
There are potassium iodide hazards and side effects if you take the wrong dosage, so it is vital to discuss taking the supplement with your medical practitioner. The RDA of potassium iodide is 150 mcg a day, but it is up to you and your doctor the correct amount.
The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.