Growing Demand For Iodine Tablets Due To Nuclear Threat: What Is It And When To Use It?

The sale of iodine tablets has risen sharply since the nuclear threat from Russia, reports the Central Bureau of Drugstore Companies (CBD). Iodine tablets contain potassium iodide, a substance that provides iodine. These tablets can be used in case of increased radioactive radiation in the air. Why is this medicine used in a nuclear accident and what is the difference with a food supplement containing iodine?

What does iodine do for your health?

Iodine is a mineral involved in the growth and development of the nervous system. It is also important for the metabolism and the production of thyroid hormones to get enough iodine every day. Iodine occurs naturally in seafood, eggs, dairy products, seaweed and some meats. Unfortunately, there is not much iodine in food in the Netherlands. That is why it is added to table salt (Jozo), bread, bread substitutes and meat products.

What is the relationship between iodine and nuclear threat?

In the event of a nuclear accident, radioactive substances can be released and spread through the air. One of those substances is radioactive iodine. This substance can enter the body by inhalation and be absorbed by the thyroid gland. This can cause thyroid cancer in the long run. By taking iodine tablets shortly before the release of radioactive radiation, the thyroid gland becomes saturated with a harmless (stable) form of iodine. Subsequently, the thyroid gland takes up less radioactive iodine, which reduces the risk of thyroid cancer.

Iodine tablets: only on government advice

Iodine tablets contain a high amount of iodine. Only if radioactive iodine is actually released from a nuclear power plant (such as during a nuclear accident), it makes sense to take these tablets. Iodine tablets only protect against ingestion of radioactive iodine, not against the effects of other radioactive substances. The government always informs you when iodine tablets should be taken. This is done, among other things, via an NL-Alert and other (emergency) channels. So never use these medicines just like that or as a precaution, because this offers no protection.

Dietary supplements with iodine

Dietary supplements containing iodine are not the same as iodine tablets. Iodine tablets are a medicine containing potassium iodide, only intended to reduce damage from nuclear radiation on government advice. A dietary supplement with iodine has a completely different purpose, namely to supplement iodine in addition to the amount we get from food. The medicine potassium iodide (iodine tablet) contains a high amount of iodine (65 milligrams). In contrast, dietary supplements contain only small amounts of iodine (up to 150 micrograms).

Natural source of iodine

Golden Naturals has various products (such as a number of multivitamins and Bio Mineral Plus ) with iodine in its range, usually in the form of potassium iodide. The amount of potassium iodide in our products is in all cases in accordance with the safe Reference Intake (RI) of a maximum of 150 micrograms per day. Our products Thyroid Support and Hair, Skin & Nails contain iodine from the algae species kelp. This is a natural source of iodine.


Knowing more?
Read more about iodine tablets on the website of the Dutch government .
(Source: IVG)