Are Potassium Iodate Tablets Dangerous?

The primary use of iodine tablets is to prevent thyroid cancers when taken immediately after a nuclear emergency. Iodine tablets usually contain potassium iodide or potassium iodate. While the U.S. FDA approves only of potassium iodide, the World Health Organization notes that both can be used, but states that the iodate form can irritate gastrointestinal tissue.

Nuclear Emergencies

Radioactive iodine, or I-131, is released during nuclear emergencies. It becomes incorporated into plants - and into products from the animals that eat these plants. Although doesn't remain radioactive for long, it is problematic because products like milk are brought to market and consumed very quickly. Children would be at highest risk because they consume more milk than adults. Consumption of radioactive iodine causes thyroid tumors.

Iodine Pills

The thyroid is the only organ in the body that absorbs iodine. If you promptly take iodine tablets after a nuclear emergency, your thyroid will absorb that iodine, instead of radioactive iodine that might be contained in your food. Your thyroid uses this iodine to make thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which help regulate cellular metabolism. By minimizing the radioactive iodine in your body, taking potassium iodide or potassium iodate minimizes the risk of thyroid cancers.

Legal Considerations

As of 2011, the FDA has approved of three potassium iodide products -- Iosat, ThyroSafe, and ThyroShield -- for use in a nuclear emergency. It is against the law to market other types of potassium iodide supplements. FDA does not approve of potassium iodate tablets and sends warning letters to vendors who try to sell potassium iodate products. The World Health Organization approves of both potassium iodide and potassium iodate.

Warning

Thanks to iodized salt, iodine deficiency is almost unknown in the U.S., If you are inclined to take some type of iodine supplement, or keep iodine pills around in anticipation of an emergency, talk to your doctor first. Iodine supplements are not for everyone. While iodine toxicity is rare, allergies and adverse drug interactions can occur. Moreover, too much iodine can cause thyroid cancers.