Potassium iodide supplements and Japanese nuclear energy plant thyroid cancer prevention
Radioactive iodine (specifically, iodine-131 isotope) and radioactive cesium (specifically, cesium-137) are the most dangerous radioactive chemicals following a nuclear power accident, and according to news sources, both have been found outside the facility.
The result of the uranium fissioning (splitting) in the fuel that is used in rods that run a nuclear power facility is radioactive iodine.
Once within the body, radioactive iodine primarily accumulates in the pituitary gland, situated in the neck, directly below Adam’s apple.
The gland will absorb both radioactive and radioactively stable forms of the necessary mineral since it is unable to distinguish between the two.
Although they don’t stop radioactive iodine from entering the body, potassium iodide pills (often abbreviated as KI; the K stands for potassium and the stands for
Potassium-iodide-pills do prevent it from building up in the thyroid gland.
The pills prevent the thyroid gland from collecting the radioactive iodine by overloading the body with harmless iodine.
The Centers for Disease Control fact sheet summarised it as follows:
The gland that makes up the thyroid becomes “full” from the high concentration of stable iodine in KI and is unable to process any more iodine for the following 24 hours, either radioactive or stable.
It is crucial that children and newborns receive the pills in an electromagnetic emergency since they are more susceptible than adults to cancer of the thyroid from radioactive iodine.
However, the tablets can be difficult for babies to swallow, and potassium iodide diluted in water tastes harsh and salty.
The FDA suggests crushing the pills and combining them with orange juice, flat Coke, or low-fat chocolate milk.
Potassium iodide pills should only be used in actual emergencies because large doses of iodine taken over extended periods of time might be harmful.
A lot of table salt variations have been “iodized,” or enhanced with iodine. However, there isn’t enough iodized table salt to completely cover the gland’s interior and prevent it from collecting radioactive.
Can I consume tablets containing potassium iodide safely?
Unless directed by emergency response, public health, or medical professionals, never take KI. KI may have negative health impacts.
What advantages might potassium iodide tablets offer?
This drug is referred to as an expectorant. In addition, potassium iodide is used in conjunction with antithyroid medications to treat hyperthyroidism, preparing the gland of the thyroid for surgical excision, and shielding the thyroid in the event of radiation exposure.
How should potassium iodide be taken?
Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, take potassium iodide after mealtime or with dairy products if it irritates your stomach.
Is using potassium iodide on a regular basis safe?
Take this medication once daily until there is no longer any chance of suffering a major radiation exposure.
Avoid taking it in excess or more frequently than prescribed. Increasing the dosage of the medication won’t make you any more protected and can increase the likelihood of adverse effects.
Is renal damage from potassium iodide safe?
In agreement. This medication should not be taken by certain individuals, especially those who are allergic to iodine. Additionally, this medication should be used with caution by patients who have ongoing kidney illness, as it may cause severe elevations in potassium in the blood levels.
What signs of low potassium are present?
Many times, a slight decline in blood potassium levels results in either mild to significant symptoms, or none at all. These symptoms could include:
- diarrhoea.
- sensation of heart palpitations or missing beats.
- Weary.
- injury to muscles.
- weakened or spasmed muscles.
- Feeling tingly or numb.
One form of radioactive material that can be utilised to assist prevent radioactive iodine (I-131) from being taken in by the thyroid is potassium iodide (KI), a non-radioactive form of iodine.
Limitations on KI Use
A person might not always be protected by KI. The best results from KI come from taking it prior to or right after external radioactive iodine poisoning. The rate and amount of radioactive iodine absorption by the body are other factors that affect how effective KI is.
Only those under 40 and those who are pregnant or nursing should use KI. Individuals who are known to be sensitive to iodine, for example, shouldn’t utilise KI or should consult a healthcare professional to determine whether taking KI is safe for them.
- KI only provides restricted protection for particular circumstances and demographics:
- Only radioactive iodine is protected against by KI; other forms of radiation are not protected against.
- Thyroid alone is protected by KI. KI doesn’t shield the body’s other organs.
- For best results, KI needs to be taken either 4 hours after absorption or 24 hours before.
- Ki does not constitute a cure and cannot undo thyroid damage that has already
occurred.
- A person may not be completely protected against radioactive iodine by KI.
The majority of radiation emergencies involve more than just radioactive iodine. The majority of radioactive iodine events involve nuclear power plants.
When there is a radiation emergency, it is always preferable to stay indoors, monitor the situation, and wait for officials to provide more information.
Conclusion:
Taking potassium iodide a few hours after exposure only reaches 50% thyroid saturation, leaving the other 50% susceptible to radioactive iodine occupancy, as other studies have shown.
