Can potassium iodide tablets prevent radiation? Expert: Not only is it useless, but it also affects thyroid function! Platform | Products | Thyroid
At 13:00 local time on August 24th, the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan activated the discharge of contaminated water into the sea, causing global concern and concern.
Some media have noticed that some products claiming to be "radiation resistant" have appeared on social media and online shopping platforms. They search for keywords such as "anti nuclear radiation" and "nuclear radiation drugs", with "potassium iodide tablets" being the most common and best-selling.
Online platforms claim
Potassium iodide can prevent nuclear radiation
"Potassium iodide tablets for radiation protection" "Having potassium iodide composite tablets at home can effectively prevent iodine-129 in nuclear contaminated water, which may cause cancer"
In the past two days, many of these types of information have been scrolling across social media platforms. It is claimed that "potassium iodide is a compound of potassium, often used as an anti radiation agent in nuclear radiation accidents because it can help protect the thyroid gland from the effects of radioactive iodine." "Potassium iodide can help prevent the accumulation of radioactive iodine in the thyroid gland, thereby reducing the harm of radiation.".
The reporter searched for "iodine potassium tablets" on online shopping platforms and found numerous product recommendations. In the recommendation page and title, keywords such as "radiation regular iodine potassium tablets" and "protection against nuclear pollution" were directly typed.
Platform screenshot
"Can it really be radiation resistant?" The reporter asked the customer service of one of the stores, and the other party clearly stated, "Yes."
The customer service representative also stated that there are no side effects, with a fast response of 28 days and a slow response of about 3 months, depending on individual absorption. It is safe for ordinary people to consume.
At the same time, whether on social media platforms or online shopping platforms, product images often have the words "Sports Nutritional Food - Endurance Category".
The internet claims that potassium iodide can prevent radiation, and the IP account shows it as a dietary supplement brand
Experts say it relies on potassium iodide
Radiation protection is basically useless
Yang Yong, the chief pharmacist of the Pharmacy Department of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, told reporters that the instructions for taking potassium iodide drugs do not have the preventive effect of "radiation protection". "It's basically useless."
Yang Yong said that whether it is healthy individuals or those with abnormal thyroid function, taking potassium iodide without authorization can have an impact on the thyroid function of the human body.
Yang Yong also stated that the true effect of the drug "potassium iodide" is mainly used for the prevention and treatment of endemic goiter, preoperative preparation for hyperthyroidism surgery, and hyperthyroidism crisis.
Yang Yong stated that in clinical practice, high-dose iodine supplements can also be used for emergency treatment of thyroid crises, as well as medication for preoperative treatment of hyperthyroidism patients.
Long term use of potassium iodide may cause symptoms of iodine poisoning such as burning sensation in the mouth and throat, drooling, metallic taste, gum pain, stomach discomfort, and severe headache; Hyperkalemia can also occur, characterized by blurred consciousness, numbness and tingling of hands and feet, and heavy and weak lower limbs.
Yang Yong reminds that "potassium iodide" is a therapeutic medication, not a health product. Do not take too much potassium iodide out of fear of radiation, which may cause thyroid dysfunction. The products claimed to have "radiation protection" on the internet are actually health supplements, dietary supplements, etc., with very low iodine and potassium content.