What Is Potassium Iodide (KI)?
Potassium Iodide is a stable form of iodine. The substance typically appears as white crystals, granules, or in powdered form. The chemical is soluble in water, alcohol, acetone, and glycerol. On a consumer level, potassium iodide is commonly used to combat radioactive iodine as a means to protect the integrity of the thyroid. In fact, as of this month, Chester County in Phoenixville, Philadelphia began issuing emergency potassium iodide pills to mount a potential emergency response to radiation leakage from the Limerick nuclear power plant. Potassium iodide (along with potassium iodate) was commonly used to prevent goiter– an enlargement of the thyroid gland. It is still used today for such purposes, but other options are also available.
Health Benefits of Potassium Iodide
Medical professionals rely on potassium iodide as one of the tools in their arsenal to control mucus in chronic bronchitis patients, but this isn’t the only medical grace potassium iodide boons us with. This chemical is spread wide in its array of applications:
Thyroid Rescue
In addition to the aforementioned uses of potassium iodide for the thyroid, surgeons call upon potassium iodide to ensure patients who are having their thyroids removed are stabilized– or more aptly, that their thyroids are stabilized. Potassium iodide helps regulate the thyroid’s function during surgery, and may have some application in stopping blood loss. Many thyroid surgeries specifically target the thyroid gland with radioactive iodine (RAI or I-131) to eliminate cancerous nodules, quell an overactive thyroid, and destroy harmful thyroid tissue. The thyroid gland is incapable of differentiating between normal iodine and its radioactive counterpart. It merely absorbs the mineral. Potassium iodide is introduced to prevent the thyroid from figuratively choking on too much radioactive iodine.
Did you know patients who undergo procedures involving radioactive iodine must remain physically separated from their families– and literally everyone else? For a short period of time after exposure, patients become sources of radioactivity, who are capable of infecting the people around them.
The thyroid gland is instrumental in maintaining physical and emotional normalcy. Thyroid malfunctions (whether they are of a hyperactive or underactive condition) impair one’s ability to perform everyday tasks. Many are unaware their thyroids are indeed malfunctioning. The thyroid is responsible for regulating the body’s rate at which cells perform their functions. Can we unpack that a bit? Your thyroid is responsible for the entirety of your cells performing their varied duties. The kidneys, heart, brain, liver, and skin are massively impacted by the thyroid.
Topical Skin Applicant
Limited research suggests potassium iodide beholdens antifungal properties. Some use the substance to reduce skin irritation, swelling, and redness. Fun fact: potassium iodine heralds numerous immunomodulatory facets, which is a fancy way of saying medical professionals leverage the chemical as a means of inducing, enhancing, or suppressing an immune response. Its use in treating common skin conditions including psoriasis, eczema, lupus vulgaris, and syphilis. Though, as of today, prescriptions for potassium iodide have lessened. Supposition dictates possible reasons for its lessened usage may include its toxicity in higher dosages and newly developed prescriptions.
Supports Respiratory Health
When used as an expectorant, potassium iodide alleviates severe respiratory congestion. A concentration of 2% (20mg/mL) achieves this effect. The chemical serves as a glandular irritant, freeing the body of unwanted blockages.
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Pure Potassium Iodide from Noah Chemicals
Here at Noah Chemicals. We’re dedicated in providing the apex of inorganic and specialty chemicals. We have an extensive product catalog and offer seamless bulk ordering options in quantities which may not be listed on our website. Our listings for potassium iodide include:
POTASSIUM IODIDE, ACS Reagent, -20 mesh, KI
POTASSIUM IODIDE, 99% pure, -40 mesh, KI
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