What Are Iodine Pills Used For?

Iodine is a naturally occurring element in the earth’s crust. The most common environmental occurrence is as a dissolved iodide in seawater. Aiding the body in the production of thyroid hormones is iodine’s only function in the body.

Iodine and the Treatment of Graves Disease

• Radioactive iodine targets only thyroid cells. The treatment destroys the thyroid’s ability to produce hormones as a treatment of Graves Disease.

Iodine and the Thyroid

• Trace elements of iodine are necessary in the body for the production of thyroid hormones.

Iodine and the Treatment of Thyroid Cancer

• Because iodine only affects the cells of the thyroid it is effective in destroying cancerous cells of the thyroid.

Iodine and Thyroid Tests

• Iodine is administered and monitored as it moves through the thyroid as a test of thyroid function.

Iodine and Workers in the Nuclear Industry

• Radioactive iodine can be a byproduct of splitting uranium atoms in a nuclear reactor. The radioactive iodine can damage or destroy the thyroid function of workers exposed to the element. They are often administered potassium iodide which occupies the thyroid lowering the absorption of the radioactive iodine which would damage the thyroid.