The minerals K and I are in the salt. Its formula is called KI.

When used properly, kapsy iodide can help protect the thyroid from radiation exposure during a nuclear emergency.

During a nuclear emergency, radioactive iodine can be released into the air. Radioactive Ii can affect your thyroid and increase your risk of cancer.

The risk of damage to the thyroid can be reduced by the presence of Potassium Iodide. You should only take it during an emergency.

Read on to learn how to use it, who should use it, and when you should use it.

Potassium iodide protects the thyroid by blocking the absorption of radioactive iodine. This is known as iodine thyroid blocking.

Your thyroid becomes saturated with nonradioactive iodine when you take potassium iodide. This causes your body to excrete hormones.

Your thyroid will not be able to absorb any type of iodine for the next 24 hours. Excess iodine will leave your body via urine. This can help reduce the risk of cancer in the Thyroid.

It’s important to note that potassium iodide protects only your thyroid. It does not protect the rest of your body because it’s not a general radioprotective agent, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As such, it doesn’t prevent radioactive iodine from entering your body — it only stops your thyroid from absorbing the iodine.

The protection against external radiation exposure and other radioactive compounds is not provided by potassium iodide.

During nuclear emergencies, the use of the drug potidates is used. You should only take it if public health officials say so.

To protect your thyroid, you must take potassium iodide within a certain time frame. According to the World Health Organization, the optimal time frame for maximum benefit is less than 24 hours before an expected exposure and up to 2 hours after the exposure. Taking it more than 24 hours after the exposure will not protect your thyroid.

People over age 40 have a low risk of developing radiation-induced thyroid cancer, so they may need a smaller dose than younger people or may not need to take potassium iodide at all.

The risk is higher in children. Children and infants will need to take a drug. It is safe for these age groups when taken at the correct dose.

In an emergency, public health officials will decide which age groups should take the medication.

When taking potassium iodide, it’s crucial to take the exact dose recommended. According to the FDA, the recommended doses for different groups are as follows:

  • Infants 1 month old and younger: 16 milligrams (mg)
  • Children over 1 month old and up to age 3: 32 mg
  • Children over age 3 and up to age 12: 65 mg
  • Adolescents over age 12 and up to age 18: 65 mg
  • Adults ages 18 and older: 130 mg
  • People who are pregnant or nursing: 130 mg

You should never take it more than you are told to. Extra protection will not be provided by this. Taking too much of the drug can cause illness or death.

The supplement is not anti-radiation. It should not be used as a preventive measure against radiation exposure. If public health officials direct you to use it, you should.

If you take it at the right time and in the right dose, it will work. It can lead to serious problems if you take it continuously.

In certain situations, healthcare professionals may prescribe potassium iodide for certain conditions, such as severe hyperthyroidism, or to protect the thyroid, when using radiopharmaceutical agents.

People with low iodine intake may also use it as a dietary supplement. This is more common in developing countries. However, this should be done only under the guidance of a healthcare professional and is usually done to reduce radiation exposure.

When taken correctly, it is unlikely to cause side effects. The benefits of protecting the thyroid outweigh the risks.

Side effects may include:

  • mild allergic reaction
  • There is a skin rash.
  • upset stomach
  • salivary glands are swollen
  • You have metallic taste in your mouth.
  • burning sensation in your mouth and throat
  • There is pain in your teeth and gums.

There is a prescription for Potassium Iodide. You can order it from online retailers.

In the event of a nuclear emergency, your local health officials will distribute the drug to the community. You can find it at:

  • There are schools.
  • Hospitals.
  • There are pharmacies.
  • Police stations and fire stations.
  • The centers for evacuated people.
  • The town halls or city halls.

When necessary, your local news channels and radio stations will let you know where to get it.

If you have been exposed to radiation, healthcare professionals have told you to take potassium iodide.

During radiation emergencies, the medication kapsy iodide can help protect your thyroid. Your thyroid absorbs nonradioactive iodide. This prevents the absorption of radioactive iodine, which could reduce the risk of cancer.

It is important to only take the recommended dose of potassium iodide when instructed by local health officials. If taken more frequently, the supplement will offer protection, but it is not a daily supplement.

If you have questions about the drug, you should talk to a healthcare professional. They can give you and your family guidance.