Iodine tablets: how iodine protects the thyroid from radiation
Workers in Switzerland pack iodine tablets to send to the Swiss embassy in Japan. The tablets can protect the thyroid gland from radiation from failing nuclear power plants. (Reuters/Pascal Lauener)
March 14, 2011, 1:50 p.m.
The International Atomic Energy Agency said over the weekend that Japan had “distributed 230,000 units of stable iodine to evacuation centres” near the Fukushima Daiichi and Fukushima Daini nuclear power plants.
Damage to those plants from Friday’s earthquake and tsunami has increased the risk that people in the area could be exposed to radiation.
If that happens, here’s why taking iodine tablets might help.
In this fact sheet, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explain that the body needs iodine — in a nonradioactive form — to make thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism. People usually get the stable iodine they need from food.
But absorbing radioactive iodine-131, which is present in the steam released from failing power plants like the ones in Japan, can cause cancer. Once breathed into the lungs or consumed by eating or drinking contaminated food or beverages, radioactive iodine travels through the body and quickly is absorbed by the thyroid gland, where it can damage DNA.
The body can’t tell the difference between stable and radioactive iodine. Taking stable iodine tablets can protect the thyroid from injury by “filling up” the gland — thus preventing it from taking up radioactive iodine. It’s important for people to take it quickly, the CDC said. It remains effective for 24 hours.
Iodine tablets do not prevent radioactive iodine from entering the body in the first place, nor do they protect organs other than the thyroid gland. They also do not reverse thyroid damage that has already occurred.
Damage to those plants from Friday’s earthquake and tsunami has increased the risk that people in the area could be exposed to radiation.
If that happens, here’s why taking iodine tablets might help.
In this fact sheet, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explain that the body needs iodine — in a nonradioactive form — to make thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism. People usually get the stable iodine they need from food.
But absorbing radioactive iodine-131, which is present in the steam released from failing power plants like the ones in Japan, can cause cancer. Once breathed into the lungs or consumed by eating or drinking contaminated food or beverages, radioactive iodine travels through the body and quickly is absorbed by the thyroid gland, where it can damage DNA.
The body can’t tell the difference between stable and radioactive iodine. Taking stable iodine tablets can protect the thyroid from injury by “filling up” the gland — thus preventing it from taking up radioactive iodine. It’s important for people to take it quickly, the CDC said. It remains effective for 24 hours.
Iodine tablets do not prevent radioactive iodine from entering the body in the first place, nor do they protect organs other than the thyroid gland. They also do not reverse thyroid damage that has already occurred.
Copyright © 2011, Los Angeles Times
Iodine is AVAILABLE for purchase at our Natural Health Store.
Stock up today! It is crucial to begin taking iodine prior to exposure.
Prolamine Iodine help supports healthy thyroid function and is most beneficial when used as a short-term mechanism to boost serum iodine levels.
Go to http://www.southbaychiropractic.com and click on Health Store.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Before taking any products containing iodine, please talk with your health care professional.
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