Iodine pills: what are they? When to take them? Do they have any side effects?

Everything you need to know about iodine pills, from their function (and usefulness in the event of a nuclear attack or disaster) to side effects

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The fear of a nuclear attack, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, caused a boom in purchases of iodine-based pills in countries like Belgium and France. Thousands of people, in the throes of psychosis, have catapulted into pharmacies in recent days to buy these tablets in order to be more peaceful in case an accident should really happen IN power plants like that of Chernobyl or nuclear weapons are used by the Russia. But what are iodine pills for? Can those found in pharmacies really protect our health? Let us try to resolve the doubts that have been assailing so many Europeans since the war broke out.

Read also: Iodine pills: does the rush to buy make sense? Are they really useful in the event of a nuclear attack? Interview with Dr. Luca Chiovato

Index

What iodine pills are for

The so-called pills are composed of potassium iodide, an inorganic salt of iodine which has several functions, including the treatment of hyperthyroidism. These tablets, as is infamous due to the disaster of Chernobyl, they are also used in the event of a nuclear attack to prevent the radioactive isotope from depositing in the thyroid.

In fact, as the Istituto Superiore di Sanità explains, “if radioactive iodine is inhaled or ingested, the thyroid gland absorbs it in the same way as stable iodine. If stable iodine is administered before or at the beginning of exposure to radioactive iodine, the absorption of the latter will be blocked by saturating the thyroid gland with stable iodine, thus effectively reducing internal thyroid exposure ”.

When and how they should be taken

So is it advisable to buy them as soon as possible given the current times? The answer is no. As pointed out by several doctors and institutions, preventive intake makes no sense.

This is also confirmed by Professor Luca Chiovato, Director of the Endocrinology and Medical Oncology Unit of the University of Pavia and former President of the National Thyroid Association.

“In the absence of an atomic bomb explosion or a nuclear accident, buying them is only a symptom of anxiety and panic. It is absolutely useless”Explained Dr. Chiovato to our microphones.

Also, it should be emphasized that pills found in pharmacies often have insufficient iodine dosage to protect us from the effects of a nuclear attack.

In pharmacies we can find many preparations that contain iodine - explains the expert - However, they contain dietary doses of iodine. To block the thyroid function it is necessary to go to pharmacological doses. Therefore, a public health measure is needed, not do-it-yourself. To block the functioning of the thyroid gland, it takes very large amounts of iodine, not just a few pills or supplements.

He also intervened to reassure the population Belgian Federal Agency for Nuclear Control, reiterating that "the current situation in Ukraine does not require the use of iodine tablets". The agency also recalled that “iodine tablets do not offer protection against other radioactive substances from which, in an emergency, it is necessary to take shelter. Furthermore, the use of the tablets is only recommended for people in certain age groups. In the event of a radiation leak, children under 18, especially younger children, are at increased risk of developing cancer. The same is true for pregnant or lactating women, while adults aged 18 to 40 are less likely to develop thyroid cancer. "

The current situation in #Ukraine does not require the intake of #iodine tablets. These will remain available free of charge at the pharmacy, but are not necessary in this specific case. Only take iodine on government advice. More info: https://t.co/cLnoQ9Njj4. pic.twitter.com/zzE5ObHROy

- AFCN - FANC (@FANC_AFCN) February 28, 2022

Iodine pills: side effects

Iodine pills should be taken only on the advice of the authorities or of the doctor also because in certain subjects, for example those over 60, their intake can expose you to the risk of developing hyperthyroidism. In some cases, the use of these tablets can be counterproductive or potentially toxic (in individuals over 40), according to the Belgian Nuclear Control Agency. Finally, taking iodine-based pills can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases. In conclusion, it is always better not to act on your own when health is at stake. And this recommendation is always valid.

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Sources: ISS / AFCN