Potassium iodide is a salt made up of the minerals potassium (K) and iodine (I). Its chemical formula is “KI.” Potassium iodide is a medication and, when used properly, it can help protect the ...

Potassium iodide can help protect your thyroid from radioactive iodine. It’s useful during a nuclear radiation emergency. Learn more about the medication.

Although potassium iodide is very effective in preventing the uptake of iodine-131 and thyroid cancer it is not a panacea. Nor is it for everyone. According to the CDC , it is recommended only for ...

Iodide may have induced an abrupt, ... Dobyns BM, Vickery AL: Effects of various doses of radioactive iodine on function and structure of the thyroid of the rat. Endocrinology 50:612–638, 1952.