FDA Warns: Beware of Fake Potassium Iodide Pills

 Three FDA-approved Potassium Iodide brands: Iosat from Anbex, ThyroSafe from Recipharm AB, 

and ThyroShield from Fleming & Co. Image brands courtesy of their respective manufacturers

In the wake of Japan's nuclear meltdown, and the imminent global fallout, fears of possible contamination overseas including the United States have escalated in the last seven days. The search for potassium iodide (KI) both in retail stores, online stores, and in Google has spiked dramatically in the last few days.

The hunt for the miracle pill has just started.

Here in the US, we read news about potassium iodide supplies have sold out in retail stores, clinics, vitamin shops and pharmacies. And because of high demand of these pills, website scammers, and online marketers alike have entered the scene and took advantage of the opportunity. And what is interesting about them is that they are selling nuclear survival kits, nuclear decontamination packs, potassium iodine supplements, nuclear and radiation wipes, etc.  as if we are in the midst nuclear fallout or in a verge of nuclear war or something. And most of these sites are  from the US.

But what exactly does potassium Iodide do?

When a nuclear meltdown happens, radioactive iodine may be released into the air and then be breathed into the lungs. Radioactive iodine may also contaminate the local food supply and get into the body through food or through drink. When radioactive materials get into the body through breathing, eating, or drinking, we say that “internal contamination” has occurred. In the case of internal contamination with radioactive iodine, the thyroid gland quickly absorbs this chemical.

Radioactive iodine absorbed by the thyroid can then injure the gland. Because non-radioactive KI acts to block radioactive iodine from being taken into the thyroid gland, it can help protect this gland from injury. Potassium iodide (KI) acts as a radiation protective (thyroid blocking) agent. It a prophylactic measure against accumulation of radioactive iodine in the thyroid gland. For a complete information on Potassium Iodide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a fact sheet on this topic.

Don't be fooled by fake Potassium Iodide FDA warns

The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) said that if you live in the United States, there is nothing to worry about. Health experts say there's no need for US consumers to stock up on potassium iodide. The agency also warns that fake iodide products may hit the market. 

Do not get scammed by hundreds of these online marketers selling fake pills or those that are not approved by FDA. There is nothing wrong in buying a bottle of iodide pills for your family. It is good that we make precautionary measures in any event like a nuclear disaster. But we should always look  the situation in its proper perspective. 

If you do buy iodide, check the packaging to make sure it's from one of these three FDA-approved brands and manufacturers:

• Iosat, made by Anbex
• ThyroSafe from Recipharm AB
• ThyroShield from Fleming & Co.

The following video is an expert advice on potassium iodide: