Iodine (umbrella: potassium iodide, kelp / Fucus vesiculosus)

Prevention and treatment of iodine deficiency disorders: endemic goitre, deficiency hypothyroidism, childhood cretinism. WHO 2007 and 2014 recommend universal salt iodisation and additional 150 mcg/day in adults in endemic regions. Russia and parts of Spain are moderately iodine-deficient; routine iodine prophylaxis is reasonable in Moscow, the Ural and Siberian regions and in Castile and León. AEMPS approves Yoduk and Yodocefol for this purpose. Potassium iodide is the drug of choice; iHerb kelp is unsuitable for routine prevention due to dose variability.

Iodine deficiency prevention in pregnant and lactating women. WHO 2014, Endocrine Society 2017, SEEN and SEGO recommend 250 mcg of iodine per day – typically 150-200 mcg from potassium iodide supplements plus iodised salt. AEMPS approves Yoduk and folate combinations (Yodocefol, Natalben) for this indication. Treatment starts 2-3 months before conception and continues throughout pregnancy and lactation. Maternal iodine deficiency reduces the child's IQ and is the most common preventable cause of mild cognitive impairment worldwide per WHO.

Thyroid blockade with stable potassium iodide during a radiation emergency releasing iodine-131. WHO and FDA approve the regimen: 130 mg for adults, 65 mg for children 3-18 years, 32 mg for 1 month – 3 years, 16 mg for neonates. The drug is taken on official Civil Protection advisory in the first hours after the release. AEMPS warns: self-administration of potassium iodide outside a radiation event is unjustified and risky – thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism and arrhythmia risk. Iosat / ThyroShield / Iodomarin 130 mg are prescription-only for emergency stockpiling; in Spain the stockpile is held by municipal Civil Protection.