Some self-appointed experts claim that instead of taking KI, it’s far more practical and convenient for people at risk from exposure to radioactive iodine to protect themselves simply by taking a dietary supplement product containing kelp. Well, let’s see how smart these experts really are?
For adults, the FDA recommends a daily dose of 130 milligrams of potassium iodide for radiation protection. On the other hand, a kelp supplement tablet at GNC contains 150 micrograms of iodine, which is the standard nutritional dose. That’s micrograms, not milligrams. Since there are 1,000 micrograms in one milligram, one would have to consume 666 kelp tablets a day to get an equivalent dose. 666 tablets a day as opposed to a single KI pill. Now that’s practical and convenient.
And don’t forget the warnings on the kelp product. Consumers are limited to only one tablet a day, and the label cautions against use if you are pregnant, nursing, or are taking a prescribed iodine medication or have a known sensitivity to iodine or hyperthyroidism. And kelp nutritional products are not approved for pharmaceutical use or manufactured in accordance with FDA standards for pharmaceutical products.
The kelp we got is 400 micrograms per capsule. I think over time it builds up. We are just going to start taking it every day. The level of radiation that is likely to get to the USA is going to be pretty small if you believe the experts.