Potassium iodate

Potassium iodate (KIO₃) is an ionic chemical compound consisting of K⁺ ions and IO₃⁻ ions in a 1:1 ratio.

Applications

Potassium iodate is sometimes used for iodination of table salt to prevent iodine deficiency. Because iodide can be oxidized to iodine by molecular oxygen under wet conditions, US companies add thiosulfates or other antioxidants to the potassium iodide. In other countries, potassium iodate is used as a source for dietary iodine. It is also an ingredient in some baby formula milk.

Like potassium bromate, potassium iodate is occasionally used as a maturing agent in baking.

Radiation protection

Potassium iodate may be used to protect against accumulation of radioactive iodine in the thyroid by saturating the body with a stable source of iodine prior to exposure Approved by the World Health Organization for radiation protection, potassium iodate (KIO₃) is an alternative to potassium iodide (KI), which has poor shelf life in hot and humid climates. The UK, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and the U.S. states Idaho and Utah are known to stock potassium iodate in tablet form. The government of Ireland also, following the September 11 attacks, issued potassium iodate tablets to all households. It is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a thyroid blocker, and the FDA has taken action against US websites that promote this use