CRN URGES COMPANIES, CONSUMERS TO FOLLOW FDA GUIDANCE
ON APPROPRIATE USE OF POTASSIUM IODIDE
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 17, 2011—In response to concerns that in the wake of the situation in Japan, consumers fearful of radiation exposure are purchasing and stockpiling potassium iodide products, the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the leading trade association representing the dietary supplement industry, issued the following statement:
Statement by Duffy MacKay, N.D., Vice President, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, CRN:
“CRN advises that potassium iodide used at (the appropriate time and at) a level of 130 mg daily may be effective in reducing the risk of thyroid cancer in individuals or populations at risk for inhalation or ingestion of radioiodines. However, nutritional uses (i.e., dietary supplements) of potassium iodide are designed specifically to meet nutritional needs and would therefore contain much lower levels of potassium iodide; consequently these supplement products will not have the same effect as the drugs approved by FDA for this purpose. Further, potassium iodide works best if used within 3-4 hours of exposure, and should not be used as a long-term prophylactic measure against radiation exposure.
FDA has posted information on the use of potassium iodide and CRN urges dietary supplement companies manufacturing and marketing potassium iodide, as well as interested consumers, to review this information.”