Can you give potassium iodide to children?

Answer 1

Iodine is an essential trace element for life. Iodine's main role in Biology is as a constituent of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones act on gene transcription to regulate basal metabolic rate (the rate at which the body burns calories when at rest). Too little iodine causes a deficiency of thyroid hormones which reduces basal metabolic rate (maybe up to 50%), while in excessive production of thyroid hormones the basal metabolic rate can shoot up to something like double the normal rate.

The daily intake of iodine recommended by the United States Institute of Medicne is between 110 and 130 µg (micrograms) for infants up to 12 months, 90 µg for children up to eight years, 130 µg for children up to 13 years, 150 µg for adults, 220 µg for pregnant women and 290 µg for nursing mothers. The "Tolerable Upper Intake Level" (UL) for adults is 1,100 μg/day (1.1 mg/day).

Of course tincture of iodine is often used on kids asn an antiseptic for cuts, scrapes, etc. Some people develop a sensitivity to iodine. Application of tincture of iodine can cause a rash. Solutions with high elemental iodine concentration such as tincture of iodine and Lugol's solution are capable of causing tissue damage if use for cleaning and antisepsis is prolonged. Some cases of reaction to Povidone-iodine (Betadine) have been documented to be a chemical burn. Eating iodine-containing foods can cause hives in some people.

So, in general - yes - iodine is safe for kids, just don't overdo it and if a rash develops, see a doctor.

Answer 2

Iodized salt contains some potassium iodide and is perfectly safe for children to eat. If a child has an iodine deficiency, then potassium iodide would be a very effective treatment.