Iodine-131

Also known as:  I-131;  Radioiodine

Iodine-131 is a Radioactive Isotope of Iodine.

Immune System

 Excessive exposure to Iodine-131 may cause Thyroid Cancer.  ^[1]

Metabolism

 Excessive exposure to Iodine-131 may cause Hypothyroidism.

 Excessive exposure to Iodine-131 may damage the Thyroid Gland.

Environmental Sources

 Iodine-131 is a byproduct of nuclear power generation.  Nuclear power station accidents have been known to release large amounts of Iodine-131 into the atmosphere.

Minerals

 Iodine (especially in the form of Potassium Iodate or Potassium Iodide) may minimize the toxic effects of Iodine-131.  ^[2]

Immune System

 Iodine-131 is commonly used as the modus operandi for delivering Radiation Therapy to Cancer patients.

Metabolism

 Radiation Therapy involving the use of Iodine-131 is sometimes used for the treatment of Grave’s Disease:

 However the use of Iodine-131 for the treatment of Grave’s Disease can result in Hypothyroidism (this occurs in approximately 80% of patients).

 When inhaled (eg. as a result of nuclear power station accidents releasing Iodine-131 into the atmosphere), Iodine-131 is rapidly absorbed by the Thyroid Gland.