How to Make Potassium Iodide

Potassium iodide (KI) is a very difficult element to make since iodine is rarely found in nature. It is mostly used to treat thyroid conditions, prevent thyroid damage and protect the thyroid gland from a radiation injury. It is normally supplied in pill form, but can also be purchased at a chemical supply house. Samples of pure KI can be found at auction websites as well.

Things You'll Need

• 2 fl. oz. non-metallic bottle Screwcap top Granulated or crystalline KI Medicine dropper

Instructions

1. Fill a 2 fl. oz. bottle about 60 percent full of granulated or crystalline potassium iodide to make a saturated solution of potassium iodide.

2. Fill the bottle up to 90 percent full with room temperature water.

3. Close the bottle and shake it for about two minutes. If the solution is saturated, there should be solid KI undissolved at the bottom of the bottle. One drop from a medicine dropper generally yields about 28 to 35 mg of potassium iodide. An adult would want about four drops to create the best dosage. Ideally, the proper daily intake for an adult is 112 to 140 mg. A child would take half that amount, about 56 to 70 mg per day.

Tips & Warnings

• Before ingesting KI, consult a physician to determine if you have iodine sensitivity. Always mix this dosage with either juice, milk or any soft drink beverage. Potassium iodide has a very bitter taste, so it must be ingested with a beverage.

• Newborns, pregnant and lactating women should take extra precaution and be monitored very closely by a doctor if KI must be taken.

References

• Potassium iodide
• How to make a potassium iodide solution