Iodine benefits and harm

The results of recent scientific studies confirm the unsafety of food products containing iodine. Such edibles should be taken only after appropriate consultation with a doctor, since their unsystematic consumption increases the risk of contracting an autoimmune disease.

Iodine is necessary in the body for the normal functioning of brain vessels, strengthening memory, enhancing sexual desire and maintaining the whole body in normal vitality. As a result of a lack of iodine in the body, depression may appear, nails will become brittle, the skin will dry out, and the body’s tolerance to low temperatures will deteriorate. One of the reasons for the lack of iodine in the body can be the consequences of smoking, so giving it up can be one of the factors in proper treatment.

At the same time, you should not take additional iodine in any form if you have problems with the thyroid gland or diabetes of any degree. Moreover, you should not stuff your children with iodine, since there are many victims of excessive parental care in hospitals - excessive iodine consumption causes problems with the endocrine system.

How to prepare blue iodine at home

You can use the following recipe: pour 50 ml of cold water into a quarter-liter container. Then dilute a spoonful of potato starch (10 grams) in it, then add a teaspoon of an alcohol solution with a concentration of 5%. After this, boil 200 ml of water and after cooling for five minutes, gradually pour it into the container with starch, stirring thoroughly with a spoon. As a result, a solution of dark blue color and significant viscosity is formed, which is blue iodine. It can be kept in the refrigerator for three weeks, after which its color will change. This will become a criterion for its suitability for use. When using iodine, you should shake it first.

Home use of iodine

Iodine is effective in the treatment of dysentery, colitis, enterocolitis. Children can take iodine with dessert spoons, and adults with tablespoons three times a day for a week.

Cases of serious food poisoning require taking approximately two liters of blue iodine throughout the day in small portions, approximately one hundred grams, during the first few days.

In case of conjunctivitis, a teaspoon of iodine should be diluted with warm distilled water in a volume ten times greater. Then, over the course of several days, a couple of drops should be instilled into the eyes. As a rule, a week's course of treatment is enough to stop the procedure.

If stomatitis occurs, the oral cavity should be treated with iodine solution. At the same time, adults need to do applications, children need oral irrigation. Three days are usually enough for recovery.

How to test honey at home with iodine

It is not difficult to test honey with iodine, since this method is the most reliable way of testing. The test procedure is as follows: a teaspoon of honey is dissolved in warm water until the consistency of the same kind is formed. If the honey is natural, it does not leave any sediment. Then you need to take iodine into a pipette and drop a few drops into the container. If the water turns blue or blue stains appear in it, it means that flour or another component was added to the honey to give it additional viscosity and increase weight. You can add a few drops of vinegar to the solution. The presence of chalk crumbs in honey manifests itself in the form of hissing water. The method is simple, but effective; it allows you to accurately verify the quality of honey. It is very important that there is no sediment left at the bottom of the container.

How to determine pregnancy at home with iodine

It is necessary to collect a small amount of morning urine and moisten a white paper napkin in it. Then it should be leveled on a smooth surface and a couple of drops of iodine should be applied to it. If it does not change color when it gets on the napkin, remaining brown, then the woman is not pregnant. The beginning of pregnancy is indicated by a change in the color of iodine to purple or lilac. The secret is quite simple. The thing is that iodine oxidizes well and reacts well with metals. The urine of a pregnant woman contains a certain amount of them. The onset of a chemical reaction of metals with iodine manifests itself in the form of a change in the color of the latter.

How to test gold at home with iodine

This test method is of great interest because it is quite simple, and iodine is found in almost every home medicine cabinet. You need to place one drop of iodine solution on the back of the gold jewelry and wait three to five minutes. Then the decoration should be wiped dry and its surface observed. The fake is visible by the stain remaining on it, indicating the beginning of a chemical reaction. There cannot be a reaction between gold and iodine if the gold is real.

How to enlarge breasts with iodine at home

This method has not received official recognition from orthodox medicine, which should not be forgotten by every girl who decides to try it. Despite the fact that the method is quite widely used, it belongs to the category of “grandmother’s” beauty recipes. However, there are significantly more positive reviews about the results of such a procedure than negative ones.

The method itself is very simple and involves applying an iodine mesh to the chest, but the nipples should not be touched. The thing is that iodine applied to the skin increases blood flow to the area of ​​application. Of course, this will not cause tissue to grow immediately, but an increase in the amount of nutrients supplied with the blood will have an effect.

In parallel with the application of the iodine mesh, physical activity should be used, such as massage or simple exercises. They have the greatest effect after taking a hot shower. In this way, the greatest effect can be achieved and it will be consolidated by fixing the shape of the breast and its increased volume, which will be facilitated by the use of iodine.

Treatment with iodine in folk medicine

Iodine has been used in folk medicine for a long time and successfully. It is absolutely necessary for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Alternative medicine uses iodine in the treatment of many diseases. Below are some folk recipes for using iodine.

Treatment of nail fungus with iodine

A 5% iodine solution is applied to the surface of the nail. To treat a fungal disease, one drop of iodine twice a day is enough. In order to achieve a greater effect, when applying you should use a cotton swab or cotton swab. The entire nail should be soaked in iodine. As a result, it will turn yellow with a dirty tint and this will be very noticeable, especially on the hands, which is why it is recommended to carry out such a procedure during a vacation or out-of-town trip, in order to avoid unnecessary questions from friends and work colleagues.

Heel spur: treatment with iodine

Treatment of heel spurs using alcohol tincture of iodine is considered one of the highest quality remedies. Traditional medicine specialists recommend using this method both in combination with others and separately. Iodine warms well and prevents the development of inflammation; it penetrates through the skin into tissues and blood vessels. Thus, iodine restores blood supply to the affected areas and improves metabolic processes. Treatment of the heel with iodine is best done at night, so that it can remain at rest and warm for a long time after the end of treatment.

For treatment purposes, it is best to carry out iodine baths. Three liters of water are required to dilute two tablespoons of iodine tincture. It’s a good idea to add soda in the amount of one tablespoon. The bath is taken for a quarter of an hour at a water temperature sufficient to be tolerated. After finishing the bath, dry your feet with a towel and coat your heels with iodine again. You must wear warm socks at night.

Ringworm: treatment with iodine

Before starting treatment for lichen with iodine, you should consult your doctor about the nuances, since excessive use of iodine can cause a burn. Iodine itself does not cure lichen, so it should be used as an aid in the fight against this infectious disease.

There are two popular ways to fight lichen using iodine:

  1. Involves the use of green soap in combination with a solution of iodine monochloride with a concentration of 10%. First, for three days you need to wash the affected skin areas, then remove the lichen scales. Apply iodine to open wounds. After five days, the course of treatment must be repeated.
  2. Apply iodine and brilliant green alternately. Apply four times throughout the day, the last time before bed. There are two options:
  • during the first ten days, lubricate alternately, one day with brilliant green, one day with iodine;
  • after thoroughly washing the affected area, smear it three times a day, alternately with iodine and brilliant green. Lubrication procedures should be separated by an hour.

Treatment of warts with iodine

When treating warts with iodine, treat the affected skin area several times with a solution of alcoholic iodine using a cotton swab. The result should be necrosis of the wart with its subsequent rejection. The iodine solution should be applied to the wart twice a day for a week; if the problem is quite complex, it may take a month to solve it. We must not forget that iodine is a cauterizing agent and its careless use can cause burns on the skin, in particular on the mucous membrane.

Treatment of hypertension with iodine

The method of treating hypertension with iodine came from India and provides for seasonal treatment in the first ten days of March and September, repeated after twenty days. The scheme for its implementation is as follows:

  • on the first day, a circle is drawn with iodine solution around the wrist of the left hand;
  • on the second day, a circle is drawn above the foot of the right leg;
  • on the third day, a circle is performed over the wrist of the right hand;
  • on the fourth day, a circle is drawn above the foot of the left leg;
  • on the fifth day, a circle is drawn above the elbow of the left hand;
  • on the sixth day, a circle is drawn over the right knee joint;
  • on the seventh day a circle is performed above the right elbow;
  • on the eighth day a circle is drawn above the left knee;
  • on the ninth day, a line is drawn on the back, running from the left shoulder to the right thigh;
  • on the tenth day, a line is drawn on the back, running from the right shoulder to the left thigh.

Throat treatment with iodine

The throat is treated with iodine through a gargling procedure. It is very important to gargle every two hours, refraining from eating for half an hour after gargling. The following recipes for aqueous solutions of iodine can be recommended:

  1. Half a teaspoon of salt and iodine are mixed together in a glass of boiled warm water, to which five drops of iodine are added. Sea salt is more effective, and table salt is also good. The effectiveness of the method has been proven by its practical application over many generations.
  2. A combination of iodine and potassium permanganate. Two crystals of potassium permanganate should be dissolved in a glass of warm water, after which three drops of iodine should be added to it. It is not recommended to rinse with this solution for more than two days, as it can harm tooth enamel.

Treatment of thrush with iodine

To treat thrush, an iodine solution with a concentration of 5% is used. In a solution prepared by dissolving a tablespoon of iodine of the indicated concentration in a glass of clean boiled water, add half a teaspoon of baking soda. Douching should be done three times a day for a week. As a rule, this period is enough to cure thrush.

Iodine for a runny nose

The irritating local effect of iodine makes it highly effective when used to treat the common cold. When iodine is applied to the skin, additional blood flow occurs, providing high-quality heating of this area with an increase in the metabolic process.

For a runny nose, it is recommended to use iodine at a concentration of 5%, applied pointwise to the skin in the area of ​​the wings of the nose. This procedure can be performed with a cotton swab. Iodine is applied in dots to the area of ​​the maxillary sinuses, above the bridge of the nose and on the sides of the nose. It is also recommended before going to bed (when this whole procedure is carried out) to apply iodine to the feet and go to bed in warm woolen socks. The procedure must be repeated for several days in a row, the condition usually improves the next day.

Iodine for cough

When coughing for medicinal purposes, it is recommended to apply an iodine mesh to the chest or upper back. The concentration of the iodine solution should not exceed 5%. By applying such a mesh, skin receptors are irritated, which in turn causes the reflex system to turn on. This system fights cough, eliminating the sources of its occurrence. The application of an iodine mesh helps stimulate the outflow of blood, which is necessary for high-quality warming of the chest and liquefaction of sputum with its subsequent removal.

It is necessary to apply the iodine mesh very carefully and use it only after consultation with your doctor. Without his participation, it is not recommended to apply it to children yourself. Iodine is very aggressive and can cause skin burns.

Other uses of iodine in folk medicine

Iodine helps with inhalations of the upper respiratory tract. It can be used to eliminate the effects of severe mercury or lead poisoning. Iodine is used in the treatment of diseases of the endocrine system and inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. It is unlikely that it will be possible to list all the methods of using iodine, since there are a lot of them. There are many methods that have come down to us, used by our ancestors, which, although not confirmed by the practice of official medicine, have not lost their effectiveness and relevance.

IODINE (Iodum, I) - chemical element of group VII of the periodic system of D. I. Mendeleev; refers to halogens. Y. actively affects metabolism, which is closely related to the function of the thyroid gland; in the human body it is contained in the form of inorganic iodide and a component of thyroid hormones and their derivatives. Elementary gold and inorganic and organic compounds of gold are used as medicines and as reagents in laboratories, including clinical diagnostic laboratories.

I. was discovered in 1811 by Courtois (V. Courtois) and got its name for the color of the vapor (Greek, iodes, similar in color to violet, violet).

The main fiziol, the value of Y. lies in its participation in the function of the thyroid gland (see). Insufficient intake of iron leads to dysfunction of the gland, its hyperplasia and the development of goiter. In terms of its importance for the life of the body, microorganisms are classified as true microbioelements. The body of an adult contains 20-30 mg of I., and approx. 10 mg - in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland captures inorganic thyroid compounds from the blood flowing through it, and the organic thyroid compounds formed in it - hormones (thyroxine, triiodothyronine) - enter the blood from the thyroid gland. The blood of a healthy person contains 8.5±3.5 μg% iodine; of this amount, 35% is in the blood plasma (up to three quarters in the form of organic compounds). With hyperthyroidism, the thyroid content in the blood can increase to 100^mcg%. An increase in the concentration of I. in the blood is also observed during pregnancy and in some diseases. In case of hypothyroidism, the content of I. in the blood can sharply decrease, mainly due to its organic compounds.

It is generally accepted that a person should receive at least 50-60 mcg of I. per day. However, many researchers believe that to ensure optimal activity of the thyroid gland and normalize the body’s vital functions, significantly larger amounts of yogic acid are required (200 mcg per day or more). Radiobiol. Studies have shown that in the body of a healthy person up to 300 mcg of thyroxine (see) and triiodothyronine (see) are catabolized per day, while 50 mcg of iodine is excreted in the urine.

Elementary I. is easily and quickly absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, and in a vapor state through the lungs. The rate of absorption of elemental liquid from the gland. tract is subject to significant fluctuations, since it largely depends on the quality composition of food. The proteins and fats it contains bind elemental nitrogen and slow down its absorption in the intestines.

Iodides, in contrast to elemental Iodine, penetrate the skin to a much lesser extent, but are better absorbed from the gland. tract. In terms of other pharmacokinetic properties (distribution, deposition and excretion from the body), iodides do not differ from elemental iodides.

From the blood, I. easily penetrates into various organs and tissues; the content of I. in tissue fluids does not exceed 1/3-1/4 of its content in blood plasma. In addition, I. is partially deposited in lipids.

The most significant part of the absorbed fluid (up to 17% of the administered dose) is selectively absorbed by the thyroid gland. The hormone entering the thyroid gland undergoes oxidation and is included in the biosynthesis of hormones.

Irogen accumulates in significant quantities in the organs that excrete it from the body (kidneys, salivary glands, etc.). In tertiary syphilis and tuberculosis, I. also accumulates in foci of specific lesions (in gummas, tuberculosis foci), which may be due to their high lipid content.

Isolation of J. from the body is carried out by Ch. arr. kidneys (up to 70-80% of the administered dose) and partially - excretory glands - salivary, mammary, sweat, glands of the gastric mucosa (see Iodine metabolism).

In nature, I. is distributed almost everywhere; it is found in all living organisms, water, mineral waters, minerals, and soil.

The earth's crust contains little of it (3-10-5 wt.%). Industrial quantities of nitrate are found in the waters of oil fields and saltpeter deposits.

There is a certain pattern in the distribution of nitrogen in the atmosphere, water, and soils. Its greatest amount is concentrated in sea water, air and soils of coastal regions. In these same districts, the highest levels of nitrogen are observed in plant products - grains, vegetables, potatoes and fruits and in products of animal origin - meat, milk, eggs. Relatively much yoghurt is found in the meat of some marine fish and oysters. Seaweeds and sponges are especially rich in Y. There is a lot of Y. in fish oil (up to 770 mcg%).

A dependence has been noted on the content of organic matter in the environment on the content of organic substances in the soil, which is of great importance for the occurrence of foci of endemic goiter (see Endemic goiter). The Y content in 1 liter of drinking water is on average 0.2-2.0 mcg. >

The nutritional status of the body is greatly influenced by the loss of nutrition in food products during storage and cooking (Table).

Table. LOSS OF IODINE IN FOOD PRODUCTS DURING CULINARY (THERMAL) PROCESSING (according to I. N. Goncharova)

Raw product (iodine content in mcg per 100 g of product)

Boiled product

Fried product

Peas

Buckwheat

Wheat flour

Wheat buns

Potato

Physical and chemical properties

J. is a dark gray crystal with a violet metallic luster, t° pl 113.6°, t° bp 185.0°. When heated slowly, the liquid evaporates (sublimes) with the formation of violet vapors, which have a sharp, specific effect.

Y. is soluble in most organic solvents, much less so in water. Y. exhibits negative and positive valency, however, compounds in which Y. is positively valent are unstable and almost never occur in nature.

The main valences of gold are -1 (iodides), +5 (iodates) and +7 (periodates); compounds of gold with a valence of +1 (hypoiodites) are also known. Biol, J. has activity and antiseptic properties only in a positively valent form.

Hydrogen does not directly interact with many elements (carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur); with some it reacts only at elevated temperatures (hydrogen, silicon and many metals). Among non-metals, it easily reacts with phosphorus, fluorine, chlorine, bromine. Y compounds are widely used in organic synthesis. The source of industrial production of hydrocarbons is the water of boreholes; In addition, yoghurt is produced industrially from the ashes of certain seaweeds. Laboratory methods for obtaining iron are based on the oxidation of I - ions; chlorine compounds, for example, ferric chloride, are most often used as oxidizing agents.

Toxic properties of iodine

With hron, intoxication with Narami Y. or its compounds (iodism), as well as with bromism, catarrhal phenomena from the mucous membranes are observed (lacrimation, runny nose, cough, salivation, etc.), nausea, vomiting, headaches, acne. If it comes into contact with the skin, Y. can cause dermatitis. In severe cases, it is possible to develop a specific skin lesion - iododerma (see). In cases of poisoning with free liquid, a brown coloration of the tongue and oral mucosa is observed, the exhaled air has a specific smell of liquid, and a burning sensation is felt in the mouth and in the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract. tract, salivation, headache, laryngeal edema, nosebleeds, rash, albuminuria, hemoglobinuria are noted. After poisoning for a long time, weakness, reduced body resistance.

Iodine medications

Y.'s drugs have unequal toxicity. The most toxic among them are preparations of elemental I. Iodides are much less toxic. With increased sensitivity to I., in response to the administration of its drugs, allergic reactions of varying severity develop (urticaria, Quincke's edema, etc.). Signs of acute poisoning with Y. drugs are collapse, hematuria, increased body temperature, vomiting, and agitation of the c. n. With. In severe cases, anuria and depression of c develop. n. p., pulmonary edema. When taking elemental urinary preparations orally in toxic doses, signs of irritation and brown discoloration of the mucous membrane of the mouth and pharynx are also observed; possible development of laryngeal edema. Vomit when taking elemental yogurt orally is brown or blue (if there is starch in the gastric contents) in color.

First aid

The patient must be transferred to clean air and provided with complete rest.

It is necessary to warm the body and immediately inhale oxygen. Sodium thiosulfate is administered in the form of inhalations of 5% solution and intravenously 30-50 ml of 10-20% solution. Orally, drink plenty of flour infusion, liquid starch paste, activated carbon in aqueous suspension, milk (but not in case of iodoform poisoning!), mucous infusions, 5% sodium thiosulfate solution (2-4 cups), alkaline waters, mouth rinse, throat and nose with 2% sodium bicarbonate solution, gastric lavage with 1-3% sodium thiosulfate solution, which converts elemental sodium into less toxic sodium iodide. In case of poisoning with any drugs, saline laxatives and symptomatic therapy are also prescribed.

The maximum permissible concentration in the air of the working area is 1 mg/m3.

Precautions when working with iodine or its preparations: use of industrial filter gas masks, rubber gloves, aprons, shoes; thorough sealing of the equipment. In case of contact with skin, wash the affected area with alcohol and baking soda solution.

For qualitative detection of iodine, starch paste is used. Starch paste and 1-2 drops of chlorine water are added to the material under study; in the presence of chlorine, the liquid turns blue, disappears when heated and reappears when cooled; Y. can also be detected by adding benzene, gasoline or chloroform to a test tube containing the test material with the addition of chlorine water. When the test tube is shaken, the released free liquid passes into the solvent layer, coloring it in the purple color characteristic of liquid.

Quantitative determination of iodine is carried out by titrating the test solution with silver nitrate in the presence of an indicator (see) or titrating such a solution in an acidic environment with sodium thiosulfate in the presence of starch paste.

Forensic chemical studies for the presence of J. carried out on biol, material alkalized with caustic soda. The sample treated in this way is burned, sodium nitrite solution is added to the ash, acidified with sulfuric acid and shaken with a small amount of chloroform, the layer of which, in the presence of sodium, turns purple or pink depending on the amount of chloroform. Y. is detected in stains on clothes and other objects using starch paste. A stain containing Y., when moistened with starch paste, turns blue. Quantitative determination of I. in a biomaterial is carried out in the ash of the material under study, the released I. is titrated in an acidic medium with 0.1 N. or 0.01 n. sodium thiosulfate solution in the presence of an indicator - starch paste.

Radioactive iodine

Natural nitrogen consists of one stable isotope with a mass number of 127. There are 24 known radioactive isotopes of nitrogen with mass numbers from 117 to 139, including two isomers (121M I and 126M I); 12 radioactive isotopes of nitrogen have half-lives of seconds and minutes, 8 - hourly, 3 - half-lives from several days to 2 months. and one (129 I) has a half-life of several tens of millions of years.

Four radioisotopes of uranium are used in medicine: 123 I (T1/2 = 13.3 hours), 125 I (T1/2 = 60.2 days), 131 I (T1/2 = 8.06 days) and 132 I ( T1/2 = 2.26 hours). The first of them, and in general the first of the artificial radioactive isotopes, began to be used in medicine and found wide use, iodine-131 (later also iodine-132), but then in radiodiagnostics (see Radioisotope diagnostics) these isotopes began to be gradually replaced by radiopharmaceuticals. preparations with iodine-123 (for in vivo studies) and with iodine-125 (chief sample for in vitro radioimmunochemical studies).

Iodine-131 can be obtained in two ways: by isolation from a mixture of uranium fission products and from tellurium irradiated with slow neutrons. The first way was used in the initial period of organizing the mass production of radioisotopes, but then it was abandoned. To produce iodine-131, the nuclear reaction 130 Te (n, gamma) 131 Te is usually used, followed by the decay of tellurium-131 ​​and its transformation into iodine-131. When natural tellurium is irradiated with neutrons, various isotopes of it are formed (with mass numbers 127, 129 and 131), which through beta decay are converted into isotopes of uranium, respectively: into stable 127 I, very long-living 129 I (the activity of which is negligible ) and 131 I. Iodine-131 decays with the emission of a complex spectrum of beta radiation, the main two of its five components have maximum energies E beta = 0.334 MeV (7.0%) and E beta = 0.606 MeV (89.2%), and the component of the spectrum with the highest energy has E beta = 0.807 MeV (0.7%). The spectrum of gamma radiation from 131 I is also complex and consists of 15 lines (including gamma radiation from the daughter 131M Xe), the main ones of which have energies E gamma = 0.080 MeV (2.45%); 0.284 (5.8%); 0.364 (82.4%); 0.637 (6.9%) and 0.723 (1.63%). The intensity of the remaining gamma lines is a fraction of a percent. 131I preparations always contain a small genetic admixture of radioactive 131M Xe, which in turn, through an isomeric transition from T 1/2 - 11.8 days, turns into the stable isotope 131 Xe.

Iodine-132 is formed as a result of the beta decay of the parent isotope 132 Te (T1/2 = 77.7 hours), which is isolated from a mixture of uranium fission products. To do this, specially prepared uranium targets are irradiated in a nuclear reactor for 6-10 days. Due to the small half-life of 132 I, with some exceptions, it is not sent directly to consumers, but isotope generator 132 Te -> 132 I is used for this purpose. After tellurium-132 is extracted, it is applied to the sorbent of the generator column (see Generators of radioactive isotopes), from to -rogo as necessary and wash out 132 I at the place of use. Iodine-132 also decays with the emission of a complex five-component spectrum of beta radiation with maximum energies E beta = 0.73 MeV (15%); 0.90 (20%); 1.16 (23%); 1.53 (24%); 2.12 (18%) and gamma radiation, consisting of 11 lines, the main ones having energies E gamma = 0.52 MeV (20%); 0.67 (144%); 0.773 (89%); 0.955 (22%); 1.40 (14%).

Iodine-125 is produced through a chain of nuclear reactions by irradiating a xenon target in a reactor: 124 Xe (n, gamma) 125 Xe -> 125 I (electron capture). Taking into account the low density of gases and the low content of 124 Xe in natural xenon (0.094%), to increase the yield of iodine-125, xenon is irradiated in a liquefied state, as well as in its solid compounds (for example, XeF 2). 125 I decays by electron capture (electron capture - 100%), with the emission of gamma radiation with energy E gamma = 0.035 MeV (6.8%), as well as X-ray characteristic radiation of tellurium with energies Ex = 0.027 MeV (112%) and Ex = 0.031 (24%).

Iodine-123 can be produced in a cyclotron by irradiating, for example, antimony with helium ions or tellurium ions with deuterons or protons, as well as in splitting reactions with high-energy protons (0.5-1 GeV). However, for honey. When using iodine-123, these reactions are not convenient enough, since at the same time undesirable impurities of other radioisotopes of iodine (with mass numbers 121, 124, 125, 126) are formed, which increase the radiation exposure during radiodiagnostic procedures. Iodine-123 with high radionuclide purity and a fairly good yield is obtained by irradiating natural iodine in a cyclotron with protons in the energy range of 60-70 MeV according to the reaction 127 I (p,5n) 123 Xe -> 123 I. In this case, the resulting xenon-123 are separated chemically from the target material (at the same time, the impurities of all the resulting isotopes of iodine are also separated), and after a short exposure, 123 Xe turns into 123 I. Iodine-123 decays by electron capture (electron capture - 100%) and emits gamma radiation consisting of 14 lines, the main one of which has an E gamma energy of 0.159 MeV (82.9%). The intensities of each of the remaining lines of the gamma spectrum range from hundredths to one percent. In addition, the decay of 123 I produces X-ray characteristic radiation of tellurium with energy Ex = 0.028 MeV (86.5%).

Measurement of the total and volumetric activity (radioactive concentration) of preparations with the mentioned radioisotopes is usually carried out by their gamma radiation; for relative measurements using an ionization chamber or spectrometer, exemplary radioactive solutions and spectrometric gamma sources are used (see Exemplary emitters). When measuring the activity of the short-lived isotope 132 I, the reference source 137 Cs can be used.

Radiopharm. preparations (radiopharmaceuticals) with isotopes of sodium are produced in a variety of dosage forms. More than 30 radiopharmaceuticals labeled with different isotopes of sodium, primarily sodium iodide, have found widespread therapeutic and diagnostic use. This drug is available for honey. use in the form of an injectable isotonic solution containing radioiodine without an isotope carrier, as well as in gelatin capsules for oral administration. Radioactive sodium iodide is used for diagnostic purposes, Ch. arr. to determine the functional state and scan the thyroid and salivary glands, study iodine metabolism, as well as for the treatment of thyrotoxicosis, thyrotoxic goiter and metastases of thyroid cancer. During radiodiagnostic studies, the patient is administered 5-50 microcuries of 131 I, 125 I and 20-200 microcuries of 132 I.

A complex of various organoiodine preparations with radioisotopes I: iodine hippuran, iodine benzoic acid, rose bengal, diiodine trust, triombrin, bilignost, thyroxine, triiodothyronine, vegetable oils, human serum albumin, micro- and macroaggregates of albumin, gamma globulin, etc. It also allows for radiodiagnostic studies of the cardiovascular, hepatobiliary systems, kidneys, lungs, gastrointestinal tract. tract, blood, bone and brain, etc. During these studies, the patient is usually administered from 5 to 50, and in certain procedures - up to 200-400 microcuries of radioiodine.

Nuclear physical parameters of 123 I - relatively short half-life (13.3 hours), absence of corpuscular radiation, energy of the main gamma radiation optimal for detection by gamma cameras (0.159 MeV), low radiation exposure to the patient during radiodiagnostic examination [e.g. with intravenous administration of sodium iodide 123 I, the absorbed dose in the thyroid gland is 60 and, accordingly, 100 times less than with the introduction of the same amount (in terms of activity) of a drug containing 125 I or 131 I - which determines a wider prospect for the use of 123 I in vivo in comparison with preparations of other radioisotopes. For carrying out radioimmunochemical. For in vitro studies with I.-labeled substances, long-lived 125 I is most convenient and widely used.

Different isotopes of nitrogen have different radiotoxicity, from medium to high. In the workplace, without the permission of the Sanitary Epidemiological Service, drugs with 125 I and 131 I activity up to 1 microcurie, with 132 I - up to 10 and 123 I - up to 100 microcuries can be used simultaneously.

Iodine preparations

Among iodine preparations used in honey. In practice, there are: 1) preparations containing elemental (free) iodine - alcoholic iodine solution, Lugol's solution (see Lugol's solution); 2) drugs capable of releasing elemental iodine - iodinol (see), iodoform (see), calcium didinine; 3) drugs that dissociate to form iodine ions (iodides) - potassium iodide and sodium iodide; 4) preparations containing tightly bound iodine - iodolipol (see), bilitrast (see) and other radiopaque substances (see); 5) radioactive drugs J.

Elementary Y. has pronounced antimicrobial properties. In terms of the nature of the antimicrobial action, iodine is identical to other halogens (chlorine, bromine), but due to its lower volatility it acts longer. Preparations that can release elemental iodine (iodoform, etc.) have an antimicrobial effect only upon contact with tissues and microorganisms that cause restoration bound I. to elemental.In contrast to elemental I., iodides are practically inactive against bacterial flora.

Elementary urinary preparations are characterized by a pronounced local irritating effect on tissue. In high concentrations, these drugs cause a cauterizing effect. The local effect of elemental yogurt is due to its ability to precipitate tissue proteins. Preparations that split off elemental urinary oxide have a much less pronounced irritating effect, and iodides have local irritating properties only in very high concentrations.

The nature of the resorptive effect of elemental urinary preparations and iodides is the same. The most pronounced effect of resorptive action on thyroid drugs is on the functions of the thyroid gland. In small doses (the drug “microiod”), I. drugs inhibit the function of the thyroid gland (see Antithyroid drugs), and in large doses they stimulate, participating in the synthesis of its hormones.

The effect of Y. drugs on metabolism is manifested by an increase in dissimilation processes. In atherosclerosis, they cause a certain decrease in the concentration of cholesterol and beta-lipoproteins in the blood; in addition, they increase the fibrinolytic and lipoprotenase activity of blood serum and slow down the rate of blood clotting.

Accumulating in syphilitic gums, J. promotes their softening and resorption. However, the accumulation of yeast in tuberculosis foci leads to an intensification of the inflammatory process in them. The secretion of iron by the excretory glands is accompanied by irritation of the glandular tissue and increased secretion. In this regard, Y. preparations have an expectorant effect and stimulate lactation (in small doses). However, in large doses they can cause suppression of lactation.

Y. preparations are used for external and internal use. Externally apply Ch. arr. Elementary urinary preparations as irritants and distractions. In addition, these drugs and drugs that cleave off elemental nitrogen are used as antiseptics.

Internally, Y. preparations are prescribed for hyperthyroidism, endemic goiter, tertiary syphilis, atherosclerosis, hron, mercury and lead intoxication. Iodides are also prescribed orally as expectorants.

Contraindications for internal and parenteral use of I. drugs are pulmonary tuberculosis, kidney disease, hemorrhagic diathesis, pregnancy, some skin diseases (pyoderma, furunculosis) and hypersensitivity to I.

Potassium iodide(Kalii iodidurn; synonym: potassium iodide, Kalium iodatum). Colorless or white cubic crystals or white fine-crystalline powder, odorless, salty-bitter taste. Soluble in water (1: 0.75), alcohol (1: 12) and glycerin (1: 2.5). Refers to I. preparations from among iodides.

Used for the treatment and prevention of endemic goiter, hyperthyroidism, syphilis, eye diseases (cataracts, etc.), pulmonary actinomycosis, candidiasis, bronchial asthma and as an expectorant.

The drug is prescribed orally (in solutions and mixtures) at the rate of 0.3-1 g per dose, 3-4 times a day after meals. For tertiary syphilis, it is prescribed in the form of 3-4% solution, 1 table. l. 3 times a day after meals. For actinomycosis of the lungs, use 10-20% solution of the drug, 1 table. l. 4 times a day.

Intravenous administration of potassium iodide solutions is contraindicated due to the inhibitory effect of potassium ions on the heart (see Potassium).

Release forms: powder, tablets containing 0.5 g of potassium iodide and 0.005 g of potassium carbonate. Store in well-sealed orange glass jars.

Potassium iodide is also available in the form of special tablets “Antistrumin”, used for the prevention of endemic goiter. The tablets contain 0.001 g of potassium iodide.

Prescribe 1 tablet 1 time. in Week. For diffuse toxic goiter - 1 - 2 tablets per day, 2-3 times a week.

Calciumone(Calciiodinum; synonym: calcium iodine behenate, sayodin) - a mixture of calcium salts of iodine behenate and other iodized fatty acids. A large, yellowish, greasy-to-the-touch powder, odorless or with a faint odor of fatty substances. Practically insoluble in water, very slightly soluble in alcohol and ether, easily soluble in warm anhydrous chloroform. Contains at least 24% sodium and 4% calcium.

It is better tolerated than inorganic preparations of iodine: it does not irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, and practically does not cause the effects of iodism.

Used for atherosclerosis, neurosyphilis, bronchial asthma, dry bronchial catarrh and other chronic conditions, diseases for which treatment with Y drugs is indicated.

Prescribe 0.5 g orally 2-3 times a day after meals, crushing the tablet well. Treatment is carried out in repeated courses lasting 2-3 weeks. from 2 weeks breaks between individual courses.

Release form: tablets of 0.5 g. Store in well-sealed dark glass jars.

Sodium iodide(Natrii iodidum; synonym: sodium iodide, Natrium iodatum). White crystalline powder, odorless, salty taste. In air it becomes damp and decomposes with the release of hydrogen. Soluble in water (1: 0.6), alcohol (1: 3) and glycerin (1: 2). Aqueous solutions of the drug are sterilized at 100° for 30 minutes. or at 120° for 20 minutes. In terms of properties and indications for use, it corresponds to potassium iodide.

Prescribed orally 0.3-1 g 3-4 times a day. Unlike potassium iodide, the drug can be administered intravenously. If necessary, 10% sodium iodide solution is injected into a vein, 5-10 ml every 1-2 days. A total of 8-12 infusions are prescribed per course of treatment.

Release form: powder. Store in well-sealed orange glass jars in a dry place.

Sodium iodide and potassium iodide are part of the anti-asthma medicine according to Traskov's prescription (Mixtura anti asthmatica Trascovi).

Alcohol iodine solution 5%(Solutio Iodi spirituosa 5%; synonym: iodine tincture 5%, Tinctura Iodi 5%, sp. B). Contains: iodine 50 g, potassium iodide 20 water and 95% alcohol equally to 1 liter. Transparent liquid of red-brown color with a characteristic odor.

It is used externally as an antiseptic, for example, for treating the surgical field (see Grossikha method) and the surgeon's hands, for toileting and surgical treatment of wounds, and also as an irritant and distracting agent. Used internally for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, as well as in the treatment of syphilis. To prevent atherosclerosis, 1-10 drops are prescribed 1-2 times a day in courses of 30 days, 2-3 times a year. For the treatment of atherosclerosis, 10-12 drops are prescribed 3 times a day. When treating syphilis - from 5 to 50 drops 2-3 times a day. The drug is taken in milk after meals.

Children over 5 years of age are prescribed 3-6 drops 2-3 times a day. The drug is not prescribed to children under 5 years of age.

Higher doses for adults orally: single - 20 drops, daily - 60 drops.

Release form: in orange glass bottles of 10, 15 and 25 ml; in ampoules of 1 ml. Store in a place protected from light.

Alcohol iodine solution 10%(Solutio Iodi spirituosa 10%; syn.: iodine tincture 10%, Tinctura Iodi 10%, sp. B). Contains: iodine 100 g, 95% alcohol up to 1 d. Red-brown liquid with a characteristic odor. When water is added to the preparation, a fine-crystalline precipitate J forms.

In terms of properties, indications for use (except for the treatment of syphilis) and dosage, it corresponds to a 5% alcohol iodine solution. The drug is not prescribed orally for children.

Higher doses for adults orally: single - 10 drops, daily - 30 drops.

Release form: in orange glass bottles of 10, 15 and 25 ml. Store in a place protected from light. The drug is prepared for a short period of time (up to 1 month) and is released only according to special requirements.

The use of iodine in microscopic examinations

In microscopic technology, J. is used as a fixative, as a reagent for glycogen, amyloid, starch, cellulose and alkaloids, and is part of decalcifying and macerating liquids, etc. To fix tissues, especially intestinal tissues, use the Dominici mixture containing J. (see Dominican methods). Y.'s solution in 70% alcohol, sometimes with the addition of potassium iodide, is used to treat pieces of tissue and sections after fixation in sublimate mixtures; at the same time, sparingly soluble sediments of mercury carbonates and phosphates are removed from the tissues; the residues of I. are then removed by washing in 0.25% sodium thiosulfate solution. Lugol's potassium iodine solution (see Lugol's solution) is used for staining microorganisms using the Gram method, for staining blood fibrin, for identifying certain pigments (carotenoids), fatty substances, etc. Glycogen is stained brown with iodine, amyloid is stained brown. various shades of brown and brown-red. In addition, in histol, technology (see Histological methods of research) various compounds of iodine are used (iodic acid, sodium iodic acid and potassium, ammonium iodide, etc.) and dyes containing iodine.

Bibliography: Glycoproteins, ed. A. Gottschalk, trans. from English, part 2, p. 222, M., 1969; Levin V.I. Obtaining radioactive isotopes, p. 190, M., 1972; Mashkovsky M.D. Medicines, part 2, p. 89, M., 1977; Mkrtumova N. A. and Staroseltseva L. K. Degree of iodization and iodoamino acid composition of thyroglobulin in diffuse toxic goiter, Problems, endocrine, and hormone therapy, v. 16, no. 3, p. 68, 1970; Mokhnach V.O. Yod and problems of life, L., 1974, bibliogr.; Rachev R. R. and Eshchenko N. D. Thyroid hormones and subcellular structures, M., 1975, bibliogr.; Turakulov Ya. X., Babaev T.A. iSaatov T. Iodine proteins of the thyroid gland, Tashkent, 1974, bibliogr.; The pharmacological basis of therapeutics, ed. by L. S. Goodman a. A. Gilman, L., 1975; Radioactive pharmaceuticals, ed. by G. A. Andrews a. o., p. 217, Springfield, 1966, bibliogr.

L. K. Staroseltseva; V. V. Bochkarev (rad., biol.), V. K. Muratov (pharm.), Ya. E. Khesin (hist.).

It was discovered in 1811 by Kurtau in the ash of sea plants. Before the Great October Revolution, it was imported into Russia from abroad. Many of our outstanding chemists—professors N.D. Averkiev, O.Yu. Magidson, D.I. Eristavi, engineer L.I. Lyasota and others—were involved in the development of the issue of obtaining iodine.


Iodine crystals are grayish-black in color, have a peculiar odor, and easily sublimate when heated in the form of violet vapors. They are sparingly soluble in water (1:5000), soluble in alcohol (dark brown solution), soluble in ether and less soluble in glycerin. Aqueous solutions of iodine take on a blue color when added to one drop of starch solution; more concentrated solutions turn blue-black. Iodine combines with proteins and fats. It reacts very sensitively with sodium thiosulfate (I 2 + 2Na 2 S 2 0 3 → 2NaI + Na 2 S 4 0 6). This produces a salt of sodium iodide and sodium thiosulfate.

In medical practice, a 10% alcohol solution of iodine is used. During storage, iodine tincture changes, since it is a solution of a strong oxidizing agent - iodine in ethyl alcohol, which is easily oxidized. The amount of free iodine during storage quickly decreases due to the formation of hydrogen iodide with the simultaneous appearance of various organic products in the tincture - acetaldehyde, ethyl iodide and some others CH 3 CH 2 OH + I 2 → CH 3 CHO + 2HI;

CH 3 CH 2 OH + HI→ CH 3 CH 2 I + H 2 O;

CH 2 CHO + H 2 O + I 2 → CH 3 COOH + HI.

Therefore, iodine tincture is prepared for a period of no more than one month and stored in dark glass bottles with ground stoppers in a place protected from light.

When the skin is lubricated with iodine solution, irritation and redness are observed. Along with this, an antiseptic effect is manifested, which increases significantly as iodine penetrates the skin. Therefore, it is often used for cuts, abrasions, small wounds and other inflammatory processes. After applying iodine, a feeling of warmth, burning and noticeable anesthesia appears. At the same time, a resolving effect with the phenomena of leukocytosis is also manifested to one degree or another. As a result of the ability of iodine to be well absorbed through the skin, general poisoning can occur when large surfaces are lubricated. After repeated lubrication, it causes desquamation of the epidermis. In chronic processes on the mucous membranes, a reactive revival of inflammation occurs. This factor may have a beneficial effect on wound healing.

Surgical practice confirms that when introduced into cavities and cysts, iodine causes adhesive inflammation with fibrinous exudate and subsequent shrinkage of the cavity and cyst. External and local use of the drug is irreplaceable and therefore widespread. In addition, iodine is used to disinfect the skin of the hands and the surgical field, as well as in a wide variety of cases for a distracting and resorption-promoting effect (pleuritis, adenitis, arthritis, erysipelas, etc.). Lugol's solution is often used on mucous membranes (one part iodine, 2-3 parts potassium iodide, 30-100 parts water).

Highest single oral dose - 0.002 G, daily - 0.006 G.

Iodide salts, which are easily dissolved and absorbed, have the properties of iodine ion. In the presence of living protoplasm and carbon dioxide, they oxidize and split off iodine, which is determined by the blue color of the starch paste. Thus, the special effect of iodine salts must also be understood as the effect of atomic iodine. Binding of iodine after its formation can occur with protein, lipoid and carbohydrate. When iodide salts are introduced in large quantities into the blood of an animal (about 1 ml sodium iodide per 1 kg) death occurs within a day or later. When a person takes a significant amount of iodine salts, so-called “iodism” may occur.

According to literature data, in painful foci - inflammatory purulent foci, cancerous tumors, infectious granulomas, syphilitic and tuberculous, iodine accumulates 2-3 times more than in other tissues. This leads to disruption of the integrity of tissues in low-resistant painful foci, their disintegration and subsequent resorption during the phenomena of leukocytosis.

Everyone has ever used an alcohol solution of iodine; some are familiar with it from chemistry lessons. Some people have experienced a lack of iodine in the body, while others confuse it with brilliant green. In this article we have collected answers to the most frequently asked questions about iodine, we hope it will be useful!

When and by whom was iodine discovered?

The chemical element “Iodine” was added to the periodic table in 1871.

Like many chemical elements, iodine was discovered by accident in 1811 by the Frenchman Bernard Courtois while preparing saltpeter from seaweed. As a chemical element, the substance received the name “iodine” two years later, and was officially included in the periodic table in 1871.

Where and how is iodine obtained?

In its pure form (free form), iodine is extremely rare - mainly in Japan and Chile. The main production is made from seaweed (5 kg is obtained from 1 ton of dry kelp), sea water (up to 30 mg from a ton of water) or from oil drilling waters (up to 70 mg from a ton of water). There is a method for obtaining technical iodine from waste from the production of saltpeter and ash, but the content of the substance in the starting materials is no more than 0.4%.

The method of obtaining iodine has two directions.

  1. Seaweed ash is mixed with concentrated sulfuric acid and heated. After evaporation of moisture, iodine is obtained.
  2. Iodine in liquids (sea or lake salt water, oil water) is bound with starch, or silver and copper salts, or kerosene (an outdated method, as it is expensive) into insoluble compounds, and then the water is evaporated. Later they began to use the charcoal method for extracting iodine.

How does iodine affect the human body?

Iodine and its derivatives are part of hormones that affect the metabolism of the human body, its growth and development, so the average person needs to consume up to 0.15 mg of iodine daily. The absence of iodine or its deficiency in the diet leads to diseases of the thyroid gland and the development of endemic goiter, hypothyroidism and cretinism.

An indicator of iodine deficiency in the body is fatigue and depressed mood, headache and so-called “natural laziness”, irritability and nervousness, weakening of memory and intelligence. Arrhythmia, high blood pressure and a drop in hemoglobin levels in the blood appear. Very toxic - 3 g of the substance is a lethal dose for any living organism.

In large quantities it causes damage to the cardiovascular system, kidneys and pulmonary edema; cough and runny nose, lacrimation and pain in the eyes (if it comes into contact with the mucous membrane); general weakness and fever, vomiting and diarrhea, increased heart rate and heart pain.

How to replenish iodine in the body?

  1. The main source of natural iodine is seafood, but it is obtained as far from the coast as possible: in coastal areas, iodine is washed out of the soil, and its content in products is insignificant. Eat seafood - this can restore the substance content in the body to a certain extent.
  2. You can artificially add iodine to table salt, eat foods containing this microelement - sunflower oil, food additives.
  3. Pharmacies sell tablets with a high iodine content - relatively harmless drugs (for example, iodine-active, antistrumin).
  4. A lot of iodine is found in persimmons and walnuts.

Where is iodine found?

Iodine is present almost everywhere. The highest iodine content is in products of marine origin, in sea water itself and in salty lake water.
In free form - as a mineral - iodine is present in thermal springs of volcanoes and natural iodides (lautarite, iodobromite, embolite, mayersite). It is found in oil drilling waters, sodium nitrate solutions, lyes from saltpeter and potassium production.


What foods contain iodine?

In seafood: fish (cod and halibut) and fish oil, crustaceans and shellfish (scallops, crabs, shrimp, squid, oysters, mussels), seaweed. This is followed by dairy products and chicken eggs, feijoa and persimmons, sweet peppers, peels and kernels of walnuts, black grapes, grain crops (buckwheat, corn, wheat, millet), river fish and red beans. Iodine is found in orange and red colored juices.

There is even less iodine in soy products (milk, sauce, tofu), onions, garlic, beets, potatoes, carrots, beans, strawberries (about 40-100 times less than in seaweed), but it is there.

What foods do not contain iodine?

Iodine is not found in baked goods (homemade) that use regular salt without iodine, peeled potatoes, unsalted vegetables (raw and frozen), peanuts, almonds and egg whites. There is practically no iodine in cereals that are poor in natural salts; macaroni, cocoa powder, white raisins and dark chocolate. This applies to vegetable oils, including soybean oil.

Almost all known seasonings in dried form (black pepper, herbs) also do not have iodine-containing components - iodine quickly decomposes (evaporates) in the open air, which is why iodized salt is suitable for use for only 2 months (if the pack is open).

Carbonated drinks - Coca Cola and its derivatives, wine, black coffee, beer, lemonade - all this also does not contain iodine.

Linen fabrics:

Option 1. Cover the stain with baking soda, pour vinegar on top and leave for 12 hours, and then wash in warm, clean water.

Option 2. Dissolve a teaspoon of ammonia in 0.5 liters of water, and wipe the stain with the resulting solution. Next, wash in warm soapy water.

Option 3. Make a thick paste of starch in water, apply it to the stain and wait for the stain to turn blue. If necessary, repeat again and wash the product in warm soapy water.

Option 4. Rub the stain with raw potatoes and wash the product in warm soapy water.

Option 5. You can wipe the stain with liquid ascorbic acid (or dissolve the tablet in water), and then wash it in soap and water.

Wool, cotton and silk fabrics:
The stain should be wiped with a hyposulfite solution (a teaspoon per glass of water) and washed in warm water. You can wipe the stain with ammonia and wash it in the usual way.

How to wash iodine from skin

There are several options:

  1. Olive oil or fatty cream is applied to the skin to absorb iodine. After an hour, the iodine is washed off with a body sponge and soap.
  2. Take a bath with sea salt, and at the end use a washcloth and baby soap (laundry soap as a last resort).
  3. For delicate skin, you can use a scrub instead of a washcloth, and massage the area with the stain. After this, you can lubricate the skin with nourishing cream or milk.
  4. You can apply cotton wool with alcohol, moonshine or vodka to the stain for 5 minutes, and then rub. The procedure can be repeated several times.
  5. Removes iodine stains by hand washing items or a regular bath with powder or lemon juice.

How to gargle with iodine

The method is quite simple - you need to add a few drops of iodine to a glass of warm water until you get a light brown solution. But the effect will be better and stronger if you add a teaspoon of soda and table salt to the water. The method has proven itself in the treatment of purulent tonsillitis and chronic tonsillitis. The procedure can be repeated 3-4 times a day (for purulent sore throat - every 4 hours) for 4 days.

If you have a sore throat, you should not lubricate your throat with an alcohol solution of iodine, such as, for example, Iodinol. Otherwise, you will simply burn the mucous membrane.

How to make an iodine grid, how often can you make an iodine grid

You need to take a thin stick with cotton wool, moisten it in a 5% alcohol solution of iodine and draw intersecting horizontal and vertical stripes on the skin in the form of a plate with 1x1cm squares. This is the ideal geometry for uniform distribution of iodine: it is absorbed quickly and efficiently.

It can be done only two to three times during the week for any disease.

At what age can you apply iodine?

Doctors do not recommend applying iodine to the skin even in adolescence - iodine burns the skin. But an iodine grid (one-time use) can be done from the age of five. But there is a more “advanced” and safer version of iodine that can also be used.

Why is iodine in the periodic table, but brilliant green is not?

Because brilliant green is a synthetic antiseptic, an aniline dye. The periodic table includes only chemical elements and compounds that exist in nature in their pure form.


Iodized salt should replace regular salt for people living in regions of iodine deficiency.

Because this salt helps restore balance in case of iodine deficiency in the human body, it is a prevention of iodine deficiency diseases in children, pregnant and lactating women, and adolescents. Salt with iodine helps prevent the thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine components and is a protection against radiation, inflammatory processes and diseases.

How to make iodized salt

Iodine is added to sea or lake salt water in a certain concentration, mixed with water and only then evaporated.

Neighborless Ksenia

This work touches on one of the problems posed to us by modern life. Iodine is a vital trace element and is often supplied to the body in insufficient quantities.

Download:

Preview:

Municipal educational institution

"Klyuchevskaya secondary school No. 1"

With. Keys, Delegatskaya street 5

Study of the effect of iodine on the human body

(research work)

Completed by: Bessednyaya Ksenia,

11b grade student

Head: Vidershpan Irina Petrovna,

Chemistry teacher

With. Keys 2010

  1. Introduction………………………………………………………………………………..1
  2. Biological role of iodine……………………………………………………………...3
  3. Biological role of the thyroid gland and its hormones………………..4
  4. Iodine in the human body…………………………………………………………….6
  5. The body's need for iodine…………………………………………………………….9
  6. Imbalance of iodine in the body…………………………………………...10
  7. The concept of iodine deficiency diseases…………………………….11
  8. Causes of iodine deficiency……………………………………………..14
  9. Iodine and nutrition………………………………………………………..16
  10. Iodine content in food products (table)……………………..19
  11. Practical work: determination of iodine content in salt……….....20
  12. Conclusion……………………………………………………………...22
  13. List of resources………………………………………………………..23
  14. Appendix……………………………………………………………….24

1. Introduction.

Everyone knows iodine. Having cut our finger, we reach for a bottle of iodine, or rather its alcohol solution. But not everyone knows how important the iodine content is in our body. Iodine is a very strong antiseptic. However, iodine serves not only to lubricate abrasions and scratches. Although there is only 25 mg of iodine in the human body, it plays an important role.

Target: Research problems of iodine deficiency and determine it

Tasks: 1) Conduct a literature review on this topic;

2) Identify the presence of food products fortified with iodine;

3) Determine the iodine content in some products

Food;

4) Analyze:

A) assortment of food products at retail outlets. Keys,

B) the range of prophylactic products sold

Pharmacy chain with. Keys.

5) Draw conclusions.

Objects of study:Food.

Subjects of research:salt (table, iodized, sea).

Research methods: descriptive, analytical method, chemical experiment

At the beginning of the work it was put forward hypothesis: food cannot provide a person with a daily dose of iodine.

An analysis of the scientific literature has shown that there are no territories in the Russian Federation where the population would not be at risk of developing iodine deficiency diseases (IDDs). In all regions surveyed, from the central regions to Sakhalin, the population experiences iodine deficiency in their diet.

2. Biological role of iodine.

Iodine belongs to the group of substances that are constantly contained in living organisms, are included in metabolism, are part of biologically active compounds and are irreplaceable.

The endocrine system is made up of endocrine glands - they are so called because they secrete their hormones (biologically active substances) directly into the blood. Hormones, released into the bloodstream by endocrine glands, act on tissues and target organs of the body, often located at a considerable distance from the place of their formation, through receptors (special cellular receiver structures). One of the most important glands of the endocrine system is the thyroid gland. She cannot function without sufficient iodine in her body, as it is an essential component of her hormones.

3. Biological role of the thyroid gland and its hormones

The small thyroid gland plays an important role in the body: it actively captures iodine from the blood, creates its reserves, and produces and secretes thyroid hormones. There is no organ or system in the body that does not need them. They play an important role in the life of a person of any age, especially during intrauterine life and early childhood.

Thyroid hormones perform the following functions:

  1. They regulate the processes of development, maturation, specialization and renewal of almost all tissues of the body, and have a more pronounced effect on cell division than on their restoration. In this regard, they are extremely important for the formation and development of the fetal brain, the formation of the child’s intelligence, the growth and maturation of the bone skeleton, and the reproductive system.
  2. They ensure normal energy metabolism (increase the number of mitochondria - cellular structures responsible for the energy supply of all biochemical reactions, stimulate the formation of energy and heat, increase the need for oxygen in tissues), and energy, as is known, is needed not only for performing mechanical work, but also for complete metabolism in the cells of the body.
  3. They influence the formation of more than 100 different enzymes - biological regulators of cellular chemical reactions.
  4. Stimulate protein formation (anabolic effect), which leads to accelerated growth.
  5. They participate in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats (increase breakdown) and vitamins (for example, in the formation of vitamin A in the liver), regulation of water-salt balance, and influence the metabolism of calcium and magnesium.
  6. In many metabolic processes, the effect of other hormones, such as insulin, adrenaline and glucocorticoids, is enhanced.
  7. Provide a complex of adaptive reactions under stress.
  8. Reduce blood cholesterol levels.
  9. They have a positive effect on the immune system (stimulate the body’s defenses, thereby exhibiting antimicrobial and antiviral effects).
  10. They have a stimulating effect on the central nervous system.

Thyroid hormones have a longer-lasting effect than most other hormones, so maintaining T3 and T4 levels is vital for the body. This is one of the reasons why they are stored in the gland and are ready to be released into the blood at any time.

The main biological role of iodine in the body is participation in the formation of thyroid hormones. Iodine is necessary for humans; without it, many processes that ensure the normal state of the body are disrupted.

4. Iodine in the human body

Let us consider in more detail how, where and in what quantities iodine accumulates in our body, how it is redistributed and what the accumulation of this element depends on.

In total, the human body contains from 20 to 35 mg of iodine. Its distribution in the body is very uneven: the least iodine is concentrated in the blood and kidneys, the most in the thyroid gland.

If we talk about the absolute values ​​of iodine content in the human body, it should be noted that approximately half of all iodine is found in the thyroid gland (about 10-15 mg). It is rightly called the iodine storage organ. Significant amounts of the element were also found in skin, hair, nails, ovaries, prostate gland, pituitary gland, bile and salivary glands. In muscles, the concentration of iodine can be 1000 times lower than in the thyroid gland.

Iodine enters our body mainly through the digestive tract. Inorganic iodine compounds (iodides salts) are found in the food and water we consume. They are absorbed almost along the entire length of the gastrointestinal tract, but most intensively in the small intestine. Iodine also enters through the lungs, which is especially important in coastal marine areas. For example, in the English Channel zone a person receives up to 70 mcg of iodine through the lungs, and in the area of ​​the Black and Azov Seas - more than 100 mcg. 4000 liters of air passing through a person's lungs in 12 hours contains 0.044 mg of iodine, a fifth of which is exhaled back. Small amounts of iodine are absorbed through the skin.

Iodine in the human body is mainly in organic form. A-cells of the thyroid gland selectively capture iodides from the blood flowing through the gland and form organic iodine compounds - the hormones T4, T3 and colloidal protein thyroglobulin, which is a reserve form of thyroid hormones and usually contains about 90% of the total amount of iodine present in the thyroid gland .

The amount and ratio of various forms of iodine in the thyroid gland depend on many factors - on the rate of iodine intake, the presence of a certain class of substances that cause the development of goiter (goitrogens), which can disrupt the iodine capture mechanism, on certain pathological conditions, as well as on genetic factors.

As for iodine, which is contained in the blood, it should be said that its content is almost constant. The blood plasma contains 35% of the total amount of iodine in the blood, the remaining 65% comes from the formed elements of the blood. If you introduce a significant amount of inorganic iodine salts into the body with food, its level in the blood will increase 1000 times, but after 24 hours it will return to normal. Iodine is present in the blood in organic and inorganic forms. During the day, 100-300 mcg of hormonal iodide enters the blood from the thyroid gland. The iodine content in the blood during normal intake into the body is about 10-15 μg/l, while the total extracellular iodine reserve is about 250 μg. Most of this supply is iodine absorbed in the intestines.

The main excretion of iodine from the body occurs through the kidneys with urine (up to 90%). A small amount of it is excreted in feces and very small amounts can be excreted in sweat, in women's milk (when breastfeeding), in saliva, in bile and through the respiratory tract.

Iodides continuously leave the body, and their replenishment also occurs continuously both from external sources (food, water, inhaled air) and internal ones (thyroid and salivary glands, gastric juice). These processes that constantly occur in the body maintain normal iodine levels.

The exchange of iodine in the thyroid gland and its relationship with thyroid hormones are one of the important aspects of the body’s functioning. The human thyroid gland must absorb about 60 mcg of iodine per day to ensure an adequate supply of thyroid hormones to the body. The efficiency of the gland is ensured by a dense network of blood vessels and the perfection of the iodine capture mechanism, the so-called iodine pump, which is an active transport mechanism.

5. The body's need for iodine

Iodine is a micronutrient (micronutrient): the daily need for it is only 100-200 mcg (1 mcg - 1 millionth of a gram), and over the course of a person’s entire life, they consume 3-5 g of iodine, which is equivalent to the contents of one teaspoon.

There is no consensus among researchers on the question of the amount of iodine we need. Some experts believe that a person's daily need for iodine is about 50-60 mcg. Other experts refute these data, citing the figure 200 mcg.

There is information that says that the body's need for iodine is determined by body weight and is 2-4 mcg per 1 kg of body weight, which, for example, for an adult man can be 150-300 mcg of iodine per day. The pathological condition of the thyroid gland requires more iodine intake; it can increase to 400-500 mcg.

The daily need for iodine depends on age and physiological state (puberty, pregnancy and breastfeeding require an increase in the amount of iodine consumed). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following daily iodine intakes (these guidelines were proposed in 1996):

  1. 50 mcg for infants (first 12 months);
  2. 90 mcg for young children (2 to 6 years);
  3. 120 mcg for school-aged children (7 to 12 years);
  4. 150 mcg for adolescents (12 years and older) and adults;
  5. 100 mcg for older people;
  6. 200 mcg for pregnant and lactating women.

Despite this relatively recently approved and officially disseminated information, the staff of the National Academy of Sciences (USA) only five years later managed to develop a new version of micronutrient standards. The conducted research allows us to come to the realization of the need to significantly increase the daily intake of iodine, primarily at the intrauterine stage of a child’s development and at the age of up to 2 years (the brain and cognitive functions develop most intensively in the first two years). For this period of life, it is recommended to revise nutritional standards in the direction of doubling the daily dose of this microelement.

During our lives, we “eat” at most only one teaspoon of iodine; we need it in very small quantities, but our body definitely needs it. Daily iodine intake depends on gender and age, physiological state and environmental living conditions.

6. Imbalance of iodine in the body

Each of us is aware that we are all happy, healthy and content only when everything and everyone is in harmony, both within us and outside. This should be strived for, this should be taken as the standard of life. Most often we have an imbalance (equilibrium): the balance of energy, the balance of macro- and microelements in our body, the balance of good and evil in the whole world. So, first of all, a violation of material balance, that is, the balance of various substances necessary and important for our body, is the main cause of all our ailments, ailments and serious diseases. This also applies to iodine. Both deficiency and excess of this element lead to the appearance of various pathologies, and often irreversible changes in our body.

7. Concept of iodine deficiency diseases

Iodine deficiency in the diet leads to disruption of the synthesis of thyroid hormones and the development of a number of conditions, united by the general term – iodine deficiency diseases. This term was introduced in 1983 on the recommendation of the WHO.

Iodine deficiency diseases are all pathological conditions that develop as a result of iodine deficiency and which can be prevented by normal iodine intake.

Iodine deficiency diseases combine not only the pathology of the thyroid gland, which develops as a result of iodine deficiency, but also pathological conditions caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormones.

The body's need for iodine, on average, is 100 - 200 mcg per day, and over a lifetime a person consumes only 3-5 g of iodine, which is equivalent to

contents of one teaspoon.

Despite such a small intake, lack of iodine in the body

can lead to the development of serious diseases. The most common manifestation of iodine deficiency is endemic goiter. If the supply of iodine to the thyroid gland is not enough to produce the required amount of thyroid hormones, then it increases in volume, thus seeking, by increasing the number and size of thyrocytes, to increase the uptake of iodine and compensate for its lack.

However, over time, the compensatory capabilities of the thyroid gland dry up, and a deficiency of hormone production is formed - hypothyroidism.

The consequences of iodine deficiency depend on the age at which the body experienced its deficiency. The most severe consequences of iodine deficiency occur in the early stages of development of the body, starting from the prenatal period and ending with puberty. During pregnancy, the mother's body is the only source of iodine for the fetus. Iodine easily crosses the placenta and is used for the synthesis of thyroid hormones.

In conditions of even mild iodine deficiency, iodine loss increases significantly due to a number of physiological processes characteristic of pregnancy. Iodine deficiency leads to insufficient production of thyroid hormones in the fetus.

Lack of thyroid hormones leads to irreversible disorders of brain function in the fetus and newborn, leading to mental retardation and cretinism. The most critical period is between the second trimester of pregnancy and the third year after birth. Not only the child’s brain suffers from a deficiency of thyroid hormones, but also, according to the results of numerous studies, his hearing, visual memory and speech. In addition to extreme degrees, there are also borderline mental development disorders, the prevalence of which is difficult to estimate. Against the background of even moderate iodine deficiency, the mental abilities of the entire population are reduced by an average of 10–15%, which poses a serious threat to the intellectual potential of the entire nation. According to WHO experts, iodine deficiency is the most common preventable cause of mental retardation.

Thyroid hormone deficiency affects fertility and the viability of offspring. In women, reproductive function is impaired, the risk of miscarriage and intrauterine fetal pathology increases.

Deficiency of thyroid hormones leads to delayed physical and sexual development. In conditions of iodine deficiency, the risk of developing any chronic disease increases by 24–45%.

In areas affected by radioactive contamination, iodine deficiency contributes to the accumulation of radioactive iodine in the thyroid gland, which causes an increased incidence of cancer of this organ.

Today, iodine deficiency diseases are among the most common non-infectious human diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 2 billion people on earth live in conditions of iodine deficiency. According to estimates by the Endocrinology Center (Endocrinology Center RAMS), insufficient iodine consumption poses a serious threat to the health of 100 million Russians and requires effective prevention measures.

8. Causes of iodine deficiency

Natural factors

The main natural sources of iodine are soil and soil water and, therefore, everything that grows on the ground, as well as seafood (algae, fish, sea animals).

Where the soil is poor in this microelement (taiga-forest non-chernozem, dry steppe, desert, mountain zones), a significant part of the population suffers from iodine deficiency diseases.

Iodine is found deep in the soil and is found in the contents of oil wells. In general, the older the soil surface and the more exposed it has been in the past to various destructive influences (for example, erosion), the less iodine it contains. The soils most depleted in iodine are in mountainous areas, which were subject to frequent rainfall with water runoff into rivers. Glaciers also play an important role in the loss of iodine from the soil in these regions. Iodine deficiency is often observed in the valleys of large rivers.

In coastal areas, the amount of iodine in 1 m 3 air can reach 50 mcg, in areas remote from the ocean or fenced off from sea winds by mountains - 1-3 or even 0.2 mcg. Thus, at an altitude of 1000 m above sea level, the air loses 62.5% of iodine, and 50% is lost already at an altitude of 707 m.

Atmospheric movement and some other conditions change these data slightly.

The return of iodine to the soil with rainwater occurs very slowly and in relatively small quantities compared to the previous loss. The iodine content in the soil varies widely (on average about 3x 10-4%) and is associated with the level of its freezing during the last ice age: when the glaciers melted, iodine was salted out of the soil into the levels underlying the fertile layer. Repeated flushing resulted in the formation of iodine deficiency in the soil. As a result, all plants growing on such soil have insufficient iodine content, and people and animals that are completely dependent on food grown on this soil develop iodine deficiency diseases. The iodine content of plants grown in iodine-depleted soils often does not exceed 10 µg/kg dry weight, compared with 1000 µg/kg in plants grown in soils without iodine deficiency. This causes severe iodine deficiency in a large part of the world's population living on subsistence or semi-subsistence farming. And this applies not only to African countries. Many Russian residents also earn their living wage by harvesting crops from their garden plots or dacha plots, where the soil may be fertile but contain little iodine. This is one of the main reasons for the development of iodine deficiency.

The average iodine content in plants is approximately 2 x 10-5% and depends not only on the content of its compounds in the soil, but also on the type of plant. Some organisms (so-called iodine accumulators), for example seaweed (bladder algae - Fucus vesiculosus, brown seaweed, kelp (seaweed), phyllophora), accumulate iodine up to 1% of the total weight, and some sea sponges (Spongia maritima) - up to 8.5-10% (in the skeletal substance spongin).

Anthropogenic factors

Iodine deficiency is also caused by certain human activities, including soil destruction due to intensive agricultural work (destruction of vegetation when clearing an area for planting, grazing of livestock), and cutting down trees.

Water, air and soil play a big role in the development of iodine deficiency diseases, but still the bulk of the microelement enters the body with food.

9. Iodine and nutrition.

The best natural source of iodine is seafood, both plant and animal.

Nowadays, every informed person knows how much nutrition and habitat influence his health, and tries to prevent the adverse effects of the external environment on his body.

No matter how much a person consumes food of plant and animal origin, it still does not contain enough of certain vitamins and microelements (including iodine) necessary for our body. The use of modern food processing technologies and a large number of refined and low-quality products leads to the fact that the natural content of this important microelement in them is significantly reduced. The situation is aggravated by the presence of an initial iodine deficiency in Russian nature.

So, the iodine content in the body directly depends on how rich in it the foods consumed are: with them a person can get about half the daily dose of this element.

Seafood

1. Seaweed. One of the most iodine-rich seafood is kelp, better known as seaweed. Laminaria is a large brown algae that lives in the seas of the Pacific and Arctic oceans. Since ancient times, the peoples living along their shores have used it as an excellent food product and as an effective means for the prevention and treatment of many diseases.

Laminaria, depending on the type and time of collection, contains 50-70,000 mcg of iodine (on average 0.3% of the total mass). Iodine is found in compounds with organic substances.

Sea kale gently, without explosions and stress, returns to our body the former stamina and vigor lost under conditions of iodine deficiency. However, in order to get the daily dose of iodine, you need to eat 100-200 g of kelp per day, which is more realistic for residents of Japan or Korea, but, unfortunately, difficult for most residents of Russia.

2. Fish: herring, flounder, cod, halibut, sea bass, tuna, salmon.

Sea fish contains about 70 mcg of iodine, and cod liver contains up to 800 mcg. Eating just 180 g of cod will cover the body's daily need for iodine. There is a lot of this microelement in fish oil. The amount of iodine in fish oil can reach 770 mg. Children whose parents introduced it into their diet were protected not only from rickets, but also from iodine deficiency.

3. Scallops, crabs, shrimp, squid, mussels, oysters.

Note. Many people believe that additional iodine intake is not needed if the food contains enough fish, seafood, etc. This is not true. If you do not live in coastal areas and seafood is not the main and constant component of your menu, then you are not immune from insufficient iodine intake into the body.

Iodized products

Nowadays, iodized products can be found in the store: salt, baked goods, dairy products, etc. In addition, bouillon cubes containing iodized salt have recently appeared. One bowl of soup prepared from this cube replenishes the body's daily requirement for iodine.

The following products contain a significant (compared to the rest of the majority) amount of iodine:

  1. Freshwater fish (the amount of iodine usually does not exceed 5-8 mg per 100 g of wet weight).
  2. Cereals, milk, eggs, butter, beef.
  3. Vegetables grown in iodine-rich soils, including: eggplants, onions, green onions, garlic, lettuce, sorrel, asparagus, spinach, radishes, beets, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes.

4. Some fruits and berries, including oranges, melon, grapes, strawberries, apples.

But still, the most reliable sources of iodine are seafood and iodized salt.

It is possible, but very difficult for several reasons:

  1. you need to greatly modify your usual diet;
  2. large financial expenses;
  3. a diet will not allow you to achieve the required strictly dosed iodine intake, since its content in individual and differently prepared foods can vary significantly.

Regular use of iodine-containing foods and saturation of your diet with them will significantly resolve the issue of providing the body with a sufficient amount of iodine.

(per 100 g edible part)

Product

Iodine (mcg)

Cereals:

buckwheat core

wheat

oatmeal

Peas

Beans

Soybeans

Bread:

rye

Orlovsky

wheat from flour 2 grades

Milk

Cream

Beef

Beef liver

Pork

Chickens

Ducks

Chicken egg

Sea bass

Cod

Hake

Shrimps

Potato

Carrot

Salad

Beet

Plum

Grape

Cherry

Peach

Apple

Orange

Walnuts

Honey

Tomato

3,3

4,5

4,1

5,1

12,1

8,2

5,6

3

5,6

16

9,3

7,2

6.3

6,8

5,6

4

20

145

130

33

110

5

5

8

7

4

8

2

2

2

2

3,1

2

11. Practical work.

Determination of iodine content in sea, table and iodized salt by titration method.

A weighed portion of the test sample weighing 10 g was placed in a conical flask with a capacity of 250 cm 3 and dissolved in 100 g of distilled water. A 1 cm volume was added to the resulting solution using a graduated pipette. 3 sulfuric acid solution (1mol/dm 3 ), pipette 5 cm 3 Add a solution of potassium iodide with a mass fraction of 10%, mix, close the flask with a stopper and place it in a dark place for 10 minutes. After the specified time, the flask was removed and the contents of the flask were titrated with a solution of sodium thiosulfate (c(Na 2 S 2 O 3 5 H 2 O) = 0.005 mol/dm 3 ) until the yellow color changes to pale yellow.

Results of the experiment (Fig. 1, 2, 3).

According to the results of this chemical analysis, iodized salt contains more iodine.

12. Conclusion.

The study allows us to draw the following conclusions:

  1. Almost the entire population of Russia suffers from iodine deficiency. The main measures to prevent IDD were the consumption of iodized foods and the use of seafood.
  2. In many retail outlets. The keys are iodized salt.
  3. An assortment of preventive medications sold by the pharmacy chain. The keys are wide enough and satisfy the needs of the population.
  4. Iodized bakery products in stores with. Keys are very rare, which does not allow these products to be used for preventive purposes.
  5. Sea fish contains a certain amount of iodine, which allows it to be used as a prophylactic.

Based on these findings, recommendations can be made for consumers: use only iodized salt, which must be stored in tightly closed containers; It is advisable to eat iodized foods, as well as seafood. It must be remembered that these measures do not adequately solve the problem of iodine deficiency, so preventive medications should be used after appropriate consultation with an endocrinologist.

13. List of resources.

1. Website of the clinic “Your Health”

Objectives: 1) Conduct a literature review on this topic; 2) Identify the presence of food products fortified with iodine; 3) Determine the iodine content in certain foods; 4) Analyze: the range of food products of retail outlets. Keys containing iodine. assortment of preventive products sold by the pharmacy chain. Keys. 5) Draw conclusions.

Biological role of iodine: participates in the formation of thyroid hormones; affects the water-salt metabolism of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates; necessary to improve immunity

Biological role of the thyroid gland The small thyroid gland plays an important role in the body: it actively captures iodine from the blood, creates its reserves, forms and secretes thyroid hormones. There is no organ or system in the body that does not need them. They play an important role in the life of a person of any age, especially during intrauterine life and early childhood.

The body's need for iodine: 50 mcg for infants (first 12 months); 90 mcg for young children (2 to 6 years); 120 mcg for school-aged children (7 to 12 years); 150 mcg for adolescents (12 years and older) and adults; 100 mcg for older people; 200 mcg for pregnant and lactating women.

Iodine deficiency:

Iodine deficiency diseases diffuse euthyroid goiter; nodular (multinodular) euthyroid goiter; nodular (multi-nodular) toxic goiter; functional autonomy of the thyroid gland; primary hypothyroidism (in areas with severe iodine deficiency).

Iodine and nutrition Seafood: Seaweed; Fish (herring, flounder, cod, halibut, sea bass, tuna, salmon); Scallops, crabs, shrimp, squid, mussels, oysters; Iodized products: Salt; Milk, butter, meat, eggs; Some fruits (oranges, melon, strawberries, grapes, apples); Champignon.

Practical work. Determination of iodine content in sea, table and iodized salt by titration method. Salt Coloring Volume of sodium thiosulfate used for titration, ml. Iodized Bright yellow 30 Marine Pale yellow 20 Cooked Barely noticeable yellow 5

Experimental results Iodized salt

Results of the experiment Sea salt

Experimental results Table salt

Conclusion Almost the entire population of Russia suffers from iodine deficiency. The main measures to prevent IDD were the consumption of iodized foods and the use of seafood. In many retail outlets. The keys are iodized salt. An assortment of preventive medications sold by the pharmacy chain. The keys are wide enough and satisfy the needs of the population. Iodized bakery products in stores with. Keys are very rare, which does not allow these products to be used for preventive purposes. Sea fish contains a certain amount of iodine, which allows it to be used as a prophylactic.

Interesting Facts. The iodine content in human blood depends on the time of year: from September to January the iodine concentration in the blood decreases, from February a new rise begins, and in May–June the iodine level reaches its highest level. These oscillations have a small amplitude and still remain a mystery; The first iodine plant in Russia was built in 1915 in Yekaterinoslavl (now Dnepropetrovsk); obtained iodine from the ash of the Black Sea algae Phyllophora; during the First World War, 200 kg of iodine was produced at this plant; If a thundercloud is “seeded” with silver iodide or lead iodide, then instead of hail, snow pellets are formed in the cloud: a cloud seeded with such salts sheds rain and does not harm the fields.