When the Russia-Ukraine war restarted with a vengeance in mid-2022, there was a run on potassium iodide – a nonprescription delivery vehicle for large doses of dietary iodine. It was foreseen that there could be an emergency arising out of radioactive fallout from a possible nuclear accident or explosion.
The perceived risk was considered so high that the Russian authorities were even planning for a possible disaster from the decommissioned infamous Chornobyl reactor that exploded in 1986. Potassium iodide demand spiked all of a sudden.
Indian companies are looking at the opportunities posed by this chemical – KI, in short. The manufacture and dealing in KI will position any company as a key supplier of vital medical countermeasures for radiological emergencies, capitalising on rising global nuclear preparedness demands.
Potassium iodide (KI) has emerged as one of the most critical medical countermeasures in the event of radioactive exposure, particularly during nuclear accidents or radiological emergencies. When radioactive iodine (especially I-131) is released into the environment, it can enter the human body through inhalation or contaminated food and water. The thyroid gland, which naturally absorbs iodine to produce hormones, cannot distinguish between stable and radioactive iodine—making it especially vulnerable to radiation-induced damage and long-term risks such as thyroid cancer.
KI works through a simple but highly effective mechanism known as iodine thyroid blocking. When taken at the right time—ideally just before or immediately after exposure—it saturates the thyroid with non-radioactive iodine, thereby preventing the absorption and accumulation of radioactive iodine. Studies and global health guidelines indicate that if administered within a few hours of exposure, KI can block a significant proportion of radioactive iodine uptake, dramatically reducing the risk of thyroid-related diseases.
However, it is important to note that KI is not a universal antidote to radiation. It protects only the thyroid gland and does not safeguard other organs or protect against other radioactive elements such as cesium or plutonium. Therefore, it is used as part of a broader emergency response strategy that includes evacuation, sheltering, and food safety measures.
Public health authorities such as the WHO and CDC recommend its use primarily for children, pregnant women, and populations at higher risk, and only under official guidance.
In today’s geopolitical context, with rising instability in regions such as West Asia and renewed concerns around nuclear preparedness, the relevance of KI has significantly increased. Governments across the world are strengthening stockpiles and emergency protocols, while public awareness around nuclear safety is also growing. This evolving risk landscape is creating a new strategic opportunity within the chemical and speciality materials sector.
Potassium Iodide (KI) has other important uses, especially in the nutraceutical and dietary supplement industry. It is used primarily as a high-bioavailability source of iodine to prevent deficiency-related disorders. It is a white, water-soluble salt (K+I-) that is generally recognised as safe for fortification and supplementation.
KI helps to maintain optimal thyroid function and regular iodine levels, preventing disorders such as goitre.
The Potassium Iodide Market has several end uses: X-ray Contrast Media, Pharmaceuticals, Nutrition, Film Photography, and Others. The global industry is valued at close to USD 1 billion, with an expected annual growth rate of 7 per cent.
Potassium iodide demand in India is surging, driven by high iodine deficiency risks affecting over 16 crore people, alongside rising pharmaceutical, agricultural, and nuclear safety needs. The market, valued at over $40 million in 2025, is growing at around 10 per cent per year, with imports doubling in 2025 over the previous year. This is largely due to the demand for iodised salt, supplements, and medication.
The market is growing, with governments and global healthcare organisations implementing widespread iodisation programs to promote the use of iodine salts and other supplements to ensure population-wide iodine sufficiency.
To top it all, the WHO states that around 180 crore people worldwide have iodine deficiency. The report by the international agency also states that more than 10 per cent of the world’s population lacks access to iodised salt.
A great opportunity is awaiting Indian entrepreneurs to open the doors of this chemical, which is not much talked about during strategic discussions.
The article is written by Dr Abhigyan Upadhyay, Managing Director, Nucleon Research Pvt Ltd
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