Iodine uses
Iodine has applications in various fields. In the food industry, it is used as a salt additive and animal feed supplement to prevent iodine deficiency and regulate metabolism. In the pharmaceutical industry, iodine plays an important role in producing disinfectants such as Betadine and iodine tincture, and due to its antimicrobial properties, it is widely used in surgeries and first aid. Additionally, because of its ability to absorb X-rays, iodine is used in contrast agents for medical imaging techniques like CT scans. In the chemical industry, it serves as a catalyst in the production of acetic acid, polymers, pure metals, and chemical fertilizers. Furthermore, iodine is employed in the electronics industry for manufacturing devices such as LEDs and LCDs.
It is generally used in the food industry (salt additive, food and animal feed stabilizer), pharmaceutical industry (disinfectants, X-ray contrast agent and iodine tablets), chemical industry (as a catalyst in the production of acetic acid and polymers, in the production of high-purity metals, chemical fertilizers and other iodine-containing compounds), electronics industry (in the manufacture of LED and LCD, etc.) and …
X-ray contrast agent
Iodine has a high ability to absorb X-rays. Taking advantage of this property, iodine-based contrast agents are used intravenously to improve and increase the clarity of X-ray and CT images (such as lung CT scans).
Disinfectants and Antimicrobials
Iodine is used in disinfectants and antimicrobial agents due to its inherent antimicrobial properties. Betadine is a strong iodophor disinfectant and is used in first aid. Due to the slow absorption of iodine
through soft tissue, it exhibits longer-lasting antiseptic effects and is also a good option for longer surgeries.
Tincture of iodine is another disinfectant that has hospital and medical applications.
Food Additive and Salt Composition
Iodine is a major component of thyroid hormone, which regulates and enhances the body’s metabolism. This element is essential for the growth of living organisms. Iodine increases the metabolism of fats, sugars and proteins and burns body fat, and therefore helps prevent obesity. If iodine intake is insufficient, iodine deficiency disorders occur, leading to deficiencies such as inadequate growth. In order to prevent such diseases, iodine is added to animal feed and salt.