Is it worth taking iodine against radiation?

• Our bodies do not produce iodine themselves. But we do need it, so we consume iodine through food or supplements.
• When consumed, the iodine is collected or stored in the thyroid gland, where it is used to produce hormones. They help various bodily functions and even support the development of the brain.
• The thyroid can, however, become saturated with iodine. And when that happens it can't store anymore.
• The theory is that if you take enough "good" iodine, there will be no room left in the thyroid for any "bad" or radioactive iodine. That radioactive iodine should then simply pass through the body and get excreted via the kidneys.

There is no point in taking iodine as a precautionary measure to prevent against radiation exposure after a leak or attack on a nuclear power plant.

The thyroid only stores iodine for a limited amount of time. And taking too much iodine — even the good stuff — can be dangerous.