Questions and Answers about Potassium Iodide (KI)Written by ATACategory: ArticlesPublished: 18 March 2011 Why does the thyroid gland need special protection after a release of radioactive material?The thyroid gland needs iodine to produce the hormones that regulate the body's energy and metabolism. The thyroid absorbs available iodine from the bloodstream. The gland cannot distinguish between stable (regular) iodine and radioactive iodine, and will absorb whatever it can. In babies and children, … [Read more...] about Questions and Answers about Potassium Iodide (KI)