iodine-127

Iodine-127 is the only stable isotope of iodine and is essential for human health, primarily as a component of thyroid hormones (thyroxine, T4, and triiodothyronine, T3), which regulate metabolism[6]. It is naturally present in some foods, added to table salt (as iodized salt), and available as a dietary supplement[9]. In medicine, iodine-127 (as various iodide salts, such as potassium iodide) is used to prevent and treat iodine deficiency disorders, including goiter and hypothyroidism, and to protect the thyroid from radioactive iodine (such as iodine-131) during nuclear emergencies by saturating the gland and reducing uptake of radioactive isotopes[1][4][8]. In diagnostic imaging, iodine-127 is not directly used due to its lack of radioactivity, but iodine-123 and iodine-131 are the main radionuclides for imaging and therapy[3][5]. Iodine-127 is also employed as an antiseptic and disinfectant, with broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and is used as a radiocontrast agent in X-ray imaging due to its high X-ray absorption[1][3][4].

Other names

stable iodineiodine-127iodine127iodine 127elemental iodineI-127I127I 127