iyot

Iyot is the Turkish term for the chemical element iodine. Iodine is a halogen with the symbol I and atomic number 53. It is essential for the production of thyroid hormones and occurs naturally in seawater, foods, and soils with uneven distribution. Iodine intake is a key public health concern in regions with low soil iodine.

Iodine is a lustrous solid at room temperature that sublimates to a violet gas. It has a melting point of 113.7°C and a boiling point of 184.3°C. As a halogen, it sits near the heavy end of the group, forms various iodide compounds, and plays a central role in chemistry and biology.

In nutrition, iodine supports thyroid function and metabolic regulation. Many countries add it to table salt to prevent iodine deficiency disorders, such as goiter and cretinism. Natural iodine levels in soil and crops vary; deficiency remains a public health issue in some regions, while excess iodine can also disrupt thyroid function.

Medical and industrial uses include radioactive iodine isotopes, notably 131I, for diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disorders, and imaging with 123I. Iodine is also used as an antiseptic (povidone-iodine) and in chemical reagents. Safe handling requires avoiding excessive exposure and monitoring thyroid health when iodine intake changes.