Editing Halocarbon (section)

== Organoiodine compounds, including biological derivatives ==
{{Main|Organoiodine compound}}
Organoiodine compounds, called '''organic iodides''', are similar in structure to organochlorine and organobromine compounds, but the C-I bond is weaker. Many organic iodides are known, but few are of major industrial importance. Iodide compounds are mainly produced as nutritional supplements.<ref>Phyllis A. Lyday "Iodine and Iodine Compounds" in ''Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry'', Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2005.{{doi|10.1002/14356007.a14_381}}</ref>

The [[thyroxin]] hormones are essential for human health, hence the usefulness of [[iodized salt]].

Six mg of iodide a day can be used to treat patients with [[hyperthyroidism]] due to its ability to inhibit the organification process in thyroid hormone synthesis, the so-called [[Wolff–Chaikoff effect]]. Prior to 1940, iodides were the predominant antithyroid agents. In large doses, iodides inhibit [[proteolysis]] of [[thyroglobulin]], which permits TH to be synthesized and stored in [[colloid]], but not released into the bloodstream. This mechanism is referred to as [[Plummer effect]].

This treatment is seldom used today as a stand-alone therapy despite the rapid improvement of patients immediately following administration. The major disadvantage of iodide treatment lies in the fact that excessive stores of TH accumulate, slowing the onset of action of [[thioamides]] (TH synthesis blockers). In addition, the functionality of iodides fades after the initial treatment period. An "escape from block" is also a concern, as extra stored TH may spike following discontinuation of treatment.