Iodates are chemical compounds that contain iodine in the form of the iodate ion, IO3-. They are typically formed by the reaction of iodine with strong bases, such as sodium hydroxide. Iodates are often used in various applications, including as food additives and in analytical chemistry. In nature, iodates can be found in some minerals and are important in the iodine cycle. They play a role in the nutrition of living organisms, as iodine is an essential element for the production of thyroid hormones in humans and other animals.