Elements may exist singularly, without charge. Examples would be the inert gases.
Elements may gain or lose electrons in the outermost orbital and become ions (ionic). Table salt is an example. Sodium exists as a positive ion, a cation, and the chlorine atom exists as a negatively charged ion, an anion.
Group VII of the periodic chart is made up of atom called halides, chlorine being one of these. They all lack a single electron in their outer most shell and avidly seek to gain another electron, hence becoming an ion.
Iodine is also a halide. It exists, in its pure elemental form as a dimer, written as I followed by a subscripted 2. In combination with other elements, it will assume its anionic form.
Bottom line. Of course it is real. What they are selling you is no different than the selling of bottle water. Save your money.
Look carefully at the label. See where it says contains iodide?
That is ionic iodine. Can you believe it?
Jay
