Download Iodine

Courtney Steele
KNH 413
Nutrient Data
1. What is the nutrient?
Iodine
2. What is the RDA/DRI for the nutrient?
DRI Table provided by USDA:
Children 1-8 y = 65 mcg/d
Males 9-13= 73 mcg/d
Males 14- over 70= 95 mcg/d
Females 9-13= 73 mcg/d
Females 14- over 70= 95 mcg/d
RDA is 150 mcg/day
3. How is the nutrient metabolized?
The Thyroid gland plays a central role in the metabolism of iodine. The gland comprises
multiple follicles lined by follicular cells resting on a basement membrane. A clear viscous
material called colloid fills the follicles. Iodine trapping is the first step in the metabolism of
iodine. The process commences with the uptake of iodide from the capillary into the
follicular cell of the gland by an active transport system. Synthesis and secretion of
thyroglobulin is the second step. It occurs by another independent process within the
follicular cell. The third step is the oxidation of iodide. The iodide within the follicular cell
moves towards the apical surface of the plasma membrane, to enter into the follicular
lumen. The iodide is then immediately oxidized to Iodine.
4. What are food sources of the nutrient?
Iodized salt, seaweed, cod, yogurt, dairy products, watercress, eggs
5. What disease states alter the nutrients metabolism?
Hyperthyroidism is the increased activity of the thyroid gland. Increased metabolism is
caused by an overproduction of the metabolic hormones thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine.
These two metabolic hormones are both formed in the thyroid gland.
6. What are the tests or procedures to assess the nutrient level in the body?
Urine analysis is the most used method of determining iodine levels in the body.
7. What is the drug –nutrient interactions?
Lithium has been reported to cause hypothyroidism in some patients, and this effect may
be increased with concurrent use of oral iodine and iodide salts.
8. How is the nutrient measured?
Iodine is measured in micrograms/Liter. (mcg/L)
9. What is the Upper Tolerable Limits?
1.1 mg or 1,100 mcg/ day
10.What are the physical signs of deficiency?
A goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid. Other signs include pale, dry skin, a puffy face, and
unexplained weight gain.
11.What are physical signs of toxicity?
Skin rash, vomiting, diarrhea, development of a goiter